(Re)searching for deeper meaning: Home economics and spiritual health and well-being as contexts for research and self-reflection

The academic discipline of home economics may not generally be thought of as a context within which to explore spiritual health and well-being concepts. From the unique lens of home economist, the family must be acknowledged as a significant influence on development of ideas about spirituality. Within the context of family, diverse and cross-cultural perceptions about transcendental aspects of spirituality are formed. As a researcher, diversity of transcendental perceptions may be problematic when embedded ontological and epistemological assumptions remain unchallenged. Yet, through commitment to critical self-reflection; conducting an inventory of knowledge; and the sharing of meaning, a researcher may find a supportive environment within which to explore these topical and subjective notions, thus, locating a recontextualised platform from which to pursue cross-cultural and inclusive research. As a result of exposure to, and engagement with, home economics knowledge working in unison with meaningful dialogues and experiences at an international spirituality conference: feelings, intuition and life experiences were found to be common ground. Home economics proofs to be an ideal vehicle for exploring spiritual health and well-being concepts.