Edward R. Canda Ph.D.
School of Social Welfare - Social WelfareRoom 203
Edward R. Canda is Professor and Coordinator of the Spiritual Diversity Initiative in the School of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas. He joined the faculty in 1989. Before coming to KU, Dr. Canda was on the social work faculty of the University of Iowa for three years. He has an M.A. in Religious Studies (University of Denver, 1979) and MSW and Ph.D. degrees in social work (The Ohio State University, 1982 and 1986). Dr. Canda's research and service address connections between cultural diversity, spirituality, and resilience in relation to health, mental health, and disabilities. For more than 40 years, Professor Canda has been exploring insights from Eastern philosophy for social welfare. He has been a Visiting Researcher or Professor in South Korea at Sungkyunkwan University and in Japan at Ritsumeikan and Doshisha Universities. He has about 200 publications and has conducted about 230 presentations in the United States and in many other countries, especially in East Asia and Central Europe. His most widely cited books are Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice (Canda and Furman, 1999/2010, Oxford University Press) and Contemporary Human Behavior Theory (Robbins, Chatterjee, and Canda, 1998/2006/2012, Pearson). Dr. Canda has taught courses mainly in human behavior theory (at BSW, MSW, and PhD levels), qualitative research methods (at PhD level), spiritual diversity in practice (at MSW level), and study abroad in Korea (at BSW, MSW, and PhD levels). In 2013, he received the Council on Social Work Education's Significant Lifetime Achievement Award for innovations on spirituality through scholarship and education.
Education
Ph.D., Social Welfare, The Ohio State University
Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University
Master of Arts, Religious Studies, University of Denver
Masters Level Nondegree Program, Graduate Fellow of East Asian Philosophy, Sung Kyun Kwan University
Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Kent State University
Teaching Interests
- Human Behavior Theory
- Spiritual Diversity
- Cultural Diversity
- International Social Work
- Study Abroad: Social Welfare in Korea
- Qualitative Research Methods
Research Interests
- Social Work
- Spiritual Diversity
- Cultural Diversity
- International Social Work
- Philosophy of Social Welfare
- Social Welfare in East Asia
- Health Resilience
- Mental Health Recovery
Selected Publications
Canda, E. R., Moon, J. & Kim, M. (in press). Korean social welfare’s approach to spiritual diversity. In B. R Crisp (Ed.), Routledge handbook of religion, spirituality and social work. (pp. 26-34). London, England: Routledge.
Canda, E. R. (in press). Promoting human well-being and environmental justice through social work: A deep ecological perspective. In I. Prihonska, et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 2016 Hradec days of social work practice conference. . Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic: Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the UHK Institute of Social Work.
Canda, E. R. (in press). Respecting spiritual diversity in social work: Clients’ rights to freedom of and freedom from religion. In Z. Truhlarova, et al. (Eds.), Issues of social work in uncertain times. .
Vetvik, E. E., Danbolt, T. Furman, L. D., Benson, P. W., & Canda, E. R. (2018). A comparative analysis of Norwegian and American social workers’ views about inclusion of religion and spirituality in social work. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work, 37(2), 105-127. DOI:10.1080/15426432.2017.1422415
Robbins, S. Chatterjee, P. Canda, E. R., & Leibowitz, G. (2018). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work, fourth edition.
Canda, E. R., & Gomi, S. (in press). Zen philosophy of spiritual development: Insights about human development and spiritual diversity for social work education. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work. DOI:10.1080/15426432.2018.1520671
Furman, L. D., Benson, P. W., Moss, B. Danbolt, T. & Canda, E. R. (2016). Reflections on collective trauma, faith, and service delivery to victims of terrorism and natural disaster. Social Work and Christianity, 43(1), 74-94.
Chappell Deckert, J. & Canda, E. R. (2016). The influence of faith background on Mennonite students' choice of social work as a profession: An exploratory study. Social Work and Christianity, 43(2), 213-232.
Nelson-Becker, H. Canda, E. R., & Nakashima, M. (2015). Spirituality in professional practice with older adults. In D. B. Kaplan & B. Berkman (Eds.), Handbook of social work in health and aging, revised edition (pp. 73-84). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Benson, P. W., Furman, L. D., Canda, E. R., Moss, B. & Danbolt, T. (2015). Spiritually sensitive social work with victims of natural disasters and terrorism. British Journal of Social Work, bcv053, 1-22.
