SOPHIE (Self-Exploration Through Ontological, Phenomenological, Humanistic, Ideological and Existential Expressions): A Mentoring Framework

Abstract

The Springer series International Perspectives on Social Policy, Administration and Practice puts the spotlight on international and comparative studies of social policy, administration, and practice with an up-to-date assessment of their character and development. In particular, the series seeks to examine the underlying assumptions of the practice of helping professions, nonprofit organization and management, and public policy and how processes of both nation-state and globalization are affecting them. The series also includes specific country case studies, with valuable comparative analysis across Asian, African, Latin American, and Western welfare states. The series International Perspectives on Social Policy, Administration and Practice commissions approximately six books per year, focusing on international perspectives on social policy, administration, and practice, especially an East-West connection. It assembles an impressive set of researchers from diverse countries illuminating a rich, deep, and broad understanding of the implications of comparative

Meanings and Interpretations of Spirituality in Nursing and Health

“…The application of spirituality and spiritual care concepts are not limited to the clinical or health settings, but can also be applied in environmental, social work, occupational health, and other disciplines. The constructs of spirituality have been recently explored and utilized in higher education to develop meaning making among students and faculty, strategize personal and professional mentoring activities, and generate compassionate values and leadership potential (Ali and Snowden 2019). Evidence also suggests that there are personal and mystical spiritual experiences such as experiences of awe, ecstasy and transcendence, often difficult to measure and quantify using scientific models and language of empiricism that are simply not relevant (Bash 2004).…”

Restoring the Balance

“…She proposed a framework based on self-determination, ontological development, personal reflection and humanistic concern for others. Ontological approaches emphasise and facilitate authenticity and self-determination, presence, curiosity and commitment to care (compassionate engagement) (Ali & Snowden 2019;Benner et al, 2010;Hartrick-Doane & Varcoe, 2015;Kang, 2003). Integrating transformative learning practices, facilitating reflexivity, coaching and mentorship in health care education, can promote ontological development (Ali & Snowden, 2019).…”

“…Ontological approaches emphasise and facilitate authenticity and self-determination, presence, curiosity and commitment to care (compassionate engagement) (Ali & Snowden 2019;Benner et al, 2010;Hartrick-Doane & Varcoe, 2015;Kang, 2003). Integrating transformative learning practices, facilitating reflexivity, coaching and mentorship in health care education, can promote ontological development (Ali & Snowden, 2019). Just as embracing authenticity and recognising self-care needs enables personal transformation in health care professionals (Newman, 1999) it also can enable personal transformation for others.…”

Approaching Spiritual and Existential Care Needs in Health Education: Applying SOPHIE (Self-Exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, and Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential Expressions), as Practice Methodology

“…SOPHIE (Self-exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, and Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential expressions) (Figure 1), recognizes several ontological and practice based reflexive components, approaching and addressing spiritual care needs in health education (Ali and Snowden 2019). Embracing the philosophy of holistic development, SOPHIE (Self-exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, and Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential expressions) is a reflective framework to approach existential and spiritual care needs (Ali 2017).…”

“…Newer approaches and models are therefore needed to integrate this important dimension of spirituality in health education. SOPHIE (Self-exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, and Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential expressions), a heutagogical tool was developed by the author, to approach spiritual and existential care needs through meaning-making reflexive engagement, in health care education and practice (Ali and Snowden 2019). SOPHIE introduced a teaching intervention focusing on exploring existential and spiritual care needs in health education in June 2019-2020.…”