Continuous partial attention and human connectedness: A grounded theory stud

Undergraduate theology and ministry majors, as part of their preparation and as part of their personal characteristics, are required to be contemplative, introspective, reflective individuals. Excellent listening skills are vital, for example, when counseling others during some of life's most grief-stricken experiences. Technological devices offer instantaneous information that is unfiltered, infinite, and emanating simultaneously from multiple sources.;The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to create a theory of human connectedness as it pertains to undergraduate theology and ministry majors influenced by continuous partial attention (CPA), an always on mentality, and their use of technology. This qualitative grounded theory research study was used to develop a theory in regard to how the use of personal technology devices affects undergraduate theology and ministry majors and whether use influences human connectedness. Participants were undergraduate students who major in theology or ministry at a Catholic, Midwestern, residential, coeducational, liberal arts university. Results of the study indicated the presence of CPA in the undergraduates majoring in theology and ministry. Being fully present to others, introspection and personal reflection, strong listening skills, and the ability to concentrate on one subject---necessary skills for those undertaking these disciplines---are all impacted by the presence of CPA.