About the Conference
The integration of spirituality and religion into the behavioral sciences has long been a contested and complex endeavor. Although psychology and sociology share with religion a fundamental concern for human experience and flourishing, these disciplines have historically operated from divergent epistemological assumptions and methodological frameworks. This conference will examine recent developments in the philosophy of science that offer promising pathways toward meaningful integration, critically assess the theoretical and practical challenges such integration may present, and highlight emerging examples of biopsychosocial-spiritual research that illuminate the potential of this interdisciplinary approach.
2027 Annual Conference
Stay tuned for more information on our 2027 conference!
Archive
Past Conferences
Our sixth Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference was held on April 17, 2026 from 8 AM-1:30 PM (Pacific Time) in our Department of Social Work and Social Ecology. An online attendance option was also available. This conference was free of charge and open to all.
The conference theme was "Neurodiversity and Spirituality"—featuring William C. Gaventa, MDiv, author, speaker, trainer, and consultant, and founder and Director Emeritus of the Institute on Theology and Disability. This talk was followed by a panel featuring William Gaventa, MDiv; Thewodros Asfaw, DMin; Lauren Bacchus, MA; and Cameron Neece, PhD followed with an insightful discussion before opening the floor to audience Q&A. The conference concluded with a showcase of student research posters presented both in person and online.
Our fifth Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference was held on April 25, 2025 from 8:30 AM-1:30 PM and was free to attend, either online or in-person. The program included speakers, a Q&A session, student presentations, and poster presentations.
The conference theme was "Faith & Healing: Spiritual Care for Diverse Communities." Featured speakers included Jessica ChenFeng, PhD, LMFT, Fuller Theological Seminary; Lynn Raine, PhD, LCSW, LLU School of Behavioral Health; Nicholas Grier, PhD, MDiv, Claremont School of Theology; and Wayne Cortez, Peer Support Specialist for Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health.
Poster Gallery
Exploring New Horizons: A Grounded Theory Study on the Experiences of Latinx Parents of Chronically Absent Students
Cristie Granillo, Nishita Matangi, Beatriz Gonzalez, Lynn Raine, Susanne Montgomery. View Poster
An Initial Inquiry into Bicultural Parenting: Exploring the Experiences of a Second-Generation Asian American Parent
Nikita Ravindra Bangera, Jacqueline Williams-Reade. View Poster
Navigating Cultural Pressures and Identity Among Asian Americans: An Initial Qualitative Exploration
Caryn Hsu, Jacqueline Williams-Reade. View Poster
The Association between Depression, Cancer Types, and Trust between Cancer Patients and their Healthcare Providers in Post-Genocide Rwanda
Joanna Fernandez, Samuel Habimana, Susanne Montgomery. View Poster
Proposed Study: "Discovering the Psychological Odyssey: Post-Pandemic Stresses of Undocumented Chinese Immigrants in New York City"
Enyi Zhang, Bryan Cafferky. View Poster
Bridging Cultures: Empowering LCSWs to Deliver Culturally Congruent Care (CCC)
Elana Berman, Lynn Raine, Qais Alemi. View Poster
Mastery Mediates the Association between Religious Problem-Solving & Exercise among Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Justin S. Yin, Kelly R. Morton. View Poster
Social Infrastructures and Life Satisfaction
Katie C. Jang, Zephon Lister. View Poster
Prostate Cancer Myths and Misconceptions: A Comparative Analysis of Black Christian and Muslim Communities
Gregory Cheadle, Susanne Montgomery, Lisa Roberts, Qais Alemi. View Poster
Addressing Mental Health Challenges Together via Community Resiliency Model: A Longitudinal Study with Survivors and Released Genocide Prisoners in Rwanda
Samuel Habimana, Zephon Lister, Emmanuel Biracyaza, Kimberly Freeman, Susanne Montgomery. View Poster
Our fourth Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference was held on April 12, 2024, in a hybrid format (both on campus and via Zoom). It was generously co-sponsored by the LLU Center for Christian Bioethics.
- Part 1: Welcome and Devotional
Presented by Dr. Beverly Buckles (Dean) and Dr. Dilys Brooks (Chaplain)
Watch - Part 2: Keynote - "LGBTQ+ Religious/Spiritual Stress-Trauma and the Complex Beauty of LGBTQ+ Faith"
Presented by Rev. Cody J. Sanders, PhD, Associate Professor of Congregational & Community Care Leadership at Luther Seminary
Watch - Part 3: Panel of Respondents
Presented by Talolo Lepale (SBH Social Work & Social Ecology) and Dr. Dilys Brooks
Watch - Part 4: Poster Session
Presented posters may be viewed here.
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
Presented posters may be viewed here.
Our second Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference was held on February 18, 2022, via Zoom.
- Part 1: Welcome and Devotional
Presented by Dr. Adam Aréchiga (former SBH Associate Dean) and Dr. 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. Kenny Boyd (SBH Psychology)
Watch - Part 4: Research Presentations
Presented by Abraham Reynolds, Tyson Albertson, and Veronica Nakla
Watch
On November 13, 2020, the School of Behavioral Health hosted our first Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference via Zoom.
- Part 1: Welcome and Devotional
Presented by Dr. Beverly Buckles (Dean) and Terry Swenson (Chaplain)
Watch - Part 2: Presentation - "Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Philosophy of Science"
Presented by Dr. Kenny Boyd (SBH Psychology)
Watch - Part 3: Panel Discussion
Featuring Dr. Adam Aréchiga (former School of Behavioral Health faculty), Scott Perryman (Children’s Hospital), Dr. Iris Mamier (School of Nursing), Terry Swenson (Chaplain), Dr. Henry Lamberton (School of Medicine), and Dr. Calvin Thomsen (School of Religion)
Watch - Part 4: Research Poster Presentations
Presented by Jade Seto, Sean Roche, and Jeffrey & Gina Gang
Watch