Shaping a Wellness-Oriented Culture: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of the Mental Health Training and Stigma Reduction among College Seminarians

Mental health is vital to seminarians' holistic development, playing a crucial role in their personal growth and pastoral readiness. Equipping seminarians with mental health training enhances their human formation and addresses stigma, creating a foundation for more compassionate and effective ministry. The study utilized an explanatory research design with 11 college seminarians as the participants. The study reveals that mental health training significantly improved seminarians' knowledge, awareness, and beliefs, leading to a more supportive and informed approach to mental well-being. Seminarians transitioned from initial skepticism to active mental health advocacy, recognizing the importance of psychological support alongside spiritual care. The findings emphasize the role of structured education in reducing stigma and equipping individuals with the skills needed to support themselves and others. This shift highlights the potential for mental health education to create lasting change, fostering a more compassionate and wellness-oriented culture within pastoral communities.