Assessing Adjustment Disorder and Coping Strategies among Catholic Former Seminarians in Select Dioceses of Western Ecclesiastical Province, Nigeria

Abstract

The psychological well-being of former Catholic seminarians was found to be severely compromised due to the absence of effective coping strategies to address the adjustment challenges encountered during reintegration into secular society. This study aimed to assess adjustment disorders and coping strategies among former Catholic seminarians by determining the prevalence of adjustment disorders, examining contributing factors, identifying commonly employed coping mechanisms, and evaluating support needs. The research was grounded in three theoretical frameworks: Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory (1960s), Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory (1984), and Cohen and Wills’ Social Support Theory (1985). A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 516 former seminarians who had exited seminary formation within the past 1–10 years across six alumni associations. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula, a sample size of 226 was determined, with 196 participants completing the questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 86.7%. Findings indicated a high prevalence of adjustment disorder (66.3%) among former seminarians, with 58.2% exhibiting severe symptoms. Notably, adjustment disorder was significantly associated with several demographic and situational factors: younger age (95.5% prevalence among 21–30-year-olds vs. 36.5% among those aged 41–50), limited post-seminary education (82.4%–83.1% vs. 41.8% among university-educated), unemployment (100% prevalence), being single (83.8% vs. 41.7% among the married), and expulsion from seminary (74.1%). The disorder's prevalence remained elevated (73.7%–82.1%) during the first eight years after seminary exit before declining significantly thereafter. The most commonly utilized coping strategies were acceptance (M=3.16), planning (M=3.08), and positive reframing (M=3.03). Religious coping was significantly higher among participants without adjustment disorder, indicating its protective potential. Additionally, former seminarians reported considerable unmet support needs: 95.9% expressed the need for an official support network, 94.9% for vocational training programs, and 93.9% for counseling services. The study concluded that transitioning from seminary to secular life presents profound psychological challenges that necessitate prolonged, targeted interventions. Recommendations include establishing comprehensive psychological support systems through Diocesan Counseling Centers, implementing structured transition programs that address vocational guidance and identity reformation, forming formal alumni networks to mitigate social isolation, and introducing specialized employment assistance programs. Moreover, the study advocates for psychological education on effective coping strategies. Policy recommendations include the development of holistic support frameworks, integration of departure preparation into seminary formation programs, reduction of stigma, establishment of financial support guidelines, and revision of departure policies, particularly concerning seminarians who were expelled.