Reflecting on daily experience: What does ignatian spirituality have to offer social work students?

Abstract

This exploratory study considers whether social work students could benefit from learning about Ignatian Spirituality, which is central to the ideals of Catholic, Jesuit universities. Of specific concern is the prayer form of reflection and contemplation. Does this form help in decision‐making and self‐care in today's fast‐paced society and the pressures of doing social work? To answer this question, a Jesuit from Marquette University met with undergraduate students during a two hour advanced social work seminar and linked concepts from Ignatian Spirituality to social work. Feedback about this experience was obtained through class discussion and an anonymous questionnaire.

Keywords:

• Social work and spirituality
• ethical decision‐making
• self‐care and spirituality
• Ignatian spirituality
• social work and Jesuit universities