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Health and Social Care Chaplaincy
Number of Followers: 10  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 2051-5553 - ISSN (Online) 2051-5561 Published by Equinox Publishing  [44 journals]
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- Indirect Effects of Prayer on Stress and Life Satisfaction of Alcoholics
Anonymous in Poland-
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Authors: Marcin Wnuk
Abstract: Prayer is an effective way of coping, leading to beneficial outcomes. Alcohol-dependent participants of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) use prayer to build a bond with God, which is an important factor in well-being and sobriety maintenance. This study aimed to verify the underlying mechanism of the relationship between prayer as an antecedent of God’s support and life satisfaction and the role of hope and stress. In this cross-sectional study, 115 individuals from Poland attending AA meetings participated. The mechanisms underlying the link between prayer and life satisfaction were confirmed. The beneficial role of hope in the life satisfaction of AA participants from Poland was proven. Prayer was both directly and indirectly associated with life satisfaction. Prayer, as a positive antecedent of God’s support, was indirectly related to hope, which in turn correlated directly positively with both life satisfaction and satisfaction with different domains of life and indirectly through stress. Prayer, as a spiritual practice and a significant way to bond with God, should be used as an essential factor for both religiously committed and religiously skeptical individuals addicted to alcohol to improve their life satisfaction by shaping hope and effectively managing stress.
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Authors: Young Yoon
Abstract: When chaplains introduce spirituality to medical professionals, a common approach is to contrast it with religion, rather than extensively elaborating on the conceptual nuances of spirituality as it is specifically used in healthcare settings. This oversimplification may not capture the full complexity of patients' experiences of connectedness with self, others, nature, or the sacred. In this paper, I propose a taxonomy of individual spirituality that moves beyond dichotomous thinking, offering a framework for understanding spirituality as a dynamic, multifaceted aspect of human life. This taxonomy identifies three key dimensions: prescriptive and descriptive characteristics, communal and individual practices, and vertical and horizontal transcendence. Each dimension functions as a spectrum, allowing chaplains to assess and address the unique spiritual needs of patients based on their lived experiences during health crises.
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Training in Nursing, Chaplaincy and Other Healthcare Professions-
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Authors: Sara Sitefane, Ana Afonso, Reinhard Grabenweger, Isabel Rabiais , Piret Paal, Sílvia Caldeira
Abstract: Spirituality and spiritual care are integral to holistic healthcare, requiring collaboration among healthcare and chaplains or other religious professionals. The European Association for Palliative Care highlights the multidimensional nature of spiritual care, with the EPICC project advancing nursing education in this area. Integrating technology into spiritual care education should be considered for nursing curricula. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology, this review maps evidence on using digital technology and online tools in spiritual care education and training. The literature search was conducted on CINHAL Complete, Medline Complete, PubMed, and Web of Science (2010-2024). Thirteen reports across various countries were included, involving nurses, medical professionals, chaplains, and other healthcare students/professionals. Findings indicate the available technology and online tools in spiritual care education and training and how their incorporation in curricula can enhance the overall learning experience.
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Authors: Jan Grimell
Abstract: This article is the second in a two-part series on military chaplaincy in war-torn Ukraine. While the first article (Grimell, 2024a) provided background information, including empirical interview data on military chaplaincy in Ukraine, this second article focuses on the lessons learned by Ukrainian military chaplains (MCs). Both articles are based on a recent qualitative interview study exploring the roles, practices and insights of Ukrainian MCs during wartime, addressing a significant gap in existing research. Twelve male MCs (n = 12) participated in the study, with most having served on the frontlines since the onset of the war in 2014. The interview data were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. This article (Part 2) covers the insights and lessons learned by Ukrainian MCs, detailing their work in morality, ethics and character formation, their supportive presence within military units and the essential role of confidentiality as a release valve for military personnel. The analysis also examines complex spiritual and existential challenges faced by MCs, the personal impacts of the war on them and their methods for sustaining spiritual resilience and well-being. Findings highlight the critical, adaptable support that MCs provide to military personnel under extreme conditions, and they reveal how the wartime context has shaped their collaboration with mental health providers. The study also identifies desired qualities in wartime MCs and underscores the importance of church and religious organizations in supporting grieving families, and in facilitating social and charitable activities. This research provides unique insights into the chaplaincy work of some of the most experienced wartime MCs in Ukraine.
