Spiritual Dimension Research Articles

A Post-reflective Examination of the Physical and Mental Health Suffering During COVID-19 Through the Lens of Christ's Kenotic and Redemptive Act.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought unprecedented physical and mental health challenges to many, making the exploration of the spiritual dimension of suffering increasingly meaningful and relevant. Pope John Paul II's theologico-pastoral approach in Salvifici Doloris (SD) sheds light on how spiritual reflections and pastoral care anchored on the theology of Jesus Christ's sufferings can be put together to contribute to post-COVID-19 reflections. Given this context, this paper explores the perceptions and coping mechanisms of COVID-19 patients as they navigate the challenges of their illness. By examining patient experiences gleaned from medical and scientific journals, the study underscores the necessity of supporting individuals suffering from various diseases. As John Paul II thoughtfully remarks in Salvifici Doloris, there is a profound need to address patients' inquiries about "the cause, the reason, and equally, the purpose of suffering, and, in brief, a question about its meaning." Taking this into account, this paper contextualizes the theology of suffering articulated by Pope John Paul II in SD within the experiences of patients who contracted COVID-19 during the global pandemic. To embark on this discussion, the following themes about suffering are expounded: First, Insights into the Weight of Suffering Among Persons who Contracted COVID-19. Second, Understanding of Suffering in Salvifici Doloris, and Third, The Salvific Meaning of Suffering in COVID-19 and its Transformative Experience.

Exploring the spiritual well-being experiences of transnational religious festival attendees: A grounded theory approach

This study aimed to examine the spiritual well-being outcomes that encompass eudemonic well-being elements within transnational religious festivals. Employing a constructivist grounded theory method, the study focused on two UNESCO inscribed transnational religious festivals attended by an Ethiopian diaspora community. Through this research, six dimensions of spirituality were identified: attachment to God, spiritual reward, spiritual growth, self-transcendence, religious knowledge, and sense of meaning. Each of these dimensions contributed to various domains of well-being, such as personal growth, environmental mastery, engagement, and positive relationships. The study also discovered that the experience of spirituality is influenced by individuals' roles and levels of engagement within the festivals. Key activities such as prayer, attending mass services, baptism, participating in religious programs, singing, and volunteering, are instrumental in yielding spiritual well-being outcomes. The findings offer valuable insights for event organizers and destination managers seeking effective strategies for marketing and managing religious-themed migrant festivals.

Approaching a conceptualisation of the spiritual dimension: the need for its development from the initial stages of a person’s formation

This article aims to reconceptualise the term ‘Spirituality’ from a non-religious perspective. A bibliographical review of the main authors and currents that attempt to define the concept has been carried out, as well as a categorisation of the dimensions and sub-dimensions of the term. To this end, a classification has been made in table format based on the literature review. The need for spirituality has also been based on the impact that spiritual experiences have on the individual, especially on the changes that occur in the brain. The main conclusions of the article point to the need to develop and nurture the spiritual dimensions of human beings, even from the earliest stages of development, since the changes produced by such experiences can have an impact on the emotional and cognitive processes that are part of the learning process.

Crowdfunding for Complementary and Alternative Cancer Treatments in Tijuana, Mexico: Content Analysis.

Complementary and alternative (CAM) cancer treatment is often expensive and not covered by insurance. As a result, many people turn to crowdfunding to access this treatment. The aim of this study is to identify the rationales of patients with cancer seeking CAM treatment abroad by looking specifically at crowdfunding campaigns to support CAM cancer treatment in Tijuana, Mexico. We scraped the GoFundMe.com and GiveSendGo.com crowdfunding platforms for campaigns referencing CAM cancer clinics in Tijuana, initiated between January 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. The authors created a coding framework to identify rationales for seeking CAM treatment in Tijuana. To supplement campaign metadata, we coded the beneficiary's cancer stage, type, age, specific treatment sought, whether the beneficiary died, gender, and race. Patients sought CAM cancer treatment in Tijuana because the (1) treatment offers the greatest efficacy (29.9%); (2) treatment offered domestically was not curative (23.2%); (3) the clinic treats the whole person, and addresses the spiritual dimension of the person (20.1%); (4) treatments are nontoxic, natural, or less invasive (18.2%); and (5) clinic offers the newest technology (8.5%). Campaigns raised US $5,275,268.37 and most campaign beneficiaries were women (69.7%) or White individuals (71.1%). These campaigns spread problematic misinformation about the likely efficacy of CAM treatments, funnel money and endorsements to CAM clinics in Tijuana, and leave many campaigners short of the money needed to pay for CAM treatments while costing beneficiaries and their loved one's time, privacy, and dignity. This study affirms that Tijuana, Mexico, is a very popular destination for CAM cancer treatment.

