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Open Access 01-10-2016 | Original Paper

A Novel Religious/Spiritual Group Psychotherapy Reduces Depressive Symptoms in a Randomized Clinical Trial

Authors: Yoichi Chida, Stephanie Schrempft, Andrew Steptoe

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effect of the Happy Science doctrine-based group psychotherapy on depressive symptoms in 118 Japanese mental disorder outpatients. The treatment group (n = 58) took part in five 90-min sessions at one-week intervals, while the control group (n = 60) received standard care including medication. Depressive symptoms were assessed before the intervention, 5 weeks after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms both at post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. In conclusion, this group psychotherapy might be of benefit in treating depressive symptoms.

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Title: A Novel Religious/Spiritual Group Psychotherapy Reduces Depressive Symptoms in a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yoichi Chida
Stephanie Schrempft
Andrew Steptoe
Publication date: 01-10-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0113-7

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