Spirituality & health research

Spirituality is often a broad concept, referring to the human search for a sense of meaning, purpose and morality in the context of relationships with self, others, the universe and ultimate reality. Joint Commission on Accrediting of Health Organizations, 2005

Religion usually refers to an organized system of spiritual beliefs, behaviors, rituals and ethical principles shared by a community and conveyed over time. Canda & Furman, 1999

Spirituality is recognized as a factor that contributes to health in many persons. The concept of spirituality is found in all cultures and societies. It is expressed in an individual’s search for ultimate meaning through participation in religion and/or belief in God, family, naturalism, rationalism, humanism, and the arts. All of these factors can influence how patients and healthcare professionals perceive health and illness and how they interact with one another. Association of American Medical Colleges , Medical School Objectives Project.

Throughout the last 20 years, there has been a surge of interest in t spirituality and health with an understanding that holistic health care involves the body, mind and spirit. Areas of inquiry have included:

The effect of spiritual and religious practices on health outcomes
spiritual needs of those receiving healthcare
the efficacy of spiritual interventions as part of health promotion and clinical treatment
spirituality of healthcare providers.

Covenant Health, in collaboration with St. Joseph’s College at the University of Alberta, seeks to further these conversations through dedicated research and education in the intersecting fields of faith, spirituality, health and healing. This occurs through sponsoring the Faith, Spirituality and Health Research Grants and hosting research and education events on Spirituality and Health.

Faith Spirituality and Health Research Grant Awards 2014 (pdf)
Faith Spirituality and Health Research Grant Awards 2013 (pdf)

Covenant Health would like to acknowledge that what we refer to as Alberta is the traditional ancestral territory of a diversity of Indigenous peoples and home to Treaty 6, 7, and 8. We honor the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika, the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, the Tsuu T’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta. This includes the Métis Settlements and the Six Regions of the Métis Nation of Alberta within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland. We recognize and give thanks to the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations, all who continue to grace these lands, and all future generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.