Community Perceptions on the Contributions of Public Universities to Community Transformation

Much as the role of higher education has been recognised for promoting development globally, communities surrounding universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are still grappling with poor quality health, low income, poor housing, unreliable electricity and other social amenities. This study determined community perceptions of the contributions of Gulu University to community transformation in post-conflict northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data while using researcher-administered questionnaires and geospatial techniques. Questionnaire data was analysed using principal component analysis, and descriptive statistics while geospatial data was analysed using buffers, spatial join tool, and overlay analysis in GIS environment. Findings revealed that the economic, political, spiritual and physical dimensions were important in explaining the transformation of communities surrounding Gulu University. The community surrounding Gulu University is perceived to have progressed well in terms of savings, business, commercial farming, and civil service; consumption of more than 3 meals per day, access to credit and remittances; easy access to health care, and quality education. The majority of the population can make free and independent decisions, are good at self-expression, exercise love for one another, enjoy living with community members, are at peace with one another, exercise kindness, waste is properly managed, and there is good access to water. However, there is slow progress in having alternative sources of income, only a few community members perceived: their level of education to have improved, participate in leadership and are taking part in politics. There is also a scarcity of respect for one another, endurance and faithfulness. The study concludes that (i) households need to think of alternative ways of generating income, given its relevance in enabling households to meet their daily income, (ii) education policies and other stakeholders need to provide more support for community members to pursue higher levels of education, (iii) more civic education to create awareness on the importance of participating in leadership and politics, and (iv) a need by religious sects to continue with more teachings on respect for one another, endurance and faithfulness in the community surrounding Gulu University

Understanding Dual Effects of Social Network Services on Digital Well-Being and Sustainability: A Case Study of Xiaohongshu (RED)

Social networking services (SNSs) address estrangement in cyberspace through their communication, recognition, and resonance features, yet they simultaneously generate new forms of alienation. This dual effect can both advance and hinder sustainability. This phenomenon is particularly evident in Xiaohongshu (RED), a platform widely used in China and beyond, which has evolved from providing consumption guidance to facilitating lifestyle sharing. This paper utilizes Hartmut Rosa’s Resonance Theory to explore resonance and alienation within RED, examining the multifaceted impact of SNSs on digital well-being and sustainability through qualitative methodologies, including netnography and thematic analysis. The study reveals that RED fosters material, spiritual, and social resonance, thereby enhancing digital well-being and sustainability. However, RED also generates alienation in these dimensions, which can impede sustainability. Moreover, the resonance and alienation generated by the RED platform affect not only its own sustainability but also broader environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability. Theoretically, this study constructs a sociological framework integrating resonance and alienation within SNSs to interpret digital well-being and sustainability. Practically, it offers recommendations for promoting sustainable practices among SNSs, addressing material, spiritual, and social dimensions.

