CHAPTER 4 - DATA, FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
This study examines and measures the intensity of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety, before and after a twelve-week treatment plan using Orthodox neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions. The relationships between the variables were examined during the research. The independent variable in this study is the intensity of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety in the study's participants. The dependent variable in this study is the twelve-week treatment plan using the neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions prescribed by the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church. In this chapter, the hypotheses are restated after which the data, findings, and analyses are discussed.
4.1 Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were therefore formulated in this study based upon the following definition of the conditions of the experiment:
The null hypothesis, i.e., that there is no statistically significant relationship between neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment and the intensity of self-reported depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety.
The non-directional hypothesis, i.e., that there is a statistically significant relationship between neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment and the intensity of self-reported depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety.
4.2 Findings
In order to explore the relationship between depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety and Orthodox neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment, it was necessary to first determine participant levels of depression and anxiety prior to exposure to the treatment plan and then to compare that information with each participant's levels of depression and anxiety after treatment. This was accomplished through pre-treatment / post-treatment testing with the BDI and BAIŽ. Treatment compliance was also necessarily addressed and documented.
4.2.1 Pre-Treatment BDI
Part III of the instrument included a pre-treatment administration of the BDI. The results were as follows. Of the 7 male participants, 1, (14%), had a score ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', and 6, (86%), had scores ranging from 20 to 28, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression'. Of the 8 female participants, 1, (13%), had a score ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', and 7, (87%), had scores ranging from 20 to 28, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression'. A total of 2, (13%), of all those who participated in the experiment had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', and 13, (87%), had scores ranging from 20 to 28, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression'. [Please see Table 2 on page 132].
Each of the three groups tested, i.e., Orthodox, other Christian, and agnostics had similar score ranges. The average score for Orthodox participants was 25, the average score for other Christians, i.e., Roman Catholics and Protestants, was 25, and the average score for agnostic participants was 24. Of the Orthodox participants, 1 had a score of 15 reflecting the lower-range of 'Mild Levels of Depression'. Four Orthodox participants had scores ranging from 20 through 28, including: 1 with a score of 20 reflecting the lower-range of 'Moderate Levels of Depression', 1 with a score of 24 reflecting the middle-range of 'Moderate Levels of Depression', and 2 with scores of 28 each reflecting the higher-range of 'Moderate Levels of Depression'. Of other Christian participants, 5 had scores ranging from 20 through 28, including: 2 reflecting the lower-range of 'Moderate Levels of Depression' with scores of 22 and 23, and 3 reflecting the higher-range of 'Moderate Levels of Depression' with scores of 25, 27, and 28. Of the agnostic participants, 1 had a score of 18 reflecting the higher-range of 'Mild Levels of Depression'. Four agnostic participants had scores ranging from 20 through 28, including: 1 with a score of 20 reflecting the lower-range of 'Moderate Levels of Depression', and 3 with scores of 25, 28, and 28 reflecting the higher-range of 'Moderate Levels of Depression'.
