Abstract
Few spiritual assessment approaches have been validated with Latter-Day Saints (LDS), in spite of the importance of religion to this culturally distinct population and its burgeoning growth. Drawing on the concept of social validity, this mixed-method study validates a qualitative spiritual assessment approach-spiritual eco-maps-using a geographically diverse sample of social workers (N = 100), all of whom had at least 5 years of direct practice experience with LDS clients. These individuals were asked to identify: a) the degree of cultural consistency, strengths, and limitations of the spiritual eco-map at a conceptual level; and 2) how the questions designed to operationalize the approach might be improved to be more valid, relevant, and consistent with LDS culture. The results suggest that spiritual eco-maps are consistent with LDS culture as long as they are operationalized appropriately. Toward this end, a culturally valid question protocol is provided along with suggestions for administering the instrument in a culturally competent manner. Spiritual eco-maps may be particularly useful in settings where a quick, visually oriented assessment that focuses on clients' present relationships is indicated. Future research might build upon the present study by assessing the validity of spiritual eco-maps with both community and client samples.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 367-380 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Social Service Research |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2014 |
Keywords
- Latter-Day Saints
- Mormons
- assessment
- religion
- spiritual eco-maps
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Sociology and Political Science