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Bereavement and Spiritual Research Contamination-
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Authors: Lindsay B Carey
Pages: 99 - 105
Abstract: This issue of Health and Social Care Chaplaincy presents research regarding the work of Ukrainian military chaplains at war. It also presents findings from the Australian Chaplaincy Moral Injury Skills Training (MIST) and Pastoral Narrative Disclosure (PND) programme for health and social care chaplains caring for veterans and/or first responder personnel on how to address issues relating to their occupational moral injury. In line with these topics, this issue also considers chaplaincy within the healthcare context providing support for families experiencing bereavement following a major trauma. Last, and by no means least, a warning is presented regarding the increasing use of contaminated scales in spirituality-related research.
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Authors: Lindsay B Carey, Matthew Bambling, Timothy J Hodgson, Nikki Jamieson, Melissa G Bakhurst, Harold G Koenig
Pages: 165 - 190
Abstract: This study presents a community chaplaincy evaluation of pastoral narrative disclosure (PND) as a structured intervention for addressing moral injury (MI) among individuals who have experienced morally injurious events. Pastoral narrative disclosure is an evidence-based, eight-stage pastoral counselling, guidance and education framework that integrates the principles of both adaptive disclosure and confessional narrative. Previously, PND training was evaluated exclusively among Australian military chaplains (n = 201; Carey et al., 2024). In contrast, this evaluation focuses on community chaplains (n = 76), representing diverse organizations in Australia, including police, healthcare, welfare, prison, school, ambulance and veteran sectors. All participating community chaplains completed the Australian Defence Force Chaplaincy Moral Injury Skills Training (MIST) programme, culminating in the final praxis stage of PND. The evaluation revealed high overall satisfaction with the MIST-PND strategy, with participants reporting a mean satisfaction score of 4.88 out of 5 (n = 76), aligning closely with the satisfaction ratings obtained from military chaplains (' = 4.73/5; n = 201). Qualitative feedback was thematically collated, indicating widespread satisfaction with the (i) MIST programme, (ii) PND strategy, (iii) presenters and (iv) practical application role-plays. A diverse range of suggestions are also noted for potential improvement. Overall, the findings are consistent with those from the military chaplaincy evaluation, highlighting the utility of PND within community contexts. Despite several limitations, the results support the broader application of PND in addressing MI, particularly in community health, veteran and welfare settings, as well as among first responders. These findings justify further implementation of PND and additional research to assess its effectiveness across non-military sectors.
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Accounts of Moral Injury-
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Authors: Melissa G Bakhurst, Lindsay B Carey
Pages: 221 - 228
Abstract: Jamieson, N. (2023). Darkest Before Dawn: Australian Veterans’ Accounts of Moral Injury. Canberra: Amazon Books Australia, 141 pp. (pbk). ISBN: 9781962464482.
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Death from 7,000 Miles-
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Authors: Darren Cronshaw
Pages: 231 - 234
Abstract: Chapa, J.O. (2022). Is Remote Warfare Moral' Weighing Issues of Life + Death from 7,000 Miles. New York: PublicAffairs, Hachette Book Group, 288 pp. (hbk). ISBN: 9781541774452.
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Authors: Jan Grimell
Abstract: This article is the first of two (Part 1 and Part 2) that shed light on military chaplaincy in war-torn Ukraine. The first article introduces military chaplaincy in Ukraine and sets the stage for Part 2, which focuses on the lessons learned by Ukrainian military chaplains (MCs). The articles are based on interviews exploring the roles, practices and insights of Ukrainian MCs during wartime, addressing a significant gap in the existing research. Twelve male MCs participated in the study. Most of the participants had served on the frontlines since the onset of the war in 2014, while a few joined more recently, bringing a range of experiences, religious affiliations and branches of service (Army, Navy and Air Force). The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. This first article presents the development, roles and tasks of military chaplaincy, covering the volunteer phase that began in 2014 and the professionalization of military chaplaincy starting in 2022 and beyond. It also illustrates how MCs operated in both non-combat and combat situations with their units. This research offers unique insights into the chaplaincy work of some of the most experienced wartime MCs.