A breakdown of participant responses to each item of the pre-treatment BDI during Part III of the experiment can be found in Table 3 on page 133. On item no. 1 of the BDI, which is related to 'sadness', 93% had a score of 2, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 2, which is related to 'pessimism', 100% had a score of 1. On item no. 3, which is related to 'past failure', 46% had a score of 1, and 54% had a score of 2. On item no. 4, which is related to 'loss of pleasure', 40% had a score of 1, 47% had a score of 2, and 13% had a score of 3. On item no. 5, which is related to 'guilty feelings', 46% had a score of 0, and 54% had a score of 1. On item no. 6, which is related to 'punishment feelings', 46% had a score of 0, and 54% had a score of 1. On item no. 7, which is related to 'self-dislike', 67% had a score of 1, and 33% had a score of 2. On item no. 8, which is related to 'self-criticism', 53% had a score of 1, 40% had a score of 2, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 9, which is related to 'suicidal thoughts or wishes', 40% had a score of 0, and 60% had a score of 1. On item no. 10, which is related to 'crying', 53% had a score of 0, 40% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 2. On item no. 11, which is related to 'agitation', 80% had a score of 1, and 20% had a score of 2. On item no. 12, which is related to 'loss of interest', 7% had a score of 0, 20% had a score 1, 14% had a score of 2, and 59% had a score of 3. On item no. 13, which is related to 'indecisiveness', 7% had a score of 0, 86% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 14, which is related to 'worthlessness', 93% had a score of 0, and 7% had a score of 1. On item no. 15, which is related to 'loss of energy', 7% had a score of 0, 86% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 2. On item no. 16, which is related to 'changes in sleeping patterns', 73% had a score of 1, 20% had a score of 2, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 17, which is related to 'irritability', 100% had a score of 1. On item no. 18, which is related to 'changes in appetite', 14% had a score of 0, 72% had a score of 1, and 14% had a score of 2. On item no. 19, which is related to 'concentration difficulty', 7% had a score of 0, and 93% had a score of 1. On item no. 20, which is related to 'tiredness or fatigue', 93% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 2. On item no. 21, which is related to 'loss of interest in sex', 14% had a score of 0, 53% had a score of 1, 7% had a score of 2, and 26% had a score of 3.
The cumulative scores per item for Orthodox, other Christian, and agnostic participants were analogous. Nevertheless, deviations of 3 points or more were recorded in 10 items. On item no. 3, Orthodox participants had an accumulative score of 6, other Christians had a score of 9, and agnostics had a score of 8. On item no. 4, the scores were 6, 10, and 9 respectively. On item no. 5, scores were 4, 1, and 3. Scores for item no. 6 were 4, 6, and 0. On item no. 11, scores were 5, 5, and 8. On item no. 12, scores were 11, 13, and10. On item no. 13, scores were 4, 5, and 7. On item no. 16, scores were 9, 5, and 6, and on item no. 18, scores were 3, 6, and 6. Scores for item no. 21 were 9, 6, and 7. Only item no. 6, related to 'punishment feelings', had a cumulative score deviation of 5 points or more.
Table 2
Participant Pre-Treatment BDI Score Number Sex 1 F 20 2 M 15 3 F 28 4 F 24 5 M 28 6 F 22 7 F 25 8 M 23 9 F 27 10 M 28 11 F 20 12 F 18 13 M 25 14 M 28 15 M 28
Table 3
Pre-Treatment BDI Item Scores Questions Participants Partic.1 Partic.2 Partic.3 Partic.4 Partic.5 Partic.6 Partic.7 Partic.8 Partic.9 Partic.10 Partic.11 Partic.12 Partic.13 Partic.14 Partic.15 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 4 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 2 3 2 5 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 6 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 8 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 3 2 1 9 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 10 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 12 3 0 3 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 1 3 2 13 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 16 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 17 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 18 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 19 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 21 0 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 0 1 1 1 1 3 Totals 20 15 28 24 28 22 25 23 27 28 20 18 25 28 28
4.2.2 Pre-Treatment BAIŽ
Part III of the instrument also included a pre-treatment administration of the BAIŽ. The results were as follows. Of the 7 male participants, 4, (57%), had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', and 3, (43%), had scores over 36 representing 'High Anxiety'. Of the 8 female participants, 5, (63%), had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', and 3, (47%), had scores ranging over 36 representing 'High Anxiety'. A total of 9, (60%), of all those who participated in the experiment had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', and 6, (40%), had scores over 36 representing 'High Anxiety'. [Please see Table 4 on page 136].
Again, each of the three groups tested had similar score ranges. The average score for Orthodox participants was 32, the average for other Christians, i.e., Roman Catholics and Protestants, was 32, and the average for agnostic participants was 35. Three participants in each group had scores that reflected 'Moderate Anxiety', and 2 in each group had scores that reflected 'High Anxiety'.
