{"id":{"repo_id":"middlesex","oai_identifier":"oai:repository.mdx.ac.uk:28x463"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/middlesex/oai:repository.mdx.ac.uk:28x463","repository":{"repo_id":"middlesex","name":"Middlesex University","base_url":"https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/oai2"},"display":{"title":"The lived experience of non-religious healthcare chaplains entering faith-based healthcare chaplaincy teams","abstract":"This research explores the experiences of non-religious (specifically humanist) healthcare chaplains within traditionally faith-based chaplaincy teams in the UK. While the primary focus is on non-religious chaplaincy, faith-based chaplains views and experiences are also important as a point of reference, and to provide a broader understanding, aiming to contribute to a deeper knowledge of healthcare chaplaincy in the UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study includes a qualitatively dominated online survey (44 non-religious, 64 faith-based) analysed with descriptive statistics and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 non-religious and 11 faith-based chaplains, also analysed using RTA. Findings show that non-religious chaplains face societal and recruitment challenges, advocating for secular perspectives while feeling excluded from roles requiring religious elements. Faith-based chaplains similarly report challenges in mutual understanding and respect from non-religious counterparts. Non-religious chaplains are often in volunteer roles, while faith-based chaplains occupy paid and leadership positions, highlighting the need for equitable access to opportunities. Both faith-based and non-religious chaplains aim to provide spiritual and emotional support, upholding values of professionalism, inclusivity, and empathy. Non-religious chaplains work to bridge religious and secular ethics. They focus on existential support from a secular perspective. Faith-based chaplains see their work as a divine calling, incorporating religious rituals. Despite differences, the majority of both chaplaincy groups are optimistic about evolving, inclusive chaplaincy models. The findings underscore a mutual need for understanding and recognition of each other’s roles within the chaplaincy field. The thesis concludes that understanding and collaboration between non-religious and faith-based chaplains are vital for a diverse chaplaincy profession. Equitable opportunities, recognition, and comprehensive training are essential to address healthcare service-users’ spiritual needs effectively.","abstract_html":"This research explores the experiences of non-religious (specifically humanist) healthcare chaplains within traditionally faith-based chaplaincy teams in the UK. While the primary focus is on non-religious chaplaincy, faith-based chaplains views and experiences are also important as a point of reference, and to provide a broader understanding, aiming to contribute to a deeper knowledge of healthcare chaplaincy in the UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study includes a qualitatively dominated online survey (44 non-religious, 64 faith-based) analysed with descriptive statistics and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 non-religious and 11 faith-based chaplains, also analysed using RTA. Findings show that non-religious chaplains face societal and recruitment challenges, advocating for secular perspectives while feeling excluded from roles requiring religious elements. Faith-based chaplains similarly report challenges in mutual understanding and respect from non-religious counterparts. Non-religious chaplains are often in volunteer roles, while faith-based chaplains occupy paid and leadership positions, highlighting the need for equitable access to opportunities. Both faith-based and non-religious chaplains aim to provide spiritual and emotional support, upholding values of professionalism, inclusivity, and empathy. Non-religious chaplains work to bridge religious and secular ethics. They focus on existential support from a secular perspective. Faith-based chaplains see their work as a divine calling, incorporating religious rituals. Despite differences, the majority of both chaplaincy groups are optimistic about evolving, inclusive chaplaincy models. The findings underscore a mutual need for understanding and recognition of each other’s roles within the chaplaincy field. The thesis concludes that understanding and collaboration between non-religious and faith-based chaplains are vital for a diverse chaplaincy profession. Equitable opportunities, recognition, and comprehensive training are essential to address healthcare service-users’ spiritual needs effectively.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["de Wal, L."],"institution":"Middlesex University","degree_name":"PhD","degree_level":"PhD thesis","degree_discipline":null,"degree_department":null,"school":null,"contributors":[],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":[],"year":2024,"date_issued":"2024","date_published":"2024","updated_at":"2026-07-24T03:03:19Z","subjects":["Non-Religious Chaplaincy","Humanist chaplaincy","Spiritual Care","Healthcare Chaplaincy","Inclusivity","Reflexive Thematic Analysis"],"languages":[],"rights":[],"rights_urls":[],"identifier_entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier","label":"Identifier","values":["oai:repository.mdx.ac.uk:28x463"],"render_values":[{"text":"oai:repository.mdx.ac.uk:28x463","href":null,"code":true}]}]},"links":{"outbound_url":null,"outbound_label":null,"outbound_source":null},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["de Wal, L."]