Integrating Spirituality into the Social Work Curriculum

Abstract

This study examines MSW students' satisfaction with the integration of spirituality content into the social work curriculum at a nationally recognized university. The results showed that, when compared with cohort sections without such content, satisfaction with inclusion of Amy L. Ai, PhD, is a project investigator and research fellow at the CAM Retopics related to spirituality were significantly higher for two courses. While these two courses specifically incorporated spirituality content, their approaches to integration were very different. Qualitative data revealed students' views of the role of spirituality, the areas of social work service/practice in which spiritual issues occur, and various approaches to integration. These findings point to a plurality of ways to integrate topics of spirituality with topics of professional values in social work curricula.

Integrating Faith Matters in Social Work Education

“…Different researchers have approached the topic from different angles. Some have analyzed the topic from the perspective of social work students (e.g., Amato-von Hemert, 1999, andAi, Moultine, Picciano, Nagda andThurman, 2004). Others have focused on the perspectives of schools of social work faculty (e.g., Sheridan, Wilmer and Atcheson, 1994).…”

“…Students possess the interest and appreciate the value of the topic, but coursework that addresses faith matters simply is not offered. Ai et al (2004) documented a student-initiated program evaluation at one secular school of social work located within a large state university. They found that a majority of first-year MSW students approved of integrating spirituality into the social work curriculum.…”

“…Most Americans consider their faith and communities of faith as significant factors in their lives. Therefore, it seems ironic that the majority of American social work educational programs do not include training in faith matters (Ai, Moultine, Picciano, Nagda, & Thurman, 2004). The absence of attention to such a key element of personal and social life for most people in this country appears entirely inconsistent with social work's foundational commitment to contextual practice.…”