An empirical study of the relationship between spiritually-related variables and depression in hospitalized adults

Abstract

The relationship of spiritual perspective, self-transcendence, and philosophical orientation of treatment program to level of depression was the focus of this research study. The research was guided by a lifespan developmental framework of spirituality in which spirituality is regarded as a resource for mental health that can emerge during critical life events such as hospitalization for major depression. Individuals answered questionnaires regarding their perspective on the above variables. Findings revealed that self-transcendence was significantly related to level of depression. No significant relationship between spirituality and level of depression was found when the group was analyzed as a whole; however, when analyzed by treatment group, the Christian treatment group did show a significant negative relationship. Self-transcendence accounted for 58% of the variance in predicting depression in adults hospitalized with major depression. Findings also revealed existing relationships between spirituality and education level, previous psychiatric hospitalizations, and perceived mental and physical health.