Spiritual care as a response to an exaptation: how evolutionary psychology informs the debate

Abstract

This article has its origins in a 2013 proposal by the author that the concept of 'spiritual care' in clinical settings might fruitfully be grounded in the findings of the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR). In a recent paper, John Paley rejects the central arguments and asserts his conviction that a model for 'spiritual care' cannot be derived from the insights of evolutionary psychology. In this article, the author employs a modified form of Fichtean dialectic to examine the contrasting positions and, via a process of analysis and synthesis, identify the key areas for further exploration and research. He concludes, first, that CSR in itself does not provide a sufficient theoretical justification for the notion and practice of 'spiritual care'; secondly, that any attempt to develop a general theory of spiritual care would need to pay closer attention to the role of historically situated religious communities; and finally, that these objections nevertheless do not amount to an argument against the attempt to provide spiritual care as part of person-centred care. Instead, a revised model is proposed which has the potential to provide testable predictions in this field.

Development of a conceptual framework for teaching-learning of spiritual care in nursing education

“…It confirmed the need for a philosophical basis to support formal integration and implementation of spiritual care in nursing education (Linda, Phetlhu & Klopper 2019 :2). This observation was also made by Kevern ( 2017 :3–4), who not only raised the bar in the discourse about lack of theoretical and conceptual models for spiritual care, but who also argued against the philosophical jargon where spiritual care is viewed through the lens of psychology.…”

“…Kevern’s ( 2017 :3) argument initiates another debate which could be one of the most critical dialogues required to achieve a common philosophical understanding of spiritual care, particularly in the Western health care system. This could be done by refocusing complex cultural beliefs, which are often misjudged and misplaced in the context of Western medicine.…”

“…This could be done by refocusing complex cultural beliefs, which are often misjudged and misplaced in the context of Western medicine. Kerven’s ( 2017 ) argument could be worth noting since it could discover one correct part of the puzzle. Therefore, such philosophical explanations should be provided with a deliberate goal to propel the efforts towards achieving the scientific basis of models.…”