An Analysis of Stress in the Careers of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Graduation Date
Spring 1991
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Granting Institution
Notre Dame de Namur University
Program Name
Art Therapy
Abstract
This study is concentrated on stress in the careers of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. It is limited to those Sisters organized under the Province of Saratoga, California. The Provincial sphere of jurisdiction is administrative rather than geographical.
Because a religious career is generally perceived as differently oriented than other vocations in the world, three null hypothesese were used to challenge that assumption:
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of values does not apply to these religious
- Stress levels are not a serious consideration.
- Dedication is not a motivator.
The author’s conclusions were that Maslow’s Hierarchy of Values is applicable to these religious (but in a limited sense); stress is a significant factor for consideration; and dedication and commitment are the major underlying motivators for choosing and remaining in the religious vocation