Addressing holistic health and work empowerment through a body-mind-spirit intervention program among helping professionals in continuous education: A pilot study

Soc Work Health Care. 2016 Nov-Dec;55(10):779-793. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2016.1231153. Epub 2016 Sep 22.

Abstract

To examine the effectiveness of a body-mind-spirit (BMS) intervention program in improving the holistic well-being and work empowerment among helping professionals in continuous education. Forty-four helping professionals, who were in their first-year part-time postgraduate study, participated in the present study. All participants attended a 3-day BMS intervention program which emphasized a holistic approach to health and well-being. Ratings on their levels of physical distress, daily functioning, affect, spirituality, and psychological empowerment at work were compared before and immediately after the intervention. Participants reported significantly lower levels of negative affect and physical distress, and were less spiritually disoriented after the intervention. Enhanced levels of daily functioning, positive affect, spiritual resilience, and tranquility were also reported. Results also suggested that participants were empowered at work, and specifically felt more able to make an impact on work outcomes. The 3-day BMS intervention program produced a positive and measurable effect on participants' holistic well-being and empowerment at work. Educators in related fields could incorporate holistic practices into the curriculum to better prepare the future practitioners, leading to better outcomes both to the professionals themselves and their clients or patients.

Keywords: Body-mind-spirit; holistic health; well-being; work empowerment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Education, Graduate
  • Female
  • Holistic Health*
  • Humans
  • Introversion, Psychological
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mind-Body Therapies*
  • Occupational Stress / therapy*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Power, Psychological
  • Self Concept
  • Social Work / education
  • Spirituality
  • Students
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Work / psychology*
  • Young Adult