معرفی
Iris R. Wierstra is a researcher specializing in humanist chaplaincy and spiritual care in healthcare settings. She holds a Drs in Humanist Chaplaincy Studies and is currently affiliated with the University of Humanistic Studies and Tilburg University's School of Catholic Theology, where she conducts research on meaning-making in healthcare and spiritual care interventions.
Education:
- Research Master's degree in Social and Cultural Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen
- Drs in Humanist Chaplaincy Studies for a Plural Society
Research Interests: Her work centers on integrating spiritual care into healthcare systems, particularly focusing on palliative care settings. She explores how meaning-making and worldview considerations can be systematically incorporated into healthcare delivery, with special attention to interfaith collaboration and the professional identity of healthcare chaplains.
Her research employs participatory action research methodologies to develop and test interventions that enhance spiritual wellbeing among patients and clarify the role of spiritual caregivers in healthcare organizations.
Recent Research Trends: Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on evaluating spiritual care interventions in palliative settings, examining chaplains' professional identities, and fostering interfaith collaboration in healthcare. The longitudinal study approach and mixed-methods designs characterize her methodological preferences.
Professional Activities: Beyond research, she has presented on healthcare chaplaincy identity and participated in organizing conferences related to participatory research for health and social wellbeing.
