Pathways to inner peace: A meta-analysis of case studies on methods in chaplaincy

Abstract

This study explores the extent to which chaplains employ structured methods in their practice in view of home-based chaplaincy in the Netherlands by conducting a secondary analysis of 40 case studies from the Dutch Case Studies Project (2016–21). Findings indicate that chaplains employ a broad range of interventions, among which two structured methods were identified: The Diamond Model and mindfulness. Both methods support clients in coping with vulnerability and making life decisions using different theoretical and spiritual approaches. It was found that both methods were applied flexibly, reflecting a balance between professional discretion and methodological integrity. Overall, the findings suggest that chaplains aim to integrate interventions, maintaining a balance between structured methods and relational presence, ultimately striving to foster inner peace through varied theoretical and spiritual approaches.