Ethical Integration of Religion and Spirituality in Sport Social Work Practicum Education

Outcomes of a Field Instructor Training Initiative

Authors

  • Philip Breitenbucher California Baptist University, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6466-9411
  • Jerri Middleton College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6021-2790
  • Emilo "Russ" Bermejo California Baptist University, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • Ed Garrett College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33043/DsM96GgRpQ

Keywords:

Practicum Education, Spirituality, Religion, Ethical Standards, Social Work Practice

Abstract

Sport social work is a rapidly emerging area of practice that presents distinct ethical and contextual challenges, particularly within practicum education. Religion and spirituality (R/S) are frequently present in sport environments and are recognized within social work ethical standards as salient dimensions of culturally responsive practice; however, field instructors often report limited preparation for supervising students around ethically complex R/S‑related issues in sport settings. This study examines the impact of a targeted field instructor training initiative designed to support the ethical integration of R/S within sport social work practicum education. Using a quantitative pretest–posttest design, data were collected from 49 field instructors, preceptors, and supervisors overseeing students in sport‑related or sport‑adjacent placements. The training focused on ethical decision-making, culturally responsive supervision, and practical supervisory strategies to address R/S in sport contexts. Paired samples t‑tests indicated statistically significant improvements in participants’ self‑reported knowledge, comfort, and perceived capacity to guide students in navigating faith‑related issues within sport‑based practice settings. Findings suggest that ethical engagement with R/S in sport social work is a teachable and developable supervisory competence, independent of supervisors’ personal spiritual or religious identification. Implications for sport social work field education, supervision, and professional training are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Philip Breitenbucher, California Baptist University, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Philip Breitenbucher, Ed.D., M.S.W., College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University. 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504. Associate Professor of Social Work. Email: pbreitenbucher@calbaptist.edu.

Dr. Philip Breitenbucher is an associate professor of social work and the Director of the Office of Professional and Career Development at California Baptist University. He currently serves as the chair of the Practicum Education Committee for the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports. His research interests include leadership, organizational change, social work instructional design, and school-based mental health.

Jerri Middleton, College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University

Jerri Middleton, D.S.W., L.C.S.W., College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University. 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504. Assistant Professor of Social Work. Email: jmiddleton@calbaptist.edu.

Dr. Jerri Middleton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the state of California and in the state of Alabama, and currently owns a private practice serving survivors of sexual violence for individual and group psychotherapy services. Dr. Middleton is an Assistant Professor at California Baptist University in the social work division.

Emilo "Russ" Bermejo, California Baptist University, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Emilo “Russ” Bermejo, D.S.W., M.S.W., College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University. 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504. Assistant Professor of Social Work. Email: rbermejo@calbaptist.edu.

Dr. Russ Bermejo is an assistant professor of social work at California Baptist University.  He also currently serves as a board member for the North American Association of Christian Social Workers, which supports the ethical integration of faith in social work practice.

Ed Garrett, College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University

Ed Garrett, Psy.D., College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, California Baptist University. 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504. Professor of Psychology. Email: egarrett@calbaptist.edu

Dr. Ed Garrett is a Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Center of Sport and Performance Psychology at California Baptist University. Dr. Garrett also serves as the Division Leader of Sport Psychology with the American Association for Christian Counselors. 

 

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Published

2026-09-12

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Advanced Online Publication

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Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Philip Breitenbucher, Jerri Middleton, Emilo "Russ" Bermejo, Ed Garrett

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