Law Enforcement Against Drug Abusers Through Medical Rehabilitation and Social Rehabilitation

Drug abuse is a global threat that damages society. Although various efforts have been made, there is still a lot of confusion and misunderstanding in the community about the dangers of narcotics. Patterns of drug use have pathological features, causing physical and psychological dependence. Law enforcement against drug abuse involves medical and social rehabilitation to help individuals recover and return to functioning in society. A holistic and collaborative approach from various parties as well as the use of new disciplines and technologies are needed to effectively address this problem. NThis research uses a normative legal analysis approach that focuses on law enforcement against drug abuse. The normative approach is used by analysing the synchronisation of vertical and horizontal legal norms and related legal systematics. The implementation of medical and social rehabilitation emphasises the importance of a holistic approach in helping individuals affected by drug abuse. This approach includes medical, social, and spiritual dimensions, such as Ruqyah, Dhikr, and spiritual contemplation methods, to design a more comprehensive and effective rehabilitation strategy. Recommendations for enforcement for people who misuse drugs should promote a holistic approach that includes medical, social, and spiritual aspects, such as Ruqyah and Dhikr, to support comprehensive recovery. Law enforcement should focus on treatment and recovery rather than punishment, and be supported by communities and based on social and humanitarian understanding.

Spiritual preparation as a mediator in the relationship between daily activity and football knowledge among indonesian students

A lifestyle characterized by imbalance in daily activities can significantly detrimentally affect physical health and cognitive performance. Despite this, students often overlook the importance of maintaining balance, neglecting aspects such as quality sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. However, individuals' daily activities can impact both their spiritual preparedness and knowledge. This research aims to investigate the influence of daily activity on the spiritual preparedness and knowledge about football of Indonesian sports students. Hypothesis testing was conducted utilizing path analysis, involving 204 respondents. Bootstrapping techniques were applied to analyze 500 data points. The findings indicate that daily lifestyle, as measured by daily activity, significantly influences the spiritual preparedness and knowledge of sports students. Notably, spiritual preparedness emerges as a mediator in the relationship between daily activity and knowledge, highlighting its crucial role. The study underscores the importance of fostering healthy lifestyle habits, including spiritual dimensions, among sports students. Recommendations emphasize the need for interventions aimed at enhancing awareness of the interconnectedness between daily activities, spiritual preparedness, and knowledge, thus contributing positively to the well-being of sports students within the collegiate environment. Keywords: daily activity, football, knowledge, spiritual preparation, student

Early Muslim Scholars’ Conceptions of Character Development and Contemporary Applications in Mental Health and Well-being

Well-being, as a comprehensive phenomenon related to an individual’s emotional response and life satisfaction, has a vital importance for human beings today. Contemporary perspectives, such as the domain of positive psychology, have shifted from a pathology-oriented perception of well-being and have made efforts to include psychological and spiritual aspects in the picture. The aim of these modern approaches is to activate mechanisms of change and build positive qualities within a person. Similarly, the Islamic tradition has long emphasized the importance of physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being, with the spiritual dimension at the center of the purpose of personal development. Both modern psychological and Islamic theological perspectives consider character development as essential for increasing well-being. While modern psychology uses character development only as a tool to achieve self-actualization, an Islamic perspective includes, within the concept of self-actualization, the notions and objectives of purification from the evils of the world and the self and attaining the pleasure of God. Islamic scholars in the classical period emphasized the importance of keeping a balance between good and bad character traits within the conception of human well-being. This chapter will discuss the mechanisms and approaches to character development suggested by early Muslim scholars, such as Abu Zayd al-Balkhi (9th century), Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (112th1th century), Al-Razi (13th9th century), and Birgivi (16th16th century), as well as discuss possible contemporary applications in the light of modern psychological studies. It will put forth strategies for Islamically informed character development and their potential for implementation within Islamically-integrated psychotherapy and well-being counseling within contemporary contexts.

