Mitigating depression through spiritual Practices

Evidence from India’s ageing population

Bibliographic Data

ID19503735
AuthorsAvijit Debnath (0000-0001-5085-1864, Assam University, corresponding author), Shanku Paul (0009-0001-4246-9267, Assam University), Dipankar Roy (0000-0002-0485-5941, Government Model Degree College)
Year2026
Pages1-25
Publication date2026-06-10
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMental Health Religion & Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1367-4676 • E-ISSN: 1469-9737
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13674676.2025.2539219
OpenAlexW7164148878
LanguageEN
References cited29

Depression in later life is a growing but often overlooked concern in India. At the same time, religion continues to shape the daily lives of many older adults, offering potential support beyond formal healthcare. This study examines whether spiritual involvement, defined as both belief and regular participation, is associated with reduced depressive symptoms among India’s ageing population. Using data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017–2018), we focus on individuals identified as “practising believers”. To address selection bias, we apply Propensity Score Matching, enabling more credible comparisons between groups. Depression is assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D Scale), adapted for Indian use. The findings indicate that practising believers report significantly fewer depressive symptoms than those with limited or no religious involvement. These results underscore the potential of culturally embedded practices in supporting mental well-being and highlight the relevance of religious institutions in age-sensitive mental health strategies

Ageing · Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale · Depressive symptoms · Late life depression · Mental health · Aging and Gerontology Research · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

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