Spiritual Practices and Relationships with Family and Divinity as Predictors of Depression: Implications for Clergy and Counselors

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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.