Spiritual Practices and Relationships with Family and Divinity as Predictors of Depression

Implications for Clergy and Counselors

Bibliographic Data

ID22112396
AuthorsChristopher D Anderson (0000-0002-0053-2002, Utah Valley University, corresponding author), Sarah Hall (0000-0001-5563-5909, Utah Valley University), Mindy Steadman (0000-0001-9774-8637, Utah Valley University), Christine McCallister (Utah Valley University), Duncan Humphries (Utah Valley University), Faith Loosli (Utah Valley University)
Year2025
Volume29
Issue4
Pages415-434
Publication date2025-10-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Disability & Religion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2331-2521 • E-ISSN: 2331-253X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23312521.2025.2457772
OpenAlexW4407045460
LanguageEN
References cited79

Depression is a leading cause of disability and research has highlighted multiple aspects of spirituality which are protective against depression. However, less research has examined these influences while controlling for other factors. The current study used multiple linear regression models with 649 participants and found that one’s relationship with their family and a higher power were strongly and negatively related to depressive symptoms as measured on the PHQ-8 (B=-1.66 & B=-0.64, p < .001, respectively). Other practices showed small, or no significant effect, when other factors were considered. The implications for clergy and counselors are discussed

Divinity · Psychotherapist · Theology · Clinical Psychology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion and Society Interactions · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology

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