Holistic Human Health

Human health and well-being go well beyond the absence of disease. While modern medicine mostly focuses on ‘pathogenesis’ (the origins of disease), a broader focus might be ‘salutogenesis’ (the origins of health). In research, as in life, health and well-being can be a more attractive focus than disease. Moreover, strengths-based approaches emphasise the positives over deficit perspectives and celebrate what we have over what we need. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This vision points beyond the absence of disease and embodies a holistic conceptualisation of human health, belonging, and well-being. Conducting research in these areas is crucial for advancing our understanding of the factors that influence quality of life and for developing effective treatments, interventions, and social policies.

In the field of disability, research may enable the creation of tailored assistive technologies and therapies that are more inclusive and improve daily functioning. In counselling and mental health, research may inform evidence-based practices that improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce the prevalence and impact of conditions such as depression and anxiety. Research on recovery from addiction may lead to better rehabilitation programs, relapse prevention strategies, and holistic community support systems. Research in areas of human belonging and social connections may shed light on the role and significance of communities, support networks, and inclusive environments. Overall, research in these areas contributes to human health, belonging, and well-being, thus informing public policies and creating healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient communities.

Recent Publications

Creed, F. (2024). Why Churches Should Consider the Formation of Social Capital in the Design of their Welfare Programs. Journal of Contemporary Ministry, No. 9, 150–190

Hughes, P. (2024). Why People are Ceasing to Attend Churches and to Identify with Religious Institutions. Journal of Contemporary Ministry, No. 9, 101–149

Luetz, J. M., Leal Filho, W., Wall, T., Lange Salvia, A.… et al. (2024). The Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdowns on the Work of Academic Staff at Higher Education Institutions: An International Assessment. Environment, Development and Sustainability. External link

Luetz, J.M., Leal Filho, W., Thanekar, U.D., Dinis, M.A.P., & Forrester, M. (2024). Climate-Friendly Health Care: Reducing the Impacts of the Healthcare Sector on the World’s Climate. Sustainability Science, 19, 1103–1109. External link

Pegram, N. (2024). Professionals in Hospital Chaplaincy Provision. In Cronshaw, D., Taylor, S., Kappelhoff, M., Transforming Work: Missiological Perspectives for the Church in the World. Leiden: Brill. External link

Seyed Aghamiri, F., Luetz, J.M. & Hills, K. (2024). The Lived Experiences and Well-Being of Female Partners Following Discovery or Disclosure of Their Male Partner’s Compulsive Sexual Behaviours: An Australian Phenomenological Study. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 1–28. External link

Seyed Aghamiri, F., Luetz, J.M., & Hills, K. (2024). Investigating the Impacts of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours on Women Using Descriptive Phenomenology: A Research Agenda. Sexuality Research and Social Policy. External link

Seyed Aghamiri, F., Luetz, J.M., & Hills, K. (2024). Why did God let this Happen? Assessing the Spiritual Impacts of Sexual Addiction on Intimate Female Partners: A Qualitative Investigation. Sexuality & Culture. External link

HDR Theses

Arthur, Sally. Inquiry into teachers’ preparedness working with students who have neurodiverse needs (MPhil)

Billard, Jennifer. Australian Pentecostal experiences of spiritual struggles – a hybrid hermeneutical phenomenological study and spiritual theology framework (PhD)

D’sa, Pamala. Workplace Gender Equality within CRC Churches International. (DMin)

Floyd, Jemma. Violence Against Women: Gendered Attitudes in the ACC (PhD)

Hukkinen, Esa. Heutagogy and spiritual growth: A qualitative investigation on self-determined learning (PhD)

Suk Lee, Hong. A Study on Healing and Restoration for Multicultural Individuals with Disabilities in Australia through the Disability Theology Approach: Focusing on the ‘NDIS’ and ‘SILOAM Model’ of John 9 (MPhil)

Lenga, John. Challenges refugees in Australia, who live with disability face when accessing support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) (PhD)

Menzel, Miranda. How do Pentecostal Women Explain, Understand and React to Pornography Consumption by Household Partners? (PhD)

HDR Theses (Completed)

Madden, Claire. Unlocking the Motivation of Gen Z at Work: An Empirical Approach (PhD)

O’Hara, Jesma. An Evaluation of Neighbours Aid: A Case Study of an Australian Social Enterprise Business Raising Funds for Development Projects in the Majority World (DMin)

Seetahal, Kavish. An Exploration Of The Influence Which Governmental And Multilateral Donor Organizations Have On The Poverty Alleviation Methods Of Christian Faith-Based Organizations (PhD)

Lead Researchers

HDR Candidates

Sally Arthur
Jennifer Billard
Pamala D’sa
Jemma Floyd
Esa Hukkinen
Hong Suk Lee
John Lenga
Miranda Menzel
Suresh Narlapati
Judith Newton
Navishkar Ram
Elizabeth Skinner
Mark Webb

HDR Graduates

Dr Clare Madden
Dr Jesma O’Hara
Dr Kavish Seetahal

External Funding

Some research in this cluster is supported by a $250,000 grant (over 5 years) from Mission Australia, with the aim of developing a model of chaplaincy for disadvantaged communities.