Integration of content on spirituality into postgraduate social work education curriculum

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of incorporating newlinecontent on spirituality into the post-graduate social work education curriculum in newlineIndia by eliciting and analyzing the views and perspectives of students, faculty, and newlinepractitioners. Historically, social work was founded on religious and spiritual zeal, but newlinehas since lost prominence in education and practice as scientific concepts and methods of application have gained popularity. However, there has been sufficient newlinegrowing evidence in literature over the last few decades manifesting the relevance and newlinebenefits of integrating content on spirituality into social work education and practice, based on the fundamental premise that human beings are fundamentally spiritual newlinebeings and that spirituality does provide solutions to human problems, both physical, newlinemental, emotional, and social. Thus, it is critical that content on spirituality is newlineintegrated into the social work curriculum so that students can acquire the necessary newlineknowledge and skills to integrate spirituality into practice while analyzing, assessing, and delivering appropriate interventions. A review of the literature for this study revealed that the social work curriculum in Indian schools of social work lacks newlineexplicit coverage and emphasis on spirituality as a subject. Thus, with the goal of determining the relevance and feasibility of integrating content into the social work education curriculum, this study explored views and perspectives on integration from stakeholders, namely students, faculty, and practitioners of social work. The findings of this exploratory study, conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods, indicated that stakeholders are willing and eager to incorporate content on spirituality newlineinto the curriculum, as 88.6 percent of faculty and 95 percent of practitioners believe it is critical for social workers to understand the diversity of religious faiths and traditions when working in a multi-religious, multi-cultural environment.77.1 percent of faculty