Santa Clara University

Thomas G. Plante, Ph.D., ABPP 

Doctor Plante is professor of psychology at Santa Clara University and adjunct clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. He has authored, co-authored, edited, or co-edited six books including Faith and Health: Psychological Perspectives (2001, Guilford), Sin against the Innocents: Sexual Abuse by Priests and the Role of the Catholic Church (Greenwood, 2004), Bless Me Father For I Have Sinned: Perspectives on Sexual Abuse Committed by Roman Catholic Priests (Greenwood, 1999), Do the Right Thing: Living Ethically in an Unethical World (2004, New Harbinger), and Contemporary Clinical Psychology (1999, 2005, Wiley) as well as over 100 journal articles. He has evaluated or treated more than 150 priests and applicants to the priesthood and has served as a consultant for a number of Church dioceses and religious orders. He maintains a private practice in Menlo Park, CA.

Doctor Plante on his current interests:

"I am interested in quality empirical research that critically investigates the relationship between religious faith (both intrinsic and extrinsic) and both mental and physical health outcomes. I am curious about what factors contribute to the general findings that involvement in religious activities, spirituality, and faith based volunteerism tends to be closely associated with positive mental and physical health outcomes. Recent scholarly activities have involved an edited book on faith and health, several articles on the role of religiousness and spirituality in coping with stressors associated with 9/11, alcoholism, and general stress. Additional recent studies and books have focused on psychological issues among Catholic clergy."

Plante, T. G., & Sherman, A. S. (Eds.)(2001).
Faith and Health: Psychological Perspectives
New York: Guilford.

For information about the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire, click here.

Spirituality and Health Institute