%0 Journal Article
%T Chaplaincy Perspectives on the Role of Spirituality in Australian Health and Aged Care.
%A Best MC
%A Jones K
%A Bradford K
%A Kearney M
%J J Relig Health
%V 62
%N 3
%D Jun 2023 4
%M 36738395
%F 2.732
%R 10.1007/s10943-023-01752-4
%X The aim of this study was to explore Australian chaplains' views of spirituality. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 16 participants. Participants relied heavily on metaphors and analogies to describe spirituality. Four inter-related themes were identified through reflexive thematic analysis: (1) The core of spirituality: spirituality as a source of meaning or belief which leads to connectedness with something greater than oneself; (2) A function of spirituality: spirituality empowers people to cope in a crisis, by providing motivation, hope and comfort; (3) The experience of spiritual crisis: admission to hospital or residential care can lead to existential struggle; and (4) The spiritual practice: of holding space between struggle and growth. Greater understanding of the theoretical basis of their work may allow chaplains to offer more in the therapeutic space.