An examination of postmodernism, spirituality, and the New Age and holistic health movements in social work practice and research
Description
Postmodernism and spirituality are two concepts found increasingly in social work literature and vernacular. However, they have not been integrated as one viable concept, Postmodern spirituality is manifest in our culture in the form of two social movements---the New Age Movement (NAM) and the Holistic Health Movement (HHM) The purpose of this research was to describe and explore the use of this concept in social work literature and practice using the presence of NAM and HEM content as evidence of postmodern spirituality. A triangulation of methods was used which consisted of a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques. Study One was a mad survey sent to a sample of licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) in the State of Colorado. Study Two was a manifest content analysis of the social work literature. Study Three consisted of a constant comparative analysis of 11 interviews with LCSW's who self identified themselves as participants in the NAM and HHM as well as using alternative therapies in their practice Results of these studies provided a description of current religious and spiritual practices of LCSW's in Colorado as well as themes, constructs, and a grounded theory that can be used for future research in postmodern spirituality. There is evidence that New Age and holistic health philosophy and practices are used among a group of LCSW's and that their current religious and spiritual practices include a postmodern spirituality. There is also evidence that as social movements, the NAM and HEM have impacted social work practice The effects of managed care may be connected with the use of New Age and holistic health practices. Managed care has influenced the practices of LCSW's interviewed in Study Three Implications for social work deal with the areas of education, theory, and practice. Postmodern spirituality is a concept used in social work practice and needs to be included in social work curricula