The Meaning And Function Of Rerajahan In The Religious Life Of The Balinese Hindu Community

This abstract provides an overview of rerajahan, a form of sacred symbolism prominent in Bali, often referred to as the Island of the Gods. Rerajahan consists of small cloth pieces adorned with intricate images and inscriptions, such as human figures, mythical creatures, and sacred motifs, displayed on structures like homes and shrines. These symbols, embodying both artistic and spiritual dimensions, serve to invoke blessings and protection, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual practices of the Balinese community. The term "rerajahan" originates from "rajah," indicating an inscription or image with mystical power. In Balinese Hinduism, rerajahan is classified into two types: "rerajahan pengiwa" (left-hand path) and "rerajahan penengen" (right-hand path), each with distinct spiritual roles. These symbols are not mere decorations but require specific rituals, known as "pasupati," to activate their spiritual efficacy. The process of creating and activating rerajahan integrates sacred scripts, such as Modré, with symbolic imagery to harness their magical properties. Rerajahan plays diverse roles in Balinese rituals and daily life, including protection, healing, and enhancing spiritual well-being. It features prominently in religious ceremonies like the Panca Yadnya rituals and is used in offerings and personal amulets. The complex Balinese script and careful selection of media for rerajahan highlight its cultural and religious significance. Whether depicted on cloth, metal, or other materials, rerajahan represents a profound connection to the divine, underscoring its importance in both sacred and everyday contexts within Balinese Hinduism.

Factor Impacting Quality of Life Among Sepsis Survivors During and After Hospitalization: A Systematic Review of Current Empirical Evidence.

There remains a gap in understanding post-sepsis outcomes, particularly regarding the factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) among sepsis survivors during and after hospitalization. To determine factors impacting QOL among sepsis survivors during and after hospitalization based on the evaluation and synthesis of current evidence. This review encompassed studies published from January 2020 to December 2024, sourced from Scopus, PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Web of Science. The process of identifying, screening, excluding, and including articles followed the guidelines set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). Data synthesis for theme generation was conducted using the convergent integrated analysis framework as recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A total of 1164 records were identified from the databases. After removing 130 duplicates, 1034 articles remained for screening based on their titles and abstracts according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. At this stage, 1021 articles did not meet the criteria and were excluded, leaving 13 articles eligible for full-text screening. During this phase, 5 articles were excluded for various reasons, resulting in eight studies being included in the systematic review. Data synthesis of these studies revealed seven themes related to factors impacting QOL among sepsis survivors during and after hospitalization: 1) Physical Health Dimension, 2) Mental Health Dimension, 3) Treatment During Hospitalization, 4) Spiritual Dimension, 5) Social Support, 6) Mortality, and 7) Blood Biomarkers. This systematic review provides valuable insights into the factors affecting the quality of life among sepsis survivors during and after hospitalization. These findings enhance the current knowledge base and offer clinicians, researchers, and policymakers actionable insights to improve outcomes and well-being for sepsis survivors.

Localized Canal Development Model Based on Titled Landscapes on the Grand Canal, Hangzhou Section, China

After the decline of water transportation along the Grand Canal, the integration of urban development and the preservation of cultural heritage along the canal has become imperative. This paper takes the titled landscape as its research perspective and investigates the cultural significance of the canal through its historical, spatial, artistic, and spiritual dimensions, identifying the “Ten Canal Scenes” (TCS) that encapsulate both the canal’s heritage and the unique characteristics of Hangzhou, with the aim of establishing notable urban cultural landmarks. Archival analysis, average nearest neighbor (ANN) analysis, nuclear density analysis, and clustering of resource sites are first used to identify cultural landscape features. Evaluation and decision-making techniques are then used to comprehensively assess and categorize the conservation and utilization value for the TCS based on the value evaluation framework. Finally, it proposes strategies for enhancing the comprehensive values of titled landscapes and addressing socio-economic and cultural dimensions. These efforts seek to reconcile the preservation of the canal’s cultural heritage with the ongoing regeneration and development of the city and propose references for a localized canal development model based on titled landscapes.