A breakdown of participant responses to each item of the BAIŽ during Part III of the experiment can be found in Table 5 on page 137. On item no. 1 of the BAIŽ, which is related to 'numbness and tingling', 7% had a score of 0, 73% had a score of 1, and 20% had a score of 2. On item no. 2, which is related to 'feeling hot', 80% had a score of 1, and 20% had a score of 2. On item no. 3, which is related to 'wobbliness in legs', 53% had a score of 1, and 47% had a score of 2. On item no. 4, which is related to 'unable to relax', 40% had a score of 2, and 60% had a score of 3. On item no. 5, which is related to 'fear of worst happening', 46% had a score of 2, and 54% had a score of 3. On item no. 6, which is related to 'dizzy or lightheaded', 33% had a score of 1, and 67% had a score of 2. On item no. 7, which is related to 'heart pounding / racing', 7% had a score of 0, 7% had a score of 1, 59% had a score of 2, and 27% had a score of 3. On item no. 8, which is related to 'unsteady', 40% had a score of 1, and 60% had a score 2. On item no. 9, which is related to 'terrified or afraid', 7% had a score of 1, 67% had a score of 2, and 26% had a score of 3. On item no. 10, which is related to 'nervousness', 40% had a score of 2, and 60% had a score of 3. On item no. 11, which is related to 'feeling of choking', 74% had a score of 0, and 26% had a score of 1. On item no. 12, which is related to 'hands trembling', 46% had a score of 0, and 54% had a score of 1. On item no. 13, which is related to 'shaky / unsteady', 26% had a score of 1, and 74% had a score of 2. On item no. 14, which is related to 'fear of losing control', 7% had a score of 1, 53% had a score of 2, and 40% had a score of 3. On item no. 15, which is related to 'difficulty in breathing', 13% had a score of 0, 47% had a score of 1, and 40% had a score of 2. On item no. 16, which is related to 'fear of dying', 100% had a score of 0. On item no. 17, which is related to 'scared', 80% had a score of 2, and 20% had a score of 3. On item no.18, which is related to 'indigestion', 53% had a score of 1, and 47% had a score of 2. On item no. 19, which is related to 'faint / light-headed', 33% had a score of 1, and 67% had a score of 2. On item no. 20, which is related to 'face flushed', 26% had a score of 0, 40% had a score of 1, and 34% had a score of 2. On item no. 21, which is related to 'hot / cold sweats', 13% had a score of 0, 47% had a score of 1, and 40% had a score of 2.
Table 4
Participant Pre-Treatment BAIŽ Score Number Sex 1 F 24 2 M 29 3 F 30 4 F 38 5 M 39 6 F 31 7 F 37 8 M 28 9 F 39 10 M 25 11 F 27 12 F 34 13 M 36 14 M 33 15 M 43
Table 5
Pre-Treatment BAI Item Scores Questions Participants Partic.1 Partic.2 Partic.3 Partic.4 Partic.5 Partic.6 Partic.7 Partic.8 Partic.9 Partic.10 Partic.11 Partic.12 Partic.13 Partic.14 Partic.15 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 5 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 6 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 7 2 2 2 3 3 1 2 0 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 8 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 9 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 3 2 2 2 3 2 3 10 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 12 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 13 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 14 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 15 2 2 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 18 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 19 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 20 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 2 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 21 0 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 Totals 24 29 30 38 39 31 37 28 39 25 27 34 36 33 43
4.2.3 Neptic-Psychotherapeutic Treatment Compliance
Each participant's compliance rate (CR) with the twelve-week treatment plan is shown in Table 6 [on page 141]. Of the 2 male Orthodox participants, both had CRs of 100%, i.e., they fasted as prescribed on all 54 days over the three-month treatment plan and complied with the prayer rule on all of the 84 days. Of the 3 female Orthodox participants, 2 had CR's of 100%, i.e., they fasted as prescribed on all 54 days and complied with the prayer rule on all of the 84 days; and 1 had a CR of 99%, i.e., she fasted as prescribed on 53 days and complied with the prayer rule on all of the 84 days. It should be noted that all of Orthodox participants are accustomed to fasting, or dietary restrictions, which facilitated compliance with the treatment program. Additionally, since the Orthodox participants celebrate Christmas on the Julian calendar, i.e., on January 7th according to the Gregorian calendar, they were not prone, or under any family pressure, to break their fast for Christmas festivities on December 24th or December 25th. This was also the case on New Year, i.e., January 1st and Epiphany on January 6th.
