Psychological Assessment and Vocational Perseverance in Catholic Religious Life Formation: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Catholic religious life in many regions, particularly in Africa, reflects a growing paradox in which increasing numbers of candidates enter formation, yet many fail to persevere to final vows. Although psychological assessment is widely used in admission and formation processes, evidence on its effectiveness in predicting long-term vocational perseverance remains limited, especially when it is not supported by structured follow-up interventions. This study synthesized existing research on psychological assessment and vocational perseverance in Catholic religious formation, focusing on emotional maturity, psychological vulnerability, attrition patterns, and the role of ongoing formative support, while also identifying gaps in African context. An integrative review methodology guided by Whittemore and Knafl (2005) was employed, drawing on 28 peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2026 sourced from PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ATLA Religion Database, and Google Scholar. The studies included qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and review designs and were analysed thematically using Self-Determination Theory and Person–Environment Fit Theory. Findings revealed five key themes: psychological assessment as a central tool in vocational selection; emotional maturity and psychological resilience as strong predictors of perseverance; psychological vulnerabilities, particularly attachment insecurity, as key contributors to attrition; the importance of follow-up interventions such as counselling, mentoring, and psycho-spiritual accompaniment; and the interaction between person–environment fit and intrinsic motivation in shaping vocational outcomes. Psychological assessment was found to be necessary but insufficient when used in isolation without continuous formative support. The study recommends integrated formation models combining assessment with ongoing developmental interventions, standardised assessment practices, and stronger institutional policies, especially in African contexts, alongside future longitudinal research. It concludes that vocational perseverance is a multidimensional process shaped by psychological readiness, motivation, relational security, and environmental fit, and cannot be secured through assessment alone without sustained formation support.