Analysis of the Masjids of the Great Seljukid Caravanserais: Case Study of Ribati Sherif

“Ribat”, an Arabic word, means “keeping watch along the border to prevent enemy attacks”. In the history of Islamic architecture, it was used for the structures where soldiers tied their horses and kept watch along the borders. In addition to military training, worship and scientific activities were also important in ribats. Volunteer soldiers, called Muraabituun, would spend their time outside of military training with Qur’an reading, worship and dhikr, and prepare themselves for jihad. Therefore, the military function and the spiritual dimension were intertwined from the beginning. The masjids of the ribats are of great importance when evaluated in this context. The first ribats were built in Central Asia from the VIII century onwards. The Great Seljuks built ribats following the Samanids and Ghaznavids. Ribati Sherif, which is the subject of the research, is one of the most mature examples of the Great Seljukid ribats. Kâtib Ali al-Mansûr Asad b. Muhammed es-Sarahsî was the architect of the caravanserai, which is thought to have been built by the governor Şerefü’d-Dîn Ebû Tâhir b. Sa’d b. Ali b. İsa al-Kûmmî, in 1114-1115 and later became the vizier of Sultan Sanjar. Within the scope of this study, the architectural features and decorations of the two masjids of Ribati Sherif were analysed and evaluated within the architectural heritage of the Great Seljuks. As a result of the research in which literature review and field research methods were used as data collection methods, it is seen that the details of the Great Seljuk plan scheme, building technique, and ornamentation art can be called standardised spread over a large area.

Il disegno dei sogni

This article explores the multifaceted concept of dreams within the context of contemporary art. It examines how the term "dream" is interpreted and represented by different artists and their works, specifically in the exhibition "Dream: Art Meets Dreams" curated by Danilo Eccher. The exhibition is described as an allegorical journey into the deepest parts of the human soul, touching on desires, expectations, and fears. It showcases how dreams serve as a channel to access the unconscious and spiritual dimensions, influenced by Freudian thought. The article also delves into historical perspectives on dreams, from Plato to modern neuropsychology, and how these perspectives shape our understanding of dreams as both a personal and universal phenomenon. Through the analysis of various artworks and artistic approaches, the article highlights the ongoing dialogue between dream imagery and its aesthetic and symbolic significance in both historical and contemporary contexts.

The Meaning of Repentance According to Imam Ghazali and Semantic Analysis in the Qur'an: A Comprehensive Study

This study investigates the meaning of repentance as articulated by Imam Ghazali and its semantic representation in the Qur'an. By analyzing Imam Ghazali's interpretation of "taubat," the research delves into the spiritual, ethical, and psych thological dimensions of repentance in Islamic teachings. The study uses analysis descriptive as the method and it’s further conducts a semantic analysis of relevant Qur'anic verses to elucidate the concept's theological implications, including divine mercy, forgiveness, and justice. This comprehensive examination aims to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary semantic analysis, offering a nuanced understanding of repentance's role and significance in Islam. The findings contribute to Islamic studies, religious studies, and theological scholarship, providing valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of repentance or "taubat" and its contemporary relevance.

Nursing Students’ Spiritual Care: Implications to Related Learning Experience (RLE)

The integration of spiritual care into the education of nursing students is paramount for fostering holistic and patient-centered healthcare. As the nursing profession evolves, there is a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. However, traditional nursing curricula often inadequately address the spiritual dimension of care, potentially leaving nursing students ill-prepared to address the diverse and complex needs of their future patients. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the level of spiritual care practices and knowledge among nursing students in a private tertiary higher education institution during the new normal in one of the private colleges in Pampanga. This study establishes facts that are used to analyze nursing students’ level of spiritual care practices and knowledge. A descriptive design is applied specifically, the descriptive-evaluative and descriptive-comparative research designs in this study. Purposive sampling was utilized and included a total sample of 154 nursing students who have face-to-face classes and clinical duty, particularly levels II and III from one of the Colleges of Nursing in Pampanga, Philippines. This study will utilize a two-parted questionnaire. Part 1 involved the profile of the respondents as their age, gender, civil status, year level/religion. Part 2 will use an adopted standardized instrument, the Spiritual Tool Questionnaire contains (Robles, 2014) that a 64-item questionnaire that focuses around seven elements. The result of the study shows that there is no significant difference between institutional support. Thus, the null hypothesis is accepted. Additionally, the researchers propose that student nurses incorporate a transcultural approach in their patient interactions. This is essential for minimizing bias, building positive relationships, and fostering an environment where patients feel at ease expressing their emotions to student nurses. Furthermore, armed with verified facts and data, nursing institutions can formulate targeted strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing education in spiritual care. Consequently, this contributes to the progression of clinical competence among nursing students.