Canda, E. R. (2014). Foreword to the Japanese translation [Spiritual diversity in social work practice, second edition. ] (K. Kihara, Y. Nakagawa, & M. Hujii, et al.). In the Japanese translation of Canda, E. R., & Furman, L. D. (2010). Spiritual diversity in social work practice, second edition. Kyoto, Japan: Minerva Ghobo.
Gomi, S. Starnino, V. R., & Canda, E. R. (2014). Spiritual assessment in mental health recovery. Community Mental Health Journal, 50(4), 447-453. doi: 10.1007/s10597-013-9653-z
Starnino, V. Gomi, S. & Canda, E. (2014). Spiritual strengths assessment in mental health practice. British Journal of Social Work, 44, 849-867. DOI:10.1093/bjsw/bcs179
Gomi, S. & Edward, C. R. (2014). Teaching resource on spirituality and mental health recovery: Insights from the art and words of consumers of mental health services (M. Sherr). Council of Social Work Education's Religion and Spirituality Clearinghouse 58. Washington, D.C.: CSWE. http://www.cswe.org/File.aspx?id=72579
Starnino, V. R., & Canda, E. R. (2014). The spiritual developmental process for people in recovery from severe mental illness. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 33(3-4), 274-299. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15426432.2014.930626#.VNOE_2h4pcQ
Canda, E. R. (2013). Chronic illness and spiritual transformation. In D. Saleebey (Ed.), The strengths perspective in social work practice(6th ed.) (pp. 79-96). Boston: Pearson.
Banerjee, M. & Canda, E. R. (2013). Comparing Rawlsian justice and the capabilities approach to justice from a spiritually sensitive social work perspective. In M. Sheridan (Ed.), Connecting Spirituality and Social Justice: Conceptualizations and Applications in Macro Social Work Practice. New York, NY: Routledge.
Canda, E. R. (2013). Confucianism. In S. Jeffers, M. Nelson, V. Barnet, & M. Brannigan (Eds.), The essential guide to religious traditions and spirituality for health care providers. (pp. 422-436. ). London: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.
Canda, E. R. (2013). Filial piety and care for elders: A contested Confucian virtue re-examined. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 22(3-4), 213-234.
Canda, E. R. (2013). Human needs: Religion and spirituality (update) (C. Franklin, et al.). Encyclopedia of Social Work, Electronic Edition. Washington, DC, and New York, NY: NASW Press and Oxford University Press. DOI:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.557 http://socialwork.oxfordre.com.www2.lib.ku.edu/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.001.0001/acrefore-9780199975839-e-557?rskey=yug1BG&result=2
Canda, E. R., & Warren, S. (2013). Mindfulness-based therapy (C. Franklin). Encyclopedia of Social Work, Electronic Edition. Washington, DC, and New York, NY: NASW Press and Oxford University Press. DOI:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.988 http://socialwork.oxfordre.com.www2.lib.ku.edu/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.001.0001/acrefore-9780199975839-e-988?rskey=yug1BG&result=1
Banerjee, M. M., & Canda, E. R. (2012). Comparing Rawlsian justice and the capabilities approach to justice from a spiritually sensitive social work perspective. Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 31, 9-13.
Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P. & Canda, E. R. (2012). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work, third edition, Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.
Banerjee, M. B., & Canda, E. R. (2012). Culturally Competent international social work research. (. & .). CSWE's Council on Global Learning, Research, and Practice: Online Module for Teaching in the Research Curriculum. http://www.cswe.org/TeachingModules/78692.aspx
Starnino, V. R., Gomi, S. & Canda, E. R. (2012). Spiritual strengths assessment in mental health practice. British Journal of Social Work, 1-19. doi: 10.1093/bjsw/bcs179
Gomi, S. & Canda, E. R. (2012). The Billiken: Bringer of good luck and cultural competence. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 18(1), 73-82.
Furman, L. D., Benson, P. W., & Canda, E. R. (2011). Christian social workers' attitudes on the role of religion and spirituality in U.S. social work practice and education 1997-2008. Social Work & Christianity, 38(2), 175-200.
Canda, E. R., & Furman, L. D. (2010). Spiritual diversity in social work practice, New York: Oxford University Press.
