Counseling for Spiritual Wellness: Theory and Practice

The Impact of an Interim Protection Order (Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998) on the Victims of Domestic Violence

“…This model supports the view of Pellebon and Anderson (1999) that spirituality determines a person's perception of his/her self-image and his/her relationship with the natural world and the metaphysical domain. Chandler et al (1992) emphasise the importance of linking spiritual well-being to psychological well-being, as spirituality and the connection to a higher power provide meaning in life and affect the way that life is experienced and evaluated. Dunbar, Mueller, Medina and Wolf (1998) support this view and argue that by assessing client's strengths on all levels (including spiritual and psychological levels) feelings of hope and worthiness can be reinforced and negative deficits counteracted.…”

“…Edwards, Ngcobo, Edwards and Palavar (2005) support this view, but consider that psychological wellbeing has multidimensional personal, transactional and environmental determinants, which become more complex as the human life cycle progresses. The above factors meet the definition of general well-being as defined by Chandler et al (1992) and Coward and Reed (1996). Wissing and Van Eeden (2002), Roothman et al (2003) and Edwards et al (2005) thus use the concepts of psychological well-being and general well-being synonymously.…”

“…General well-being can be defined by focusing on the six dimensions that comprise human health, namely the physical, mental, emotional, social, vocational and spiritual dimensions (Chandler, Holden & Kolander, 1992;Coward & Reed, 1996;Wissing & Van Eeden, 2002). McNamara and Brooker (2000) argue that abuse results in a disabling or impairing psychological perspective that influences self-perception and life functioning.…”

“…Literature suggests that there are six dimensions that comprise human health, namely the physical, mental, emotional, social, vocational and spiritual dimensions (Chandler et al, 1992;Coward & Reed, 1996;Wissing & Van Eeden, 2002). These dimensions are interrelated and, when in balance, contribute to health and general well-being.…”

The feasibility of a spirituality-based wellness program on stress reduction and health behavior change

“…A deeper definition of spirituality includes the innate capacity and tendency to transcend ones' current locus of centricity which is the psychological view from which a person experiences and evaluates life's events (Chandler, Holden & Colander, 1992). Individuals often rely upon their spiritual beliefs and spirituality as sources for coping with stress when faced with emotional crisis (Chandler et al, 1992). King and Bushwick (1994) reported that 94% of patients admitted to hospitals believe that their spiritual health is just as important as their physical health.…”