Friday, October 10, 2025
Science
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
No Result
View All Result
Scienmag
No Result
View All Result
Home Science News Psychology & Psychiatry

Integrating Identity in Hospital Chaplaincy Practices

October 9, 2025
in Psychology & Psychiatry
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
65
SHARES
589
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of diverse spiritual practices has emerged as a vital component in providing holistic care to patients. In a recent study, researcher M. Kim dives deep into the crossroads of identity, spirituality, and pastoral care, presenting a compelling narrative of the transformative journey of a Korean chaplain intern serving in a U.S. hospital. This study not only sheds light on the complexities faced by multi-faith practitioners but also introduces the concept of an identity-based integration strategy as a means to enhance the spiritual and emotional welfare of patients from varied backgrounds.

Understanding the intricacies of hybrid pastoral practice is essential, especially in a multicultural society like that of the United States. The intern’s experiences are reflective of the broader challenges that arise when different cultural and spiritual frameworks collide within clinical settings. Kim’s findings suggest that by embracing one’s identity while being attuned to the diverse beliefs of patients, spiritual caregivers can foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. The study posits that such an integration strategy can significantly enhance patient care by ensuring that spiritual interventions resonate more deeply with individual needs.

At the heart of this research lies a detailed exploration of the roles and responsibilities that chaplains undertake within hospital settings. The traditional view of a chaplain primarily as a provider of comfort and support is evolving. Now, these spiritual leaders are called upon to engage actively with the wide spectrum of beliefs held by patients. The Korean intern grapples with reconciling his own cultural heritage with the expectations of his role within a predominantly Western healthcare model. The findings underscore the necessity for chaplains to cultivate a dual consciousness—remaining aware of their identity while being sensitive to the varied spiritual languages of those they serve.

The intern’s hybrid approach to pastoral care involved integrating practices from both Korean and American spiritual traditions. This blending of practices not only enriched the chaplain’s ability to connect with patients but also provided valuable insights into the efficacy of culturally competent care. By drawing on rituals and teachings from both cultures, the intern was able to offer patients a unique spiritual experience that acknowledged their cultural identities. Kim highlights this strategy as an exemplar of how identity can enhance spiritual engagement in clinical contexts, thereby promoting healing and well-being.

In a hospital environment, time constraints can often limit the quality of spiritual care offered to patients. However, Kim’s analysis reveals that the intern was able to transcend these limitations by creating meaningful interactions that were deeply rooted in shared human experiences. By employing active listening, empathy, and authenticity, the intern cultivated relationships with patients that went beyond the transactional nature of clinical encounters. The study emphasizes that in moments of vulnerability, it is often the spiritual connection that patients seek most fervently.

Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of training and support for chaplains operating in diverse settings. As healthcare becomes increasingly multicultural, it is essential for spiritual caregivers to receive education that equips them to address the complex spiritual needs of a diverse patient population. Kim advocates for an overhaul of training programs to include comprehensive modules that explore cultural sensitivities, identity formation, and the practical application of hybrid practices in real-world settings. This investment in chaplaincy is crucial for enhancing the overall quality of care provided in hospitals.

One of the most ironic aspects emerging from the study is the challenge of isolation faced by spiritual caregivers, despite being situated in social environments that are rich with diversity. The research draws attention to the paradox experienced by the intern as he navigated the dual expectations of his cultural upbringing and his professional role. Isolation can often lead to feelings of frustration and ineffectiveness among chaplains, which in turn can impact the level of care they are able to provide. Accordingly, Kim calls for institutional support systems that foster a sense of community among chaplains from varied backgrounds.

Additionally, this study touches on the broader implications of identity-based integration strategies in healthcare beyond spiritual care. As organizations strive toward more inclusive practices, the lessons learned from the intern’s experiences indicate that embracing diverse identities can contribute significantly to team dynamics, patient satisfaction, and overall institutional culture. Healthcare institutions must recognize the value of diverse perspectives and experiences as assets rather than challenges in providing quality care.

In a broader context, the findings from the chaplain intern’s experiences are particularly relevant amid the ongoing discussions around health equity. In a society where access to care is often stratified by cultural and socio-economic lines, the integration of identity into care practices becomes not just a matter of ethics but an essential step toward equitable healthcare. By addressing the spiritual needs of patients through an identity lens, care providers can advocate for social justice and the restoration of dignity to marginalized communities.

The research also acknowledges potential challenges to implementing identity-based integration strategies within institutional settings. Resistance to changing established practices can arise from entrenched beliefs about spirituality and professionalism, leading to pushback or misunderstanding among colleagues and administration alike. Kim urges educators and practitioners to engage in dialogues that not only highlight the importance of diverse spiritual practices but also provide frameworks for overcoming resistance through collaboration and shared values.

