Increasing spiritual diversity in social work discourse: a scientific avenue toward more effective mental health service provision

ABSTRACT

The costs associated with mental disorders are substantial, yet treatment efficacy is still in its infancy. Drawing from key concepts in the philosophy of science literature, this paper argues that increasing spiritual diversity in social work discourse represents one important avenue to increase the effectiveness of mental health service provision. Toward that end, the role that cognitive diversity plays in scientific advancement is discussed. Demographic data is related suggesting most social workers hold secular values and, consequently, secular perspectives enjoy a privileged status in professional discourse. The effects of the lack of spiritual diversity are delineated on disciplinary discourse, interventions, and service provision. Islam is used as an example to illustrate how effectiveness can potentially be augmented by incorporating the voice of Muslims and other people of faith into disciplinary discourse.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversity
• mental health
• religion
• cultural competence
• spirituality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David R. Hodge

David R. Hodge, Ph.D., is a professor at Arizona State University's School of Social Work and senior nonresident fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Program for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society.