SKW- 516 Spirituality and Social Work Essay.docx

1 Spirituality and Social Work Essay Jasmin Vasquez Grand Canyon University SWK- 516 Shanae Shaw December 11, 2023

2 Introduction What strengthens a person's sense of wonder and faith in the world is their spirituality. It is a resource that one can turn to when faced with difficult circumstances that may not make sense, but we persevere because we believe there is a higher purpose and a reason for our struggles that can only be explained by our spiritual path. A person's spirituality is distinct from their religion; it is developed gradually through life experiences that religion is unable to explain. What gives one peace and meaning in life are practices, beliefs, theories, hopes, dreams, and interests that make up their spirituality. Many cultures believe that spirituality is the means by which the universe communicates with them and directs them in order to help them make sense of their circumstances. Spiritual paths are not binary; no two are the same for any given individual. Religion in America Between 2007 and 2014, the Pew Research Center polled over 35,000 Americans from every state regarding their religious affiliations, practices, and beliefs, as well as their social and political opinions, as part of its "Religious Landscape Study" (RLS). It may be known to people that, according to statistics on belief in God, 60% of adults have a clear and distinct belief in God. The study found that only 20% of people had a very specific belief in God. Finally, but just as importantly, less than 10% of Americans reject the existence of God. ( Pew Research Center, 2015) It's critical for social workers to understand not only the client's demographic and cultural details, but also the impact and influence religion has on them. Spiritual Perspective as a Social Worker

3 It is imperative for social workers to possess knowledge about issues specific to diverse communities they serve, such as resource limitations or social problems. Mental health professionals alike ought to show consideration for the spirituality of people from different cultures with whom they interact. The part played by a worldview in line with the meaning and purpose of life is known as the spiritual dimension. The experience of intimacy and inner feeling with a higher power is what is referred to as spirituality. Because spirituality plays a part in social work practices and provides an integrated approach to assessments, interventions, and healing, it has an impact on the diverse cultures of clients. Elizabeth D. Hutchinson asserts that spiritual development is a natural part of life. "The perspective of that individual, family, or community is what matters, not the type of religion they practice" (Hutchinson, 2019).The understanding of one's natural surroundings is referred to as spirituality. It encompasses a person's beliefs and relationship to a higher force. Spirituality can offer consolation, hope, and significance to mental health for their own well-being. Personal Spiritual Perspective and Reactions I find that religious groups with similar values and beliefs to mine draw me in as a Christian. These include having high moral standards, believing in a single God, and being genuinely committed to helping others. Because of their theological and historical ties to Christianity, I feel a connection to religions like Judaism and Islam. The fact that Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism place a high value on spirituality, meditation, and upholding moral principles is another reason why I have favorable opinions of them. I identify with these qualities because they are consistent with my Christian faith.

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4 Personally, I firmly believe that my upbringing has had a significant impact on how I interact with and view other members of my family who have different spiritual perspectives. My upbringing was characterized by a deeply religious household that prioritized the comprehension and analysis of biblical texts. But they also urged us to be open-minded and investigate other faiths that adhered to similar moral standards to our own. While in college, I discovered that I could form deep friendships with individuals who adhered to different spiritual beliefs. My world religions class sparked my curiosity and motivated me to learn more about the beliefs and practices of the people in it through the research and presentations. My knowledge has grown as a result of being exposed to various spiritual philosophies, and it has also helped me to deeply respect and value the diversity of human beliefs. Human Spirituality in a Social Work Setting As I have previously mentioned, this awareness facilitates culturally sensitive communication and acknowledges the significance of spirituality in the lives of clients. It also facilitates the development of rapport and trust, both of which are necessary for an intervention to be successful. A crucial part of maintaining one's professional integrity is having an accepting attitude toward the various religious beliefs that people hold. My goal in doing this is to adhere to the principles and guidelines that the National Association of Social Workers (NASW, 2017). The aforementioned standards place significant emphasis on competence, encompassing the possession of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively perform social work duties. The NASW code of ethics also emphasizes the need to uphold justice, equality, and respect for all people, regardless of their religious affiliation, by abstaining

5 from dishonest or discriminatory behavior. I hope to ensure that my professional behavior complies with the NASW code of ethics by adhering to these principles, thereby creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all. All things considered, spirituality is essential to social work. It obliges social workers to be open and truthful with one another as well as with ourselves regarding their own religious and spiritual convictions. By taking into account our clients' holistic well-being, this understanding helps us to assist them more effectively. Furthermore, it acts as a continual reminder to respect the standards of ethics set forth by the National Association of Social Workers. As social workers, these guidelines assist us in carrying out our duties and making moral choices that serve the interests of our clients. It is possible for us to positively influence and enhance the lives of people we serve if we incorporate spirituality into our work and uphold professional ethics.

6 Reference Page Pew Research Center. (2015, May 12). Religious landscape study . Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape- study/ Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Human Behavior in a Social Environment I . Sage Publications. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals . NASW, National Association of Social Workers. (2017). https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/ Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-as-Professionals

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