The World Health Organization (WHO) began its ‘Health for All’ strategy in 1977. At its conference in Sundsvall in Sweden 1991, one of the key aspects of the third public health revolution included a spiritual dimension. Cecilia Melder, PhD in existential health, points out that the existential dimension of spirituality has proven to be of great importance over the last two decades when it comes to self-rated health and quality of life. WHO’s trans-cultural field test instrument for measuring the function of the existential/spiritual dimension related to health and life quality is named the WHOQOL-SRPB survey. It measures Spiritual, Religious and Personal Beliefs (SRPB) through eight different aspects:
spiritual connection,
meaning and purpose in life,
the experience of awe and wonder,
wholeness and integration,
spiritual strength,
inner peace,
hope and optimism, and
faith.
In a worldwide pilot study with over 5000 respondents, a significant relationship was found between SRPB items and mental as well as social health.
Compared to before, our existential space has decreased. For example here in Sweden, we have more and more moved into the upper right corner on the World Values Survey Cultural Map. This position implies strong secular values in combination with strong individualistic values.
This is different from the climate we had when Christianity entered Sweden. The Christian tradition gave us a perspective upon relations, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, human dignity, righteousness, responsibility and stewardship, to mention a few. These in turn left a big mark on social commitment, healthcare, law and politics (I can recommend Prof. Kjell O. Lejon’s book “Sveriges kristna arv” to learn more).
When it comes to health in general, our population is very healthy in areas such as infant mortality, smoking, rates of exercises and longevity. But at the same time, studies indicate that a high percentage of the population report that they do not feel well. It is common to have different types of psychological problems, such as anxiety, stress and sleep problems. There are also more people receiving psychiatric care today than before. When it comes to health at work, 1,3 million people – every fourth person – in Sweden experience they have problems.
Can this ill health be related to the lack of a spiritual life? I believe there is some connection to it and that also our working life would benefit of a larger existential space and Christian values.
In my work with creating healthy and learning organizations, I use these traditional values as a foundation.
