NORWEGIAN RESEARCH NETWORK ON SPIRITUALITY and HEALTH (NRNSH)

a free and informal network RESEARCHING the connections between spirituality and Health

Site created: 08-01-2009 Last Modified: 2009- 05- 03 E-mail contact: d.s.teodorescu@medisin.uio.no

The scientific community discovers more and more the connections between spirituality and health, which has determined more and more universities around the world to offer courses in this new field of scientific enquiry.

Scientific research on the connections between spirituality and health is much needed.

In Norway, the scientific research on spirituality and health has become more active and several scientists have done research in this area.

There is a need for a scientific forum where the scientific research on spirituality and health is acknowledged and supported by likeminded scientists.

Aim

1. To explore scientifically the links between spirituality, religion, health and wellbeing.

2. To promote a more integrated healthcare, by including in medicine the positive effects of spirituality on both patients and

healthcare providers.

Definitions

Spirituality, a clinical definition borrowed from The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health (GWish)

“In 1999, the Association of American Medical Colleges Medical School Objectives Report III (pdf) defined Spirituality as follows:

Spirituality is recognized as a factor that contributes to health in many persons. The concept of spirituality is found in all cultures and societies. It is expressed in an individual’s search for ultimate meaning through participation in religion and/or belief in God, family, naturalism, rationalism, humanism and the arts. All these factors can influence how patients and health care professionals perceive health and illness and how they interact with one another.”

Spirituality, a multidisciplinary definition borrowed from 3rd Australian Conference on Spirituality and Health

Integrating Spirituality in the Practice of Health Care 13-15 July 2009, Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, defined spirituality and health as follows:

“The human quest for ultimate meaning, purpose, relationship, hope and transcendence.

Health - a balance of physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual wellbeing.”

Activities of the (NRNSH)

1. To maintain a web site with information and resources on research on Spirituality and Health.

2. To facilitate communication of individual research interests of its members.

3. To facilitate the collaboration in fellow research projects for its members.

Resources on Scientific Research on Spirituality and Health

Latest articles & videos on-line on Spirituality & Health

· Science and Faith: The Biology of Belief (Time magazine)

· Faith and Healing: A Forum (VIDEO) (Time magazine)

Conferences on Spirituality and Health

· Australian Conference on Spirituality and Health Integrating Spirituality in the Practice of Health Care 13-15 July 2009, Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, Adelaide

· Living Evolutionary spirituality and an Integral Life

ASSOCIATIONS