INTERCONNECTIVITY OF SPIRITUAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH IN THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH

Abstract

This study is an empirical study which adopted a twenty-item questionnaire on spiritual and psychological health. The sample of the study consisted of all the 100 academic staff of the Faculty of Education, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. In order to test the reliability of the instrument, the questionnaire was first of all pilot tested with a small sample of lecturers from the department of Biological Sciences (n=25) not involved in the study and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) coefficient of 0.81 was realised which is within the acceptable benchmark of reliable coefficients. The 100 board members filled and returned the questionnaire immediately. The data was collated and analysed using percentages and it was found that those who scored within the 75 and above percentile have behaviour that support high-level health; those who scored about the mid percentile need to be cautious about their behaviour which maybe compromising their health and finally those who scored below the mid percentile indicates that their behaviour is destructive to their health. In virtually all cultures, faith and its accompanying belief system provide individuals and groups with rituals and practices that foster the development of a sense of community. In turn, the community provides the authority and guidance that nurtures the emotional stability, confidence, and sense of competence needed for life fully. It is therefore recommended that everyone should take proper care of their emotional and spiritual health by maintaining a positive self-concept.