The 1 male Roman Catholic participant had a CR of 93%, i.e., he fasted as prescribed on 49 days over the three-month treatment plan and complied with the prayer rule on 79 days. Of the 2 female Roman Catholic participants, 1 had a CR of 73%, i.e., she fasted as prescribed on 32 days and complied with the prayer rule on 73 days; and 1 had a CR of 85%, i.e., she fasted as prescribed on 41 days and complied with the prayer rule on 79 days.
The 1 male Protestant participant had a CR of 96%, i.e., he fasted as prescribed on 49 days over the three-month treatment plan and complied with the prayer rule on 82 days. The 1 female Protestant participant had a CR of 89%, i.e., she fasted as prescribed on 43 days and complied with the prayer rule on 82 days.
Of the 3 male agnostic participants, 1 had a CR of 100%, i.e., he fasted as prescribed on all 54 days and complied with the prayer rule on 84 days; 1 had a CR of 90%, i.e., he fasted as prescribed on 47 days and complied with the prayer rule on 77 days; and 1 had a CR of 88%, i.e., he fasted as prescribed on 48 days and complied with the prayer rule on 76 days. Of the 2 female agnostic participants, 1 had a CR of 97%, i.e., she fasted as prescribed on 51 days over the three-month treatment plan and complied with the prayer rule on 83 days; and 1 had a CR of 97%, i.e., she fasted as prescribed on 51 days but complied with the prayer rule on all 84 days.
Conversely, of the total participants, 1 had a non-compliance rate (NCR) of 27%, i.e., she failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 22 days and with her prayer rule on 11 days; 2 had NCRs of 15%, i.e., one failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 13 days and with her prayer rule on 6 days, and the other failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 11 days and with her prayer rule on 8 days; 1 had an NCR of 12%, i.e., he failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 6 days and with his prayer rule on 8 days; 1 had an NCR of 10%, i.e., he failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 7 days and with his prayer rule on 7 days; 1 had an NCR of 7%, i.e., he failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 5 days and with his prayer rule on 5 days; 1 had an NCR of 5%, i.e., he failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 5 days and with his prayer rule on 2 days; 2 had NCRs of 3%, i.e., one failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 3 days and with her prayer rule on 1 day, and the other failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 3 days but complied with her prayer rule; 1 had an NCR of 1%, i.e., she failed to comply with the prescribed fasting on 1 day but complied with her prayer rule on all 84 days; and 5 had NCRs of 0%, i.e., they complied with the prescribed fasting and prayer rule throughout treatment.
Tables 7 - 21 show compliance in terms of days for all 15 participants. In regard to the Fasting Module, the average compliance in days for Orthodox participants was 54 of the 54 days. The average for Catholics, who had the most difficulties with the Fasting Module, was 41 days. The average for Protestants was 46 days, and the average for agnostics was 50 days. In terms of the 'Jesus Prayer' Curriculum, the average compliance in days for Orthodox participants was 84 of the 84 prescribed days. The average for Catholics was 77 days. The average for Protestants was 79 days, and the average for agnostics was 81 days. In terms of the overall treatment plan, i.e., both the Fasting Module and 'Jesus Prayer' Curriculum, Orthodox participants had the highest compliance, i.e., Orthodox participants fasted on the average of 54 days and recited the "Jesus Prayer' on 84 days. The Orthodox were followed by the agnostics with 50 and 81 days. The agnostics were followed by Protestants with 46 and 79 days. The Catholics presented the most difficulties in complying with the treatment plan, fasting on 41 days and complying with the 'Jesus Prayer Curriculum' on 77 days.
