The role of spirituality and religion in social work practice in Malta : a social worker perspective

Abstract

Spirituality is one of the important elements that is found in human experience (Payne, 2014). Many times, the terms “spirituality” and “religiosity” are used interchangeably. In the social work context, this might hinder practitioners from exploring the concepts of spirituality and/or religion (S/R) (Wiedmeyer, 2013). Research shows that social workers are not trained to value the importance of S/R and the implications of it in the lives of clients (Gilligan & Furness, 2002). On the other hand, human service professions are recognising S/R as an important strength that can help clients in their wellbeing (Wiedmeyer, 2013). This research seeks to study social workers’ perspectives on what part S/R plays in social work practice in the Maltese context; explore their understand of the concepts of S/R of social workers and the challenges and benefits of integrating S/R in their practice. A mixed methodology was adopted. A sequential design was used, where the quantitative data preceded the qualitative data (Cresswell, 2009; Manjengwa, 2020). Quantitative data from questionnaire followed by the collection and analysis of qualitative data from interviews with some of the participants who completed the questionnaire (Cresswell, 2009). The use of mixed-methods enabled to answer research questions obtaining a broad exploratory using questionnaire and to reach at a deeper meaning through the interviews. Furthermore, quantitative and qualitative data validate each other and create a firm basis to produce conclusions and evaluation. Eight four warranted social workers participated for the online questionnaire, while ten social workers enrolled to share their experience and take part in semi-structured interviews. The findings mirror available literature and emphasise the struggle experienced by social workers when it comes to define spirituality and religion and understanding its relation to practice which is also present within the Maltese context (Bonavia, 2014; Psaila, 2012). Furthermore, participants underlined how integrating S/R into practice helps to improve the social work helping relationship. For many years, few and inconsistent education was given to the social work professionals on how to answer to the needs of clients for whom S/R is significant in their life. The findings also indicate that social workers question the role of S/R, particularly in relation to the appropriate timing regarding introducing a discussion of S/R. Furthermore, the participants, similar to practitioners in other studies, are unclear as to how to respond to the client's explicit spiritual and religious need or wish (Heyman. et.al, 2006; Furness, 2003; Gilligan, 2003). Recommendations for practice and research are presented.