On the Definition of Spirituality : An Introductory Discussion of Theory Building for Spiritual Care

IR Web Site

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 「スピリチュアリティの定義」をめぐって : スピリチュアルケア理論構築に向けての序説
  • 「 スピリチュアリティ ノ テイギ 」 オ メグッテ : スピリチュアルケア リロン コウチク ニ ムケテ ノ ジョセツ

Search this article

Abstract

In this article, the definition of spirituality reached by international care practitioners in palliative care in 2014 is discussed. This definition focuses on the functional aspect of spirituality, which is the patient’s framework for their experience and helps them to make sense of the world surrounding them. Defining spirituality helps the healthcare team to integrate spiritual care into their practice. Since spirituality is expressed through beliefs, values, traditions, and practices, the chaplain is typically a spiritual care practitioner sympathetic to the patient’s world view. Therefore, a biopolitical interpretation of the chaplain’s role is introduced in this article. The first criticism of the 2014 definition is that it follows only the modern western understanding of humanity as conscious individuals. In this article, the author presents an alternative view, one in which people are a bundle of “dividuals” who struggle with prioritizing the contradicting values to which they are committed. The “negative capability” (Hahakigi, 2017) is a crucial concept for giving care to “dividuals”. The second criticism is towards the definition’s insensitivity to the spirituality of those that a modern, productivity-oriented society has neglected. The definition presupposes the consciousness and integrity of a person. This view of humanity does not fully respect those who have mental and psychological difficulties. The overemphasis of the role of care practitioners in spiritual care is also discussed. Finally, the author provides his vision, that of re-evaluating the contribution of Japanese philosophical tradition in the discussion of spirituality and spiritual care.

Journal

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top