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About the Conference

The integration of spirituality and religion into the behavioral sciences has long been a difficult issue. Psychology's and sociology's direct focus on humanity is shared by religion, but with differing assumptions and methods. The conference will explore developments in the philosophy of science that offer promising avenues for integration, some potential issues this might raise, and examples of biopsychosocial-spiritual research.

2024 Conference

This year's conference is co-sponsored by the LLU Center for Christian Bioethics. It will be held in Centennial Complex, Room 3208 (24760 Stewart Street, Loma Linda) on April 12, 2024 from 9 AM-12 PM. Hot drinks and pastries will be provided. An online attendance option is also available.

Our keynote presentation, "LGBTQ+ Religious/Spiritual Stress-Trauma and the Complex Beauty of LGBTQ+ Faith," will be given by Rev. Cody J. Sanders, PhD, Associate Professor of Congregational & Community Care Leadership at Luther Seminary. The keynote will be followed by a panel of respondents and a research poster presentation.

Agenda Handout (PDF)

Posters Presented

Past Conferences

2023

Our third Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference was held on April 7, 2023, in a hybrid format (both on campus and via Zoom).

  • Part 1: Welcome and Devotional
    Presented by Dr. Beverly Buckles (Dean) and Dr. Dilys Brooks (Chaplain)
    Watch
  • Part 2: Keynote - "Gender Identity and Faith in Clinical Practice: Applications of the GRIT Approach"
    Presented by Dr. Mark Yarhouse, Director, Sexual and Gender Identity Institute, Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL)
    Watch
  • Part 3: Panel of Respondents
    Presented by Dr. Alex Dubov (SBH Interdisciplinary Studies), Dr. Gerald Winslow (School of Religion, Ethical Studies), and Dr. Jana Boyd (LLU Sexuality and Gender Alliance sponsor)
    Watch
  • Part 4: Poster Session
    All six presented posters may be viewed in the photo gallery below.

Agenda Handout (PDF) Event Photos

2022

Our second Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference was held on February 18, 2022, via Zoom.

  • Part 1: Welcome and Devotional
    Presented by Dr. Adam Aréchiga (Associate Dean) and Dilys Brooks (Chaplain)
    Watch
  • Part 2: Keynote - "Spirituality as an Aspect of Diverse Identities and Experiences in Interdisciplinary Settings"
    Presented by Dr. Caroline C. Kaufman (McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School)
    Watch
  • Part 3: Presentation - "Proposed SBH Religious and Spiritual Clinical Training Competencies"
    Presented by Dr. Kendal Boyd (School of Behavioral Health)
    Watch
  • Part 4: Research Presentations
    Presented by Abraham Reynolds, Tyson Albertson, and Veronica Nakla
    Watch

2020

On November 13, 2020, the School of Behavioral Health hosted our first Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference via Zoom.