Implementasi Konsep Spiritual Pedagogik Melalui Program Inpirasi Dhuha

This research aims to analyze the implementation of the spiritual pedagogical concept through the "Inspirasi Dhuha" program at SMAN 7 Bandung and its impact on the development of students' spiritual and moral values. The "Inspirasi Dhuha" program is the school's effort to integrate the spiritual dimension in education through a combination of Dhuha prayer activities and inspirational sessions from various life inspirators. This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data is collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with students, teachers, and stakeholders of the program, as well as the analysis of documents related to the "Inspirasi Dhuha" program. The results of the analysis are interpreted to reveal the extent to which this program successfully integrates spiritual values in education and its impact on students' character development. Through this research, a deeper understanding is obtained regarding how the "Inspirasi Dhuha" program implements the spiritual pedagogical concept. Students respond positively to this program, and it influences their character and behavior development. The Dhuha prayer activity provides direct spiritual benefits to students through worship, while the inspirational sessions help them better understand life goals, career choices, and values that need to be upheld when facing challenges. The "Inspirasi Dhuha" program serves as a tangible example of how formal education or public schools can integrate spiritual values within the learning environment.

Pencegahan Kekerasan terhadap Anak: Sebuah Perspektif Psikologis tentang Ketahanan Keluarga

Abstract. Child abuse, with its devastating physical and psychological consequences, underscores the critical need for protective family environments. This study employed a literature review to explore the psychological underpinnings of family resilience as a preventive strategy. The research aimed to identify and delve into the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of family resilience in relation to child abuse prevention. A systematic literature review was performed, searching for relevant publications, including books, journal articles, and conference proceedings, using Google Scholar. Findings emphasize a holistic approach to building family resilience, encompassing physical health, strong family bonds, effective stress management, emotional regulation, and spiritual grounding. These components collectively contribute to a protective environment that shields children from abuse.

Integrative model of servant leadership style and critical pedagogy: Answers to school leadership of neoliberalism

This study aimed to analyse servant leadership's attributes in the theory and practice of critical pedagogy and find commonalities that produce an integrative model that will answer to the school leadership of neoliberalism. The study found an integrative model between servant leadership style and critical pedagogy that includes similar attributes of servant leadership and critical pedagogy related to the dimensions of transcendental spirituality, emotional healing and putting students first, creating value for the community, empowering students and helping students develop and succeed, demonstrating conceptual skills and behaving ethically. This integrative model is a constructive answer to the implementation of school leadership of neoliberalism.

Values of local wisdom in Rambu Solo’ from the perspective of Pentecostal spirituality and character education

The ceremony of Rambu Solo’, a traditional Torajan funeral ritual, is often met with scepticism by Christians, particularly within the Pentecostal community, due to perceived spiritistic elements conflicting with Christian doctrines. Despite this, the deep-rooted cultural significance of Rambu Solo’ persists among the Torajan people, including Pentecostals. This necessitates exploring aspects of the ceremony that align with Pentecostal values of spirituality and character education. Therefore, studies are needed that show the dimensions of spirituality and character education that Pentecostal believers can accept. The research method used in this article was qualitative ethnography, and the analysis used was the theological triad in Steven Jack Land’s Pentecostal spirituality, namely orthodoxy, orthopathy and orthopraxy. Findings revealed a divergence between Rambu Solo’s orthodoxy and Christian tenets. Nonetheless, aspects of orthopathy and orthopraxy within the Rambu Solo’ ceremony align with Pentecostal spirituality, mainly through its emphasis on character education.Contribution: Using triad theology in assessing local culture in Indonesia provides a more comprehensive meaning of cultural values for constructing spirituality and character education.