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Authors: Lindsay B Carey
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Health, Social Science and Spirituality-Related Research-
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Authors: Matthew Bambling
Abstract: This article explores the pervasive issue of scale contamination and its impact on construct validity in mental health, social science, and spirituality-related research. Scale contamination occurs when measurement tools designed to assess one specific domain inadvertently incorporate elements from unrelated constructs, leading to confusion regarding what the scale is actually measuring. The blending of distinct psychological domains, such as depression, anxiety and well-being, undermines measurement precision, leading to skewed research conclusions and misguided clinical practices. The failure to detect or address contamination can perpetuate errors in treatment efficacy, particularly in areas such as mental health and spirituality, where precise measurement is crucial. This article emphasizes the importance of ensuring construct validity, which refers to the accurate measurement of specific concepts such as moral injury or posttraumatic stress disorder, and it highlights the risk of conflating distinct constructs. The widespread use of contaminated scales, often adopted without critical evaluation, poses a significant threat to the integrity of research outcomes. In order to address these challenges, this study advocates for rigorous scale development and validation processes, encouraging researchers, peer reviewers and journal editors to scrutinize the psychometric properties of scales. By ensuring that scales measure only the intended constructs, future research can produce more accurate and meaningful results, leading to improved clinical interventions and policy decisions.
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the Deceased Person-
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Authors: Peter Kevern, Wendy Walker, Jennifer Jones, Stacey Owen, Nikolaos Efstathiou
Abstract: It is a belief widely held that hospital chaplains have a role to play in supporting bereaved relatives of patients, but research on the subject is sparse. The aim of this study was to examine factors that apparently influenced the decision to accept or refuse the offer of chaplaincy support through a case series study of ten bereaved family members who accessed an in-hospital “supported viewing service” following the sudden or unexpected death from natural causes of an adult relative. Data gathered at a UK hospital between October 2022 and April 2023 were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Analysis of the interview data yielded four categories that governed the decision: (1) Who decides' (2) Who benefits' (3) Role of religious preference and context. (4) Positive reasons for rejection. These indicate that the response to the offer of prayer is contingent on details of the biographical, temporal, social and religious context which need to be considered when the offer is made.
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and the Problem of Evil-
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Authors: Chris Swift
Abstract: Grebe, M., and Grössl, J. (2023). T&T Clark Handbook of Suffering and the Problem of Evil. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 727 pp. ISBN: 9780567682437 (hbk); 9780567682451 (ebook).
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Theological Reflections on Dementia, Faithfulness and Peaceable Presence-
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Authors: Ben Boland
Abstract: Swinton, J., and MacKinlay, E. (Eds.) (2023). Still Waters Run Deep: Theological Reflections on Dementia, Faithfulness and Peaceable Presence. London: Routledge, 138 pp. (pbk). ISBN: 9781032561332.
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and Healing the Whole Person-
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Authors: Jacob M Appel
Abstract: Klitzman, R. L. (2024). Doctor, Will You Pray for Me' Medicine, Chaplains, and Healing the Whole Person. New York: Oxford University Press, 300 pp. (pbk). ISBN: 9780197750841.
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Theology: Researching a Pioneering Ministry-
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Authors: Steve Nolan
Abstract: Roberts, S. B., and Dunlop, S. (Eds.) (2022). Chaplaincy and Practical Theology: Researching a Pioneering Ministry. Abingdon: Routledge, 266 pp. (hbk). ISBN: 9780367654610; (ebook) 9781003129547.
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Authors: Barbara A Jack, Jennifer A Kirton, Karen E Groves, Martin Abrams, Dominic G Bray, Mari Lloyd-Williams
Abstract: Introduction: The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, resulting in travel restrictions, closure of non-essential shops and services, and the discontinuation of elective healthcare. The escalation of the pandemic impacted on hospital healthcare professionals, who experienced the deaths of colleagues and unprecedented changes in their working conditions. One area that received media attention in the United Kingdom during the pandemic was the role of hospital chaplaincy and spiritual care teams.