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date","label":"Dc Date","values":["2024"]},{"key":"dc:date.issued","label":"Date","values":["2024"]},{"key":"dc:publisher","label":"Institution","values":["Middlesex University Research Repository"]},{"key":"dc:publisher.department","label":"Dc Publisher Department","values":["Psychology","Science and Technology"]},{"key":"dc:publisher.institution","label":"Dc Publisher Institution","values":["Middlesex University"]},{"key":"dc:relation","label":"Dc Relation","values":["https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/28x463"]},{"key":"dc:relation.isreferencedby","label":"Dc Relation Isreferencedby","values":["https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/28x463"]},{"key":"dc:type","label":"Dc Type","values":["Thesis or dissertation"]},{"key":"dc:type.qualificationlevel","label":"Dc Type Qualificationlevel","values":["PhD thesis"]},{"key":"dc:type.qualificationname","label":"Dc Type Qualificationname","values":["PhD"]}]},{"id":"subjects_keywords","label":"Subjects and Keywords","entries":[{"key":"dc:subject","label":"Dc Subject","values":["Non-Religious Chaplaincy","Humanist chaplaincy","Spiritual Care","Healthcare Chaplaincy","Inclusivity","Reflexive Thematic Analysis"]}]},{"id":"identifiers","label":"Identifiers","entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier","label":"Identifier","values":["oai:repository.mdx.ac.uk:28x463"]},{"key":"dc:identifier.uri","label":"Identifier URI","values":["https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/download/697d31d5f9cb6d42040f3e6f980c9e0acac08dfea8a71dc9e7fd024aea661c59/7674470/LdeWal%20thesis.pdf"]}]},{"id":"additional","label":"Additional Metadata","entries":[{"key":"dc:description","label":"Description","values":["This research explores the experiences of non-religious (specifically humanist) healthcare chaplains within traditionally faith-based chaplaincy teams in the UK. While the primary focus is on non-religious chaplaincy, faith-based chaplains views and experiences are also important as a point of reference, and to provide a broader understanding, aiming to contribute to a deeper knowledge of healthcare chaplaincy in the UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study includes a qualitatively dominated online survey (44 non-religious, 64 faith-based) analysed with descriptive statistics and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 non-religious and 11 faith-based chaplains, also analysed using RTA. Findings show that non-religious chaplains face societal and recruitment challenges, advocating for secular perspectives while feeling excluded from roles requiring religious elements. Faith-based chaplains similarly report challenges in mutual understanding and respect from non-religious counterparts. Non-religious chaplains are often in volunteer roles, while faith-based chaplains occupy paid and leadership positions, highlighting the need for equitable access to opportunities. Both faith-based and non-religious chaplains aim to provide spiritual and emotional support, upholding values of professionalism, inclusivity, and empathy. Non-religious chaplains work to bridge religious and secular ethics. They focus on existential support from a secular perspective. Faith-based chaplains see their work as a divine calling, incorporating religious rituals. Despite differences, the majority of both chaplaincy groups are optimistic about evolving, inclusive chaplaincy models. The findings underscore a mutual need for understanding and recognition of each other’s roles within the chaplaincy field. The thesis concludes that understanding and collaboration between non-religious and faith-based chaplains are vital for a diverse chaplaincy profession. Equitable opportunities, recognition, and comprehensive training are essential to address healthcare service-users’ spiritual needs effectively."]},{"key":"dc:description.abstract","label":"Abstract","values":["This research explores the experiences of non-religious (specifically humanist) healthcare chaplains within traditionally faith-based chaplaincy teams in the UK. While the primary focus is on non-religious chaplaincy, faith-based chaplains views and experiences are also important as a point of reference, and to provide a broader understanding, aiming to contribute to a deeper knowledge of healthcare chaplaincy in the UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study includes a qualitatively dominated online survey (44 non-religious, 64 faith-based) analysed with descriptive statistics and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 non-religious and 11 faith-based chaplains, also analysed using RTA. Findings show that non-religious chaplains face societal and recruitment challenges, advocating for secular perspectives while feeling excluded from roles requiring religious elements. Faith-based chaplains similarly report challenges in mutual understanding and respect from non-religious counterparts. Non-religious chaplains are often in volunteer roles, while faith-based chaplains occupy paid and leadership positions, highlighting the need for equitable access to opportunities. Both faith-based and non-religious chaplains aim to provide spiritual and emotional support, upholding values of professionalism, inclusivity, and empathy. Non-religious chaplains work to bridge religious and secular ethics. They focus on existential support from a secular perspective. Faith-based chaplains see their work as a divine calling, incorporating religious rituals. Despite differences, the majority of both chaplaincy groups are optimistic about evolving, inclusive chaplaincy models. The findings underscore a mutual need for understanding and recognition of each other’s roles within the chaplaincy field. The thesis concludes that understanding and collaboration between non-religious and faith-based chaplains are vital for a diverse chaplaincy profession. Equitable opportunities, recognition, and comprehensive training are essential to address healthcare service-users’ spiritual needs effectively."]