Spirituality and Wellbeing

Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Study of Religious Experience and Health

edited by Bettina E. Schmidt and Jeff Leonardi

Book cover: Spirituality and Wellbeing

Extent: 258 pages

Publisher: Equinox Publishing

Subjects: Religious Studies

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(February 2020)

ISBN: 9781781797655

Price: $34.00

In stock

Hardback (Published)

(February 2020)

ISBN: 9781781797648

Price: $100.00

In stock

This book shows how the relationship between wellbeing and spirituality is studied by a range of disciplines including religious studies, theology, anthropology, psychology and history. The introduction discusses the term ‘wellbeing’ and introduces the debate on spirituality and wellbeing. The editors give a broad definition of spirituality and show the multifaceted nature of wellbeing and how it is linked to spirituality. Each chapter then reflects on the topic in its unique way which shows the interdisciplinary nature of the subject. The authors represent a rich breadth of disciplines and bring in a range of perspectives. The chapters also link the debate to various religious traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Afro-Brazilian religion and even paranormal experiences that will further the reflection on the link between spirituality and wellbeing.


Interest in spirituality and wellbeing is rising. However, research in that area is still lacking, in particular from a non-medical perspective. This book shows how the relationship between wellbeing and spirituality is studied by a range of disciplines including religious studies, theology, anthropology, psychology and history. The introduction discusses the term ‘wellbeing’ and introduces the debate on spirituality and wellbeing. The editors give a broad definition of spirituality and show the multifaceted nature of wellbeing and how it is linked to spirituality. Each chapter then reflects on the topic in its unique way which shows the interdisciplinary nature of the subject. The authors represent a rich breadth of disciplines and bring in a range of perspectives. The chapters also link the debate to various religious traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Afro-Brazilian religion and even paranormal experiences that will further the reflection on the link between spirituality and wellbeing.

Introduction Jeff Leonardi and Bettina E. Schmidt Section One: Setting the Scene 1. Spirituality and Wellbeing: Is there a Necessary Link? Everton de Oliveira Maraldi, Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo, Brazil 2. Clinical Parapsychology: The Interface between Anomalous Experiences and Psychological Wellbeing Chris Roe, University of Northampton Section Two: The Body in Focus 3. Made in the Image: The Christian Understanding of the Body Jeff Leonardi 4. Spirituality and Wellbeing in Traditional China: Food, Self-sacrifice, and Spiritual Practice in a Chinese Buddhist Legend Thomas Jansen, University of Wales Trinity Saint David 5. 'Spiritus Contra Spiritum': Spirituality, Belief and Discipline in Alcoholics Anonymous Wendy Dossett, University of Chester Section Three: The Diversity of Perspectives 6. Narratives of Spirituality and Wellbeing: Cultural Differences and Similarities between Brazil and the UK Bettina E. Schmidt 7. Using Autoethnography to Explore the Experience of Spirituality in Epilepsy Louise N. Spiers, University of Northampton 8. To Thine Own Self be True: Alcoholics Anonymous, Recovery and Care of the Self Lymarie Rodriguez, University of Wales Trinity Saint David Section Four: Applied Practice 9. Religiosity, Spirituality and Wellbeing in the Perception of Brazilian Health and Mental Health Professionals Marta Helena de Freitas, Catholic University of Brasilia 10. Compassionate Presence: Buddhist Practice and the Person-centred Approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy Becky Seale, Coleg Sir Gar

  • Edited by Jeff Leonardi
  • Edited by Bettina E. Schmidt