Methods: An exploratory study advertised via social media, the press and professional bodies resulted in 86 healthcare professionals and 63 chaplains, who had worked clinically in the United Kingdom during the pandemic, completing an open, free text electronic survey. Seven chaplains participated in a follow-up telephone interview, with all the data collected in 2022.
Results: The survey demographic data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Free text responses and interviews were subject to thematic analysis. A focus on the support of health professionals was widely reported by all respondents. Two overarching themes were identified: (1) organizational initiatives, with subthemes of structural and virtual support; (2) proactive intervention – “going to the frontline”, with subthemes of emotional and spiritual support, moral support and practical input.
Discussion/Conclusion: The overarching finding was that hospital chaplains worked alongside healthcare staff on the clinical frontline. Staff described this as invaluable in its immediacy of support and provision of a valued presence. The chaplain’s role changed to becoming more focused on staff support, which appears to be ongoing, thus impacting on the future role and training for hospital chaplaincy teams.
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Authors: Barbara A Jack, Jennifer A Kirton, Karen E Groves, Martin Abrams, Dominic G Bray, Mari Lloyd-Williams
Abstract: Hospital chaplaincy teams played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the full depth of their experiences and personal impacts is not fully known. This UK study was advertised using social media platforms, local press outlets and chaplaincy professional bodies. An electronic survey was completed by 63 hospital chaplains, with the opportunity for all respondents to participate in follow-up interviews. This option was taken up by seven chaplains and explored the personal impacts, experiences and reflections of working during the pandemic. Their views of the impact of initiatives, practices and organizational changes were explored. Themes included: (1) challenges and personal impact, including reflections on the enormity of the situation, personal fears and sacrifices, and clinical challenges; (2) practical solutions, including personal strategies and the support of colleagues; and (3) organizational issues and suggestions. This article concludes with recommendations for organizations and further research.
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Societies: Education, Praxis and Concepts-
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Authors: Fung Kei Cheng
Abstract: Grung, A. H. (Ed.) (2023). Complexities of Spiritual Care in Plural Societies: Education, Praxis and Concepts. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 273 pp. (hbk). ISBN: 9783110717235.
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Authors: Martin Shaw, Christian Taylor
Abstract: A large metropolitan hospital in the southeastern United States implemented the Grant Riverside Staffing Process (GRASP) in its pastoral care department. This staffing recommendation model provides a practical approach to inpatient unit assessment and may assist in providing chaplains with evidence to demonstrate staffing needs. However, more research must be done to understand how methodological approaches might curtail its limitations and provide a model for generalized use in different contexts.
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George Fitchett Reader-
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Authors: Liz Allison
Abstract: Nolan, S., and Damen, A. (Eds.) (2021). Transforming Chaplaincy: The George Fitchett Reader. Eugene: Pickwick Publications, 250 pp. (pbk). ISBN: 9781725294516
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and a Mind After Trauma-
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Authors: Lindsay B. Carey
Abstract: Yates, D. (2023). Line in the Sand: A Life-Changing Journey Through a Body and a Mind After Trauma. Sydney: Pan Macmillan Australia, 335 pp. (pbk). ISBN: 9781761264429
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Authors: Austyn Snowden, Lindsay B Carey, Chris Swift, Mark Newitt, Daniel Nuzum, Piret Paal, Fran Kissack, Rebecca Adams, Joanne Pike
Pages: 1 - 6
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Authors: Rebecca Adams
Pages: 71 - 80
Abstract: This article finds the subject of how to articulate the promotion of spiritual well-being by chaplains to be one of complementary, not competing, forms of presence. Chaplains are called upon to be attentive to another’s story and, crucially, to their own, but this study also argues for the use of presence in other forms, such as to challenge a pervading narrative of organizational culture or to provide a formational learning opportunity. These need not be opposite sides of a coin; they are perhaps more like diverse limbs of a growing tree. This article articulates each area as attentive presence, transformational presence, formational presence and informed presence. It outlines a critical reflection on what the author is beginning to understand of her own nascent role in Scottish healthcare chaplaincy and concludes by wondering what is required to nourish its roots.
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Authors: Paul Dempster
Pages: 94 - 97
Abstract: Shore, B. (2023). The Hidden Power of Ritual: The Journey of a Lifetime. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 337 pp. (pbk). ISBN: 9780262546584.
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