As we look to the future of pastoral care and spiritual wellbeing in healthcare, Kim’s study serves as a timely reminder of the importance of adaptability and awareness in the face of an ever-evolving cultural landscape. The narrative of the Korean chaplain intern transcends a singular experience and illustrates a paradigm shift towards inclusivity within spiritual care. This shift acknowledges the intersecting identities of both caregivers and patients, highlighting the potential for healing through mutual understanding and respect.

In conclusion, as healthcare continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of diversity, understanding, and care, the insights gleaned from Kim’s study advocate for a more integrated and inclusive approach to pastoral practice. The hybrid model of care, rooted in identity, offers a new avenue for enhancing the spiritual and emotional facets of patient care. As the integration of diverse practices gains traction, healthcare professionals across disciplines must remain vigilant in their commitment to fostering holistic care that honors the myriad identities of those they serve.

Ultimately, M. Kim’s research opens the door for further exploration into the profound impact of identity on spiritual care within healthcare settings. By embracing the lessons learned through the experiences of the Korean chaplain intern, healthcare systems can better address the spiritual needs of patients from all backgrounds, ensuring that care is not only healing but transformative.

Subject of Research: Hybrid Pastoral Practice by a Korean Chaplain Intern in a U.S. Hospital

Article Title: Toward an Identity-Based Integration Strategy: Hybrid Pastoral Practice by a Korean Chaplain Intern in a U.S. Hospital

Article References:

Kim, M. Toward an Identity-Based Integration Strategy: Hybrid Pastoral Practice by a Korean Chaplain Intern in a U.S. Hospital.
Pastoral Psychol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-025-01259-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Hybrid Pastoral Practice, Identity Integration, Spiritual Care, Multicultural Healthcare, Chaplain Intern, Patient Care, Healthcare Equity

Tags: cultural sensitivity in hospital settingsemotional welfare in healthcareholistic patient care approacheshospital chaplaincy practiceshybrid pastoral practicesidentity integration in healthcareidentity-based integration strategyKorean chaplain experiencesmulti-faith practitioner challengesmulticultural spiritual carepastoral care diversityspiritual interventions for patients
Share26Tweet16
Previous Post

Overcoming Barriers to Interprofessional Protocols in Practice

Next Post

Olanzapine Alters Serum Complement in Schizophrenia

Related Posts

blank
Psychology & Psychiatry

Mapping Biosafety Skills in Clinical Nursing

October 9, 2025
blank
Psychology & Psychiatry

Immersive VR Plus Therapy Transforms Autism Treatment

October 9, 2025
blank
Psychology & Psychiatry

Schizophrenia Burden and Trends: Global vs. China

October 9, 2025
blank
Psychology & Psychiatry

Rapid OCD Recovery: Inside Bergen’s 4-Day Treatment

October 9, 2025
blank
Psychology & Psychiatry

Couples Therapy Boosts PTSD Treatment Outcomes: Meta-Analysis

October 9, 2025
blank
Psychology & Psychiatry

Olanzapine Alters Serum Complement in Schizophrenia

October 9, 2025
Next Post
blank

Olanzapine Alters Serum Complement in Schizophrenia

  • Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    27565 shares
    Share 11023 Tweet 6889
  • University of Seville Breaks 120-Year-Old Mystery, Revises a Key Einstein Concept

    972 shares
    Share 389 Tweet 243
  • Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance

    647 shares
    Share 259 Tweet 162
  • Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike

    514 shares
    Share 206 Tweet 129
  • Groundbreaking Clinical Trial Reveals Lubiprostone Enhances Kidney Function

    481 shares
    Share 192 Tweet 120
Science

Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with Scienmag.com—your ultimate source for cutting-edge breakthroughs. Immerse yourself in a world where curiosity knows no limits and tomorrow’s possibilities become today’s reality!

RECENT NEWS

  • Headline options:

    • Loops Unleash Double Gamma Decays
    • New Formulas Reveal Gamma-Gamma Decays
    • A’s Hidden Double Gamma Decay
  • Akkermansia muciniphila Supernatant Fights Resistant Enterococcus Faecalis
  • Acropora Tenuis Coral Bundle Release Duration Revealed
  • Trace Element Dynamics in Tula Region Ecosystems

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Athmospheric
  • Biology
  • Blog
  • Bussines
  • Cancer
  • Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Earth Science
  • Marine
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Pediatry
  • Policy
  • Psychology & Psychiatry
  • Science Education
  • Social Science
  • Space
  • Technology and Engineering

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 5,188 other subscribers

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Discover more from Science

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading