Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-1994

Abstract

In a quasi-experimental intact groups design the effects of psychotherapy on spiritual wellbeing and depression were assessed in two groups of adult psychotherapy outpatients. Both groups showed significant gains on the Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (SWB), and significant decreases on the Beck Depression Scale. Further, both casual and committed Christians showed similar effects. The BDI and Existential Wellbeing (EWB) were significantly negatively correlated, but BDI and Religious Wellbeing (RWB) were unrelated. While causal effects cannot be firmly established, results are consistent with the hypothesis that successful psychotherapy increases spiritual wellbeing, including religious wellbeing. The SWB scale appears useful as a treatment outcome measure; in particular the RWB may add a unique component not currently assessed in treatment outcomes.

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