The authors believe that education is a caring activity in which the development of the whole person – body, mind and spirit – is a central aim in both formal and informal learning. Their work aims to enhance our understanding of this important field.

Acknowledging and understanding spiritual formation is vital in contemporary education. This book explores the dynamic relationship between education and wellbeing. It examines the theory underpinning the practice of education in different societies where spirituality and care are believed to be at the heart of all educational experiences. The book recognizes that, regardless of the context or type of educational experience, education is a caring activity in which the development of the whole person - body, mind and spirit - is a central aim for teachers and educators in both formal and informal learning.

The chapters in this handbook present and discuss topics that focus on spirituality as an integral part of human experience and, consequently, essential to educational programs which aim to address personal and communal identity, foster resilience, empathy and compassion, and promote meaning and connectedness.

Author Biographies.- General Introduction.- SECTION 1: The Psychology of Religion and Spirituality: Implications for Education and Wellbeing; Leslie J. Francis.- SECTION 2: The Role of Spirituality in Human Development and Identity; Daniel G. Scott.- SECTION 3: The Spiritual Dimension in Educational Programs and Environments to Promote Holistic Learning and Wellbeing; Marian de Souza.- SECTION 4: Integrating Spirituality, Care and Wellbeing in Educational Settings; James O’Higgins-Norman.- Author Index.- Subject Index.

Acknowledging and understanding spiritual formation is vital in contemporary education. This book explores the dynamic relationship between education and wellbeing. It examines the theory underpinning the practice of education in different societies where spirituality and care are believed to be at the heart of all educational experiences. The book recognizes that, regardless of the context or type of educational experience, education is a caring activity in which the development of the whole person - body, mind and spirit - is a central aim for teachers and educators in both formal and informal learning.

The chapters in this handbook present and discuss topics that focus on spirituality as an integral part of human experience and, consequently, essential to educational programs which aim to address personal and communal identity, foster resilience, empathy and compassion, and promote meaning and connectedness.