Selected Presentations
Canda, E. R. (09/06/2018 - 09/06/2018). Optimal living and dying: Integrating Confucian insights with contemporary social welfare. The 2st Century Human Values Forum: Life, Embracing the Values of Living, Korea Foundation for Cultures and Ethics, Andong, Republic of Korea. Andong, Republic of Korea
Canda, E. R. (06/14/2018 - 06/14/2018). A transcultural perspective for social work. Department of Sociology, Kansai University, Osaka, Japan. Osaka, Japan
Canda, E. R. (06/08/2018 - 06/08/2018). An introduction to spirituality in social work with examples from the disabilities field. Human Rights Research Center, Kansai University, Osaka, Japan. Osaka, Japan
Canda, E. R., Canda, H. & Chan, C. . (05/19/2018 - 05/19/2018). Spiritual Growth at the End of Life. Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project, University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong, China
Canda, E. R. (05/18/2018 - 05/18/2018). Insights on positive living and dying from Eastern and Western perspectives. Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project, University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong, China
Canda, E. R. & Canda, H. . (05/17/2018 - 05/17/2018). Preventing burnout and promoting well-being for helpers in end-of-life care. Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project, University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong, China
Canda, E. R. & Canda, H. . (05/16/2018 - 05/16/2018). Spiritually sensitive assessment and interventions in end-of-life care: Theory, practice, and experience. Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project, University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong, China
Canda, E. R. (09/23/2016 - 09/23/2016). Keynote Address: Promoting Human Well-Being and Environmental Justice through Social Work: A Deep Ecological Perspective. Hradec Days of Social Work Practice Conference. University of Hradec Kralove and Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Hradec Kalove, Czech Republic.
Canda, E. R. (09/20/2016 - 09/20/2016). Introduction to Spiritually Sensitive Social Work Practice. Special Lecture, Department of Social Work, Theological Faculty. Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Canda, E. R. (06/11/2016 - 06/11/2016). Insights from Zen for teaching about spiritual development and cultural diversity. Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2016. Seoul, Korea
Canda, E. R., Kim, K. & Joung Joon, H. . (06/10/2016 - 06/10/2016). Spiritually sensitive social work practice in USA and Korea: International collaboration and innovation. Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2016. Seoul, Korea
Canda, E. R. (11/26/2015). Reflections on spiritually sensitive social work for Caritas Seoul. Symposium on Spirituality in Social Work, Caritas Seoul. Seoul, Korea
Canda, E. R. &, S. G. (11/18/2015). Insights from Zen for teaching about spiritual development and cultural diversity. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Denver, CO
Canda, E. R. (10/05/2015). From Spiritual Assessment to Spiritually Oriented Activities in Social Work Practice. Department of Social Work, Theological Faculty, Palacky University. Olomouc, Czech Republic
Canda, E. R. & Canda, H. . (12/06/2014). Spirituality in Social Work: Essence and Applications. Doshisha University. Kyoto, Japan
Canda, E. R. & Canda, H. . (11/28/2014). Intensive Introduction to Spiritually Sensitive Social Work. Kkottongnae Hyundo University of Social Welfare. Cheongwon, Korea
Canda, E. R. & Canda, H. . (10/14/2014). Current Discourse on Spirituality in Social Work Practice. Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Masaryk University. Brno, Czech Republic
Canda, E. R. (06/30/2014). A Transcultural Perspective on Spiritually Attuned Groupwork and Ritual Process in Social Work. 36th Annual Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with groups. Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Canda, E. R. (06/30/2014). The Place of Spirituality in the Strengths Perspective and Mental Health Recovery. 2014 International Conference on the Strengths Perspective and Family Treatment, Taipei, Taiwan. Taipei, Taiwan
Selected Awards & Honors
The Suzanne and Harry Statland Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship
School of Social Welfare, The University of Kansas
2018
Significant Lifetime Achievement in Social Work Education Award
Council on Social Work Education, Washington, D.C.
2013
The Suzanne and Harry Statland Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship in the School of Social Welfare
University of Kansas
2012
Award for Excellence in International Education
Alpha Pi Chapter of Phi Beta Delta, The University of Kansas
2012
Chancellor Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching
University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, Lawrence, KS
2010
Woodyard Award for Excellence in International Education
University of Kansas International Programs, Lawrence, KS
2008
Recognition for Most Outstanding Academic Book on Social Work in Translation
Republic of Korea National Academy of Scholars
2005
Chancellor Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching
University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, Lawrence, KS
2004
Statland Award for Excellence in Scholarship
University of Kansas School of Social Welfare
2004
Outstanding Scholarship Alumni Award, 70th Anniversary Celebration
Kent State University Honors College, Kent, OH
2003
Research Fellowship
The Academy of Korean Studies, Songnam City, Korea
2000
Chancellor Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching
University of Kansas School of Social Welfare
1998
Keeler Intra-University Exchange Professorship in Department of Religious Studies
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
1997
College of Social Work Outstanding Ph.D. Award
The Ohio State University
1986
