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The Tripartite Theory and Research

Advancing a Whole-Person Understanding of Mental Health Through the Integration of Body, Soul, and spirit.

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Theoretical Foundations

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Philosophical and Existential Foundations

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From Theory to Assessment

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Advancing the Research


Tripartite Theory is moving from conceptual development toward empirical investigation and interdisciplinary scholarly dialogue. Current work focuses on further examining the relationships among body, soul, and spirit within a whole-person framework for understanding human functioning, meaning, suffering, relationships, and mental health. An interdisciplinary Tripartite Theory Working Group is also being developed to bring diverse scholarly perspectives into dialogue as the theory and its research agenda continue to evolve.

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