The use of psychological support is becoming increasingly widespread. However, within certain social groups, mental health continues to be a stigmatized subject. The scarcity of data regarding the utilization of psychological support among clergy hinders an in-depth analysis of this phenomenon within their community. The research problem addressed in this study concerns the attitudes of Roman Catholic priests toward seeking psychological assistance by members of the clergy. The aim of the study was also to identify motivating factors as well as barriers that prevent clergy from accessing this type of support.
The study was conducted using qualitative methods. Participants who met the inclusion criteria took part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews, the results of which were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The findings indicate that the declared acceptance of psychological support among clergy coexists with numerous individual, environmental, and cultural factors that limit its uptake. Dissemination of these findings may contribute to increasing clergy awareness of available forms of support and assist professionals in better understanding the specific characteristics of working with this occupational group.