Discussion – Week 9
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Discussion: Spiritual Development
Do you identify as a spiritual or religious person? How might your spiritual identity influence your social work practice—both for those clients who have a similar worldview and those who do not?
Spirituality, which may or may not include involvement with an established religion, contributes to human diversity and influences behavior. Sensitivity to and respect for a client’s spiritual dimension reflects your appreciation of diversity and the code of ethics. As you consider the potential impact of your clients’ spirituality on their perspectives and behavior, you must also consider how your own spirituality might influence interactions with a client.
For this Discussion, you examine the potential effect of your spiritual views on social work practice and share strategies for being spiritually aware.
To Prepare:
- Review the Learning Resources on spiritual development.
- Reflect on your own spiritual or religious beliefs and how they may influence your social work practice.
By Day 01/26/20211
Post a Discussion in which you explain how considerations about clients’ worldviews, including their spirituality or religious convictions (Christian), might affect your interactions with them. Provide at least two specific examples. In addition, explain one way your own spirituality or religious convictions might support your work with a client, and one barrier it might present. Finally, share one strategy for applying an awareness of spirituality to social work practice in general. Be sure to refer to the NASW Code of Ethics in your response.
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Required Readings
Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
· Chapter 3, “Spotlight on Diversity: Relate Human Diversity to Psychological Theories” (pp. 112–114)
· Chapter 7, Sections “Review Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development,” “Critical Thinking: Evaluation of Fowler’s Theory,” and “Social Work Practice and Empowerment Through Spiritual Development” (pp. 339–342)
· Chapter 15, “Highlight 15.2: “Celebration of Life Funerals” (pp. 694–696)
Document: Life Span Interview (PDF)
Required Media
Follow Rubric
Initial Posting: Content
14.85 (49.5%) – 16.5 (55%)
Initial posting thoroughly responds to all parts of the Discussion prompt. Posting demonstrates excellent understanding of the material presented in the Learning Resources, as well as ability to apply the material. Posting demonstrates exemplary critical thinking and reflection, as well as analysis of the weekly Learning Resources. Specific and relevant examples and evidence from at least two of the Learning Resources and other scholarly sources are used to substantiate the argument or viewpoint.
Follow-Up Response Postings: Content
6.75 (22.5%) – 7.5 (25%)
Student thoroughly addresses all parts of the response prompt. Student responds to at least two colleagues in a meaningful, respectful manner that promotes further inquiry and extends the conversation. Response presents original ideas not already discussed, asks stimulating questions, and further supports with evidence from assigned readings. Post is substantive in both length (75–100 words) and depth of ideas presented.
Readability of Postings
5.4 (18%) – 6 (20%)
Initial and response posts are clear and coherent. Few if any (less than 2) writing errors are made. Student writes with exemplary grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation to convey their message.
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Najeeb
Najeeb is a 72-year-old Pakistani American who immigrated to the United States 40
years ago. He has two grown daughters, Nasrin and Mira, who live in nearby
communities with their families. His wife, Maryam, passed away approximately 10 years
ago after a long illness. Najeeb and one of his daughters served as her caregivers
during that time. Najeeb currently lives alone in the house he and his wife bought, in a
predominantly Pakistani American neighborhood.
Najeeb owned and ran a popular news stand in the city until 5 years ago, at which point
he retired and sold the business. Najeeb disclosed that he enjoyed operating the news
stand because he had “a sense of purpose” and “lots of people to talk to.” Since retiring,
much of his social life has been focused on his Muslim faith and his family, with worship
at the mosque and visits with his daughters and grandchildren. His routine has also
included daily walks around the neighborhood for fresh air and communion with others.
Recently, Najeeb has begun to experience health-related concerns which have
impacted his ability to walk and socialize with peers. Najeeb disclosed that religion is a
big part of his life; however, he now has limited ability to ambulate, so he cannot engage
in daily ritual prayer in the manner he is used to. He also cannot easily get to the
mosque, as he does not own a car, cannot walk, and public transportation is difficult for
him to navigate. According to Najeeb’s daughters, these mobility concerns have had a
major impact on his psychological functioning. Nasrin and Mira have recognized a
change in their father’s demeanor, describing him as “depressed” and “hopeless.” They
encouraged Najeeb to reach out to the local agency on aging for assistance.
