Description
This study of people who had used mental health services was conducted in two phases. The first used published scales to measure attitudes towards spirituality in everyday life and in their experiences of mental health services (spirituality in practice). There were 170 respondents. Participants also answered questions about whether they viewed spirituality as distinct from religion and the usefulness of the concept of spiritually competent practice (SCP). In the second phase, six participants were interviewed in detail about the concepts of SCP and availability and vulnerability (A&V). Quantitative data was examined statistically and qualitative data thematically.The quantitative results showed that that respondents who viewed spirituality as distinct from religion were likely to place a higher value on spirituality in everyday life. Those who had experienced the integration of spirituality within services they had received placed a higher value on the place of spirituality in practice.
Qualitative themes formed around respondents’ perceptions of spirituality and their own journey in mental healthcare and how far healthcare practitioners integrated spirituality into holistic care. They were given brief descriptions of SCP and A&V and their views on the usefulness of these concepts were generally positive.
This presentation will explore key findings including: the relationship between the quantitative measures, the distinction between religion and spirituality and how far spirituality had been integrated in services, in the light of the importance of spiritual care as a part of person-centred, holistic practice.
| Period | 16 May 2023 |
|---|---|
| Event title | 7th International Conference of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality: Spirituality, Critical Reflection and Professional Practice in an Uncertain World: Incorporating a celebration of the Journal for the Study of Spirituality |
| Event type | Conference |
| Conference number | 7 |
| Location | Waterford, IrelandShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |