Bridging Intent and Action in Integrative Medicine: How Goal Alignment Influences Spiritual and Physical Engagement

Yusuf Imami

Research Mentor: Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Mentor Department: Wayne State University, NonUM
Author(s): Yusuf Imami, Nikhil Parekh
Session: Session 5 (2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 11

Abstract

Integrative medicine is a method of medical care that supplements more traditional practices with a wide range of complementary forms of medicine. These complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga, or nutrition management, include methodologies to address many different mental and physical ailments. This specific research project aims to gather information and data regarding the public’s familiarity, or lack thereof, regarding integrative medicine and related practices. Through the gathering of information, the project also works to familiarize students with basic research and statistical skills. To gauge familiarity with integrative medicine, the research team created a survey using the University of Michigan’s system “Qualtrics”. Each team member contributed questions and feedback to the survey. After a few trial runs in order to improve the survey, the final survey was sent out to willing participants of all ages through primarily email and QR codes on posters put up around the University of Michigan campus and in the community. After collecting data from about 150 respondents, viewing the results in Qualtrics and cleaning the data, the computer programming language “R” was used to interpret and analyze the results in order to determine specific trends between questions. Analysis reveals statistically significant relationships between intentionality and spirituality, suggesting that acting in accordance with values often deepens spiritual engagement. Furthermore, the data shows how those prioritizing adaptive exercise often align their habits with their long term goals. Also future aspirations for people seem to be primarily driven by family and health, rather than peace or freedom. Looking towards the future of integrative medicine, many researchers have decided to create implementation projects in the context of the research project. In my case, this implementation project will be the creation of short-form video content relating to the project, catered towards younger generations. These videos will expose people to the importance and effectiveness of integrative medicine, and it will especially concentrate on my personal questions, which focus on intentionality, spirituality, and future vision.