Harris

Harris - The Relationship of Decline in Spiritual Struggles to Psychotherapy Outcomes:Evidence from a Large Scale Survey of Psychotherapy Clients

Nathan Harris and Timothy A. Sisemore, Richmont Graduate University; Kenneth I. Pargament, Bowling Green University; Jeb Brown, Center for Clinical Informatics

Abstract

The relationship between spiritual struggles and mental health symptomology has received increased attention in recent years. The majority of research has shown that spiritual struggles are often linked with negative psychological functioning, such as increased depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Psychotherapy effectiveness is a field that has also been heavily researched. This study examines the relationship between decreases in spiritual struggles and psychotherapy outcomes. We hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between decreasing spiritual struggles and improved psychotherapy outcomes. Utilizing a questionnaire developed by A Collaborative Outcomes Research Network, we compared the self-reports of 1,729 individuals. 474 of those studied experienced decrease in spiritual struggles as therapy progressed. The hypothesis was supported by a total effect size of 1.18. Those whose spiritual struggles decreased through the course of therapy were more likely to experience a reduction in their negative psychological symptoms.

Keywords: Spiritual Struggles, Religious Coping, Psychotherapy Outcomes, Religion, Spirituality, Psychological Symptomology, Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder