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The Effectiveness of a Spiritually-Based Intervention to Alleviate Subsyndromal Anxiety and Minor Depression Among Older Adults

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a spiritually-based intervention in the alleviation of subsyndromal anxiety and minor depression in an elderly population. Twenty-two residents of six continuing care communities diagnosed with minor depression participated in this study. There was a significant decrease in anxiety and a trend toward decreased depression. In addition, participants who continued to use the Prayer Wheel had a decrease in depression scores, while those who did not had an increase in depression scores. These findings suggest that use of the Prayer Wheel may promote psychological well-being among older adults.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Geriatric Medicine, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

    Doris Rajagopal, Elizabeth Mackenzie, Christine Bailey & Risa Lavizzo-Mourey

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  1. Doris Rajagopal
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  2. Elizabeth Mackenzie
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  3. Christine Bailey
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  4. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey
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Rajagopal, D., Mackenzie, E., Bailey, C. et al. The Effectiveness of a Spiritually-Based Intervention to Alleviate Subsyndromal Anxiety and Minor Depression Among Older Adults. Journal of Religion and Health 41, 153–166 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015854226937

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