Benjamin R. Doolittle Michael Farrell
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Objective: To investigate the correlation
between spiritual beliefs and depression in an urban population.
Method: A convenience sample of adult
patients of an urban primary care clinic completed a
self-administered questionnaire consisting of the Zung
Depression Scale and the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale
(SIBS).
Results: Among 122 respondents, 99 (81%)
reported that they consider themselves religious. Responses from
the Zung Depression Scale found that 76 (62%) of the patients
were depressed and 46 (38%) were not. The Pearson correlation
coefficient between the Zung Depression Scale and the SIBS was
-0.36 (p < .0001). Backward stepwise regression analysis
revealed that SIBS score and physical health predicted the Zung
Depression Scale score. Age, gender, ethnicity, religious
affiliation, and income showed no significant association with
depression. Analysis of individual SIBS items revealed that high
spirituality scores on items in the domain of intrinsic beliefs,
such as belief in a higher power (p < .01), the importance of
prayer (p < .0001), and finding meaning in times of hardship
(p < .05), were associated negatively with depression.
Attendance of religious services had no significant association
with depression.
Conclusion: Appropriate encouragement of a
patient's spiritual beliefs may be a helpful adjunct to treating
depression.
Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 2004;6(3):114-118
https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.v06n0302
© Copyright 2004 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.