},{"key":"dc:title","label":"Title","values":["The lived experience of non-religious healthcare chaplains entering faith-based healthcare chaplaincy teams"]}]}],"canonical_facts":{"dc:creator":["de Wal, L."],"dc:date":["2024"],"dc:date.issued":["2024"],"dc:description":["This research explores the experiences of non-religious (specifically humanist) healthcare chaplains within traditionally faith-based chaplaincy teams in the UK. While the primary focus is on non-religious chaplaincy, faith-based chaplains views and experiences are also important as a point of reference, and to provide a broader understanding, aiming to contribute to a deeper knowledge of healthcare chaplaincy in the UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study includes a qualitatively dominated online survey (44 non-religious, 64 faith-based) analysed with descriptive statistics and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 non-religious and 11 faith-based chaplains, also analysed using RTA. Findings show that non-religious chaplains face societal and recruitment challenges, advocating for secular perspectives while feeling excluded from roles requiring religious elements. Faith-based chaplains similarly report challenges in mutual understanding and respect from non-religious counterparts. Non-religious chaplains are often in volunteer roles, while faith-based chaplains occupy paid and leadership positions, highlighting the need for equitable access to opportunities. Both faith-based and non-religious chaplains aim to provide spiritual and emotional support, upholding values of professionalism, inclusivity, and empathy. Non-religious chaplains work to bridge religious and secular ethics. They focus on existential support from a secular perspective. Faith-based chaplains see their work as a divine calling, incorporating religious rituals. Despite differences, the majority of both chaplaincy groups are optimistic about evolving, inclusive chaplaincy models. The findings underscore a mutual need for understanding and recognition of each other’s roles within the chaplaincy field. The thesis concludes that understanding and collaboration between non-religious and faith-based chaplains are vital for a diverse chaplaincy profession. Equitable opportunities, recognition, and comprehensive training are essential to address healthcare service-users’ spiritual needs effectively."],"dc:description.abstract":["This research explores the experiences of non-religious (specifically humanist) healthcare chaplains within traditionally faith-based chaplaincy teams in the UK. While the primary focus is on non-religious chaplaincy, faith-based chaplains views and experiences are also important as a point of reference, and to provide a broader understanding, aiming to contribute to a deeper knowledge of healthcare chaplaincy in the UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study includes a qualitatively dominated online survey (44 non-religious, 64 faith-based) analysed with descriptive statistics and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 non-religious and 11 faith-based chaplains, also analysed using RTA. Findings show that non-religious chaplains face societal and recruitment challenges, advocating for secular perspectives while feeling excluded from roles requiring religious elements. Faith-based chaplains similarly report challenges in mutual understanding and respect from non-religious counterparts. Non-religious chaplains are often in volunteer roles, while faith-based chaplains occupy paid and leadership positions, highlighting the need for equitable access to opportunities. Both faith-based and non-religious chaplains aim to provide spiritual and emotional support, upholding values of professionalism, inclusivity, and empathy. Non-religious chaplains work to bridge religious and secular ethics. They focus on existential support from a secular perspective. Faith-based chaplains see their work as a divine calling, incorporating religious rituals. Despite differences, the majority of both chaplaincy groups are optimistic about evolving, inclusive chaplaincy models. The findings underscore a mutual need for understanding and recognition of each other’s roles within the chaplaincy field. The thesis concludes that understanding and collaboration between non-religious and faith-based chaplains are vital for a diverse chaplaincy profession. Equitable opportunities, recognition, and comprehensive training are essential to address healthcare service-users’ spiritual needs effectively."],"dc:identifier":["oai:repository.mdx.ac.uk:28x463"],"dc:identifier.uri":["https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/download/697d31d5f9cb6d42040f3e6f980c9e0acac08dfea8a71dc9e7fd024aea661c59/7674470/LdeWal%20thesis.pdf"],"dc:publisher":["Middlesex University Research Repository"],"dc:publisher.department":["Psychology","Science and Technology"],"dc:publisher.institution":["Middlesex University"],"dc:relation":["https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/28x463"],"dc:relation.isreferencedby":["https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/28x463"],"dc:subject":["Non-Religious Chaplaincy","Humanist chaplaincy","Spiritual Care","Healthcare Chaplaincy","Inclusivity","Reflexive Thematic Analysis"],"dc:title":["The lived experience of non-religious healthcare chaplains entering faith-based healthcare chaplaincy teams"],"dc:type":["Thesis or dissertation"],"dc:type.qualificationlevel":["PhD thesis"],"dc:type.qualificationname":["PhD"]},"updated_at":"2026-07-24T03:03:19Z"}