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.
2025 Conference
Stay tuned for updates about our next Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Research Conference!
If you registered for our 2024 conference, whether or not you attended, please take a few minutes to fill out our event feedback form. Your input will be extremely valuable to us as we plan future conferences.
Past Conferences
2024
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 in the photo gallery below.
Agenda Handout (PDF) Event Photos
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
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 (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
2020
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