Table 6
Participants' Treatment Compliance Scores Participant Fasting Compliance Prayer Compliance Total Treatment Compliance Number Religion Sex Days Percentile Days Percentile Percentile 1 Orthodox F 54 100% 84 100% 100% 2 Orthodox M 54 100% 84 100% 100% 3 Orthodox F 53 98% 84 100% 99% 4 Orthodox F 54 100% 84 100% 100% 5 Orthodox M 54 100% 84 100% 100% 6 Catholic F 32 59% 73 87% 73% 7 Catholic F 41 76% 78 93% 85% 8 Catholic M 49 91% 79 94% 93% 9 Protestant F 43 80% 76 90% 85% 10 Protestant M 49 91% 82 98% 96% 11 Agnostic F 51 94% 83 99% 97% 12 Agnostic F 51 94% 84 100% 97% 13 Agnostic M 47 87% 77 92% 90% 14 Agnostic M 48 85% 76 90% 88% 15 Agnostic M 54 100% 84 100% 100% Table 7
Participant No.1 Treatment Compliance (Orthodox Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 10 x x x x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 8
Participant No.2 Treatment Compliance (Orthodox Male) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 10 x x x x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 9
Participant No.3 Treatment Compliance (Orthodox Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 10 x x x x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 6 10 5 10 5 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 10
Participant No.4 Treatment Compliance (Orthodox Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 10 x x x x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 8 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 11
Participant No.5 Treatment Compliance (Orthodox Male) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 10 x x x x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 12
Participant No.6 Treatment Compliance (Catholic Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x NC NC x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 NC x NC NC x x NC x x x x NC x x 6 NC x NC x x x NC x x x x x x x 7 NC x NC x x x NC x x NC x x x x 8 NC NC NC NC NC x NC x x x NC NC x NC 9 NC NC NC NC NC x x x x x NC NC x x 10 x x NC x x NC NC x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 2 8 0 7 3 10 2 11 11 10 9 9 12 11 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 13
Participant No.7 Treatment Compliance (Catholic Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x NC x x x x x x x 7 NC x x x x x x x x NC x x x x 8 NC NC NC NC NC x x x x x NC NC x x 9 NC NC NC NC NC x x x x x NC NC x x 10 x x NC x x NC x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 4 8 3 8 3 10 5 12 12 10 10 10 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 14
Participant No.8 Treatment Compliance (Catholic Ěale) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x NC NC x x x x x NC NC x x 9 x x x NC NC x x x x x NC NC x x 10 x x NC x x NC x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 5 8 3 10 6 12 12 11 10 10 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 15
Participant No.9 Treatment Compliance (Protestant Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x NC NC NC x x x x x x x 7 NC x x x NC NC x x x NC NC NC x x 8 x x x NC NC x x x x x NC NC x x 9 x x x NC NC x x x x x NC NC x x 10 x x NC x x NC x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 6 10 5 8 1 8 5 12 12 10 9 9 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 16
Participant No.10 Treatment Compliance (Protestant Male) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x NC NC x x x x x NC x x x 9 x x x NC NC x x x x x NC x x x 10 x x NC x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 5 8 3 10 6 12 12 12 10 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 17
Participant No.11 Treatment Compliance (Agnostic Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x NC x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x NC x x x x x NC x x x 10 x x NC x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 5 10 3 10 6 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 18
Participant No.12 Treatment Compliance (Agnostic Female) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x NC x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x NC x x x x x x x x x 10 x x NC x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 5 10 3 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 19
Participant No.13 Treatment Compliance (Agnostic Ěale) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x NC x x x x x x NC x x 9 x x x x NC NC NC x x x x NC NC NC 10 NC NC NC NC NC NC x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 6 9 5 10 3 9 5 11 11 11 12 10 11 11 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 20
Participant No.14 Treatment Compliance (Agnostic Ěale) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x NC NC NC x x x x NC NC NC 9 NC NC NC NC NC x x NC NC NC NC NC x x 10 x x x x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 6 9 5 9 3 9 5 11 11 11 11 10 11 11 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Table 21
Participant No.15 Treatment Compliance (Agnostic Ěale) Week Numbers Fasting Register Jesus Prayer Register Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 x
x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 10 x x x x x x x x x x 11 x x x x x x x 12 x x x x x x x x x x Toted Days 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Goal 7 10 6 10 5 10 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
4.2.4 Post-Treatment BDI
Part VI of the instrument included a post-treatment administration of the BDI. The results were as follows. Of the 7 male participants, 2, (29%), had scores ranging from 0 to 13, representing 'Normalcy', and 5, (71%), had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression'. Of the 8 female participants, 3, (38%), had scores ranging from 0 to 13, representing 'Normalcy', and 5, (62%), had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression' [see Table 22 on page 159].
