How do Jewish teachings relate to beliefs about depression in the strictly orthodox Jewish community

Bibliographic Data

ID19504259
AuthorsJoan Estelle Box Bayes (University College London, corresponding author), Kate M Loewenthal (0000-0001-7667-7809, Royal Holloway University of London)
Year2013
Volume16
Issue8
Pages852-862
Publication date2013-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMental Health Religion & Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1367-4676 • E-ISSN: 1469-9737
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13674676.2012.726215
OpenAlexW2319347528
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited9

The aim of this study was to explore whether and, if so, how Jewish teachings influence strictly orthodox Jewish beliefs about depression. The rabbinic literature was searched for Jewish teachings relevant to depression. Ten consenting strictly orthodox Jews were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule focussing on their beliefs about causes of and treatments for depression. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcribed interviews and explore relationships between community beliefs and the Jewish teachings identified in the review. The key themes in both the rabbinic literature and the community included the overriding importance in Judaism of preserving life, using appropriate, acceptable means to do so, and obligations to help others. Contrasts between rabbinic teachings and community beliefs included community concerns about stigma, generally lacking in the rabbinic literature, and greater rabbinic emphasis on spiritual exertion in dealing with depression. Findings could prove useful to those managing depressed, orthodox Jews

Judaism · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Theology · Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Religious studies · Social Psychology

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