Exploration of Roles and Contribution of Spiritual Care Practitioners in Mental Health: An Australian Study
Article
Malviya, Shikha and Greenham, Jenny. 2025. "Exploration of Roles and Contribution of Spiritual Care Practitioners in Mental Health: An Australian Study." Journal of Religion and Health. 64 (2), pp. 1087-1107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02214-1
| Article Title | Exploration of Roles and Contribution of Spiritual Care Practitioners in Mental Health: An Australian Study |
|---|---|
| ERA Journal ID | 13676 |
| Article Category | Article |
| Authors | Malviya, Shikha and Greenham, Jenny |
| Journal Title | Journal of Religion and Health |
| Journal Citation | 64 (2), pp. 1087-1107 |
| Number of Pages | 21 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publisher | Springer |
| Place of Publication | United States |
| ISSN | 0022-4197 |
| 1573-6571 | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02214-1 |
| Web Address (URL) | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10943-024-02214-1 |
| Abstract | Mental health is inherently multidimensional, requiring a holistic approach to intervention that integrates various aspects of an individual’s well-being. Spirituality, a vital component of mental health, remains under addressed in Australian mental healthcare. Spiritual care practitioners may play a key role in addressing spiritual needs in mental healthcare; however, their roles and contributions in this context remain unexplored in the extant literature. Bridging this gap, this study explores the potential role of spiritual care practitioners within mental health context. Using a qualitative research approach, this study engaged eight experienced spiritual care practitioners working in various mental health settings across Australia (n = 8). Through reflexive thematic analysis, the study identified and examined the practitioners’ perspectives on their roles and contributions. The findings were summarised in three overarching themes: (1) Core values; (2) Unique contributions in mental health; and (3) Spiritual care practitioners in the mental health system. The study’s findings suggest that by employing a person-centred approach, spiritual care practitioners can play a crucial role in mental health assessments and interventions. Their contributions include providing insights rooted in clients’ unique spiritual beliefs, aiding in the discernment between spiritual experiences and psychopathological symptoms, advocating for clients’ spiritual needs, and supporting the education of mental health professionals. The study also highlights the need for professional recognition of spiritual care practitioners and their greater integration within the mental health system. |
| Keywords | Chaplains; Spiritual care; Spiritual care practitioners; Mental heal; Spiritual needs |
| Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420313. Mental health services |
| Byline Affiliations | School of Health and Medical Sciences |
| Spiritual Health Association, Australia |
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/zx135/exploration-of-roles-and-contribution-of-spiritual-care-practitioners-in-mental-health-an-australian-study
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