Of the Orthodox participants, 5, (100%), had scores ranging from 0 to 13, representing 'Normalcy'. Three, (100%), of the Roman Catholic participants, had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression'. Of the Protestant participants, 2, (100%), had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression'. Five, (100%), of the agnostic participants had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression'.
A breakdown of participant responses to each item of the BDI during Part VI of the experiment can be found in Table 23 on page 160. On item no. 1 of the BDI, which is related to 'sadness', 53% had a score of 0, and 47% had a score of 1. On item no. 2, which is related to 'pessimism', 47% had a score of 0, and 53% had a score of 1. On item no. 3, which is related to 'past failure', 7% had a score of 0, 87% had a score of 1, and 6% had a score of 2. On item no. 4, which is related to 'loss of pleasure', 20% had a score of 0, and 80% had a score of 1. On item no. 5, which is related to 'guilty feelings', 67% had a score of 0, and 33% had a score of 1. On item no. 6, which is related to 'punishment feelings', 60% had a score of 0, and 40% had a score of 1. On item no. 7, which is related to 'self-dislike', 100% had a score of 1. On item no. 8, which is related to 'self-criticism', 100% had a score of 1. On item no. 9, which is related to 'suicidal thoughts or wishes', 73% had a score of 0, and 27% had a score of 1. On item no. 10, which is related to 'crying', 73% had a score of 0, and 27% had a score of 1. On item no. 11, which is related to 'agitation', 33% had a score of 0, and 67% had a score of 1. On item no. 12, which is related to 'loss of interest', 7% had a score of 0, and 93% had a score of 1. On item no. 13, which is related to 'indecisiveness', 27% had a score of 0, and 73% had a score of 1. On item no. 14, which is related to 'worthlessness', 93% had a score of 0, and 7% had a score of 1. On item no. 15, which is related to 'loss of energy', 27% had a score of 0, and 73% had a score of 1. On item no. 16, which is related to 'changes in sleeping patterns', 40% had a score of 0, and 60% had a score of 1. On item no. 17, which is related to 'irritability', 40% had a score of 0 and 60% had a score of 1. On item no. 18, which is related to 'changes in appetite', 33% had a score of 0, and 67% had a score of 1. On item no. 19, which is related to 'concentration difficulty', 33% had a score of 0, and 67% had a score of 1. On item no. 20, which is related to 'tiredness or fatigue', 47% had a score of 0, and 53% had a score of 1. On item no. 21, which is related to 'loss of interest in sex', 20% had a score of 0, and 80% had a score of 1.
4.2.5 Post-Treatment BAIŽ
Part VI of the instrument included a post-treatment administration of the BAIŽ. The results were as follows. Of the 7 male participants, 3, (43%), had scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 4, (57%), had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'. Of the 8 female participants, 5, (62%), had scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 3 had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'. A total of 8, (53%), of all those who participated in the experiment had scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 7, (47%), had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'. [Please see Table 24 on page 163].
Table 22
Participant
Post-Treatment BDI Scores
Number
Sex
1
F
4
2
M
5
3
F
8
4
F
10
5
M
8
6
F
17
7
F
19
8
M
15
9
F
19
10
M
15
11
F
14
12
F
14
13
M
17
14
M
17
15
M
14
Table 23 is under construction - please re-check this page at a later date
Of the 5 Orthodox participants, 5 had scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety'. Of the 3 Roman Catholic participants, 3 had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'. Of the 2 Protestant participants, 2 had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'. Of the 5 agnostic participants, 3, had scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 2 had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'.
A breakdown of participant responses to each item of the BAIŽ during Part VI of the experiment can be found in Table 25 on page 164. On item no. 1 of the BAIŽ, which is related to 'numbness and tingling', 47% had a score of 0, and 53% had a score of 1. On item no. 2, which is related to 'feeling hot', 33% had a score of 0, and 67% had a score of 1. On item no. 3, which is related to 'wobbliness in legs', 53% had a score of 0, 33% had a score of 1, and 14% had a score of 2. On item no. 4, which is related to 'unable to relax', 40% had a score of 1, and 47% had a score of 2, and 13% had a score of 3. On item no. 5, which is related to 'fear of worst happening', 60% had a score of 1, 33% had a score of 2, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 6, which is related to 'dizzy or lightheaded', 40% had a score of 0, 47% had a score of 1, and 13% had a score of 2. On item no. 7, which is related to 'heart pounding / racing', 33% had a score of 0, 60% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 8, which is related to 'unsteady', 7% had a score of 0, 73% had a score of 1, and 20% had a score of 2. On item no. 9, which is related to 'terrified or afraid', 73% had a score of 1, and 27% had a score of 2. On item no. 10, which is related to 'nervousness', 40% had a score of 1, 53% had a score of 2, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 11, which is related to 'feeling of choking', 100% had a score of 0. On item no. 12, which is related to 'hands trembling', 80% had a score of 0, and 20% had a score of 1. On item no. 13, which is related to 'shaky / unsteady', 13% had a score of 0, 60% had a score of 1, and 27% had a score of 2. On item no. 14, which is related to 'fear of losing control', 46.5% had a score of 1, 46.5% had a score of 2, and 7% had a score of 3. On item no. 15, which is related to 'difficulty in breathing', 40% had a score of 0, 53% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 2. On item no. 16, which is related to 'fear of dying', 100% had a score of 0. On item no. 17, which is related to 'scared', 73% had a score of 1, and 27% had a score of 2. On item no. 18, which is related to 'indigestion', 40% had a score of 0, 47% had a score of 1, and 13% had a score of 2. On item no. 19, which is related to 'faint / light-headed', 33% had a score of 0, 60% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 2. On item no. 20, which is related to 'face flushed', 40% had a score of 0, 53% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 2. On item no. 21, which is related to 'hot / cold sweats', 33% had a score of 0, 60% had a score of 1, and 7% had a score of 2.
4.2.6 Pre-Treatment /Post-Treatment BDI and BAIŽ Scores
The pre-treatment / post-treatment BDI and BAIŽ scores are presented in Table 26 on page 166 and Table 28 on page 168 respectively. The pre-treatment / post-treatment BDI and BAIŽ item scores are presented in Table 27 on page 167 and Table 29 on page 169. Section 4.3 discusses the correlations between the pre-treatment / post-treatment scores.
Table 24
Participant
Post-Treatment BAIŽ Score
Number
Sex
1
F
6
2
M
7
3
F
8
4
F
8
5
M
11
6
F
26
7
F
30
8
M
22
9
F
30
10
M
22
11
F
19
12
F
20
13
M
23
14
M
25
15
M
16
Table 25 is under construction - please re-check this page at a later date
4.3 Analyses and Evaluation of the Findings
In this section, the following is discussed: (a) the correlations between the pretreatment / post-treatment BDI score results, (b) the correlations between the pretreatment / post-treatment BAIŽ score results, and (c) the correlations between BDI and BAIŽ Scores and Treatment. The purpose was to determine if there is a statistically significant relationship between neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment and levels of self-reported depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety
4.3.1 Pre-Treatment /Post-Treatment BDI
The pre-treatment / post-treatment BDI score results were as follows. Of the 7 male participants, 1, (14%), had a pre-treatment score ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', and 6, (86%), had pre-treatment scores ranging from 20 to 28, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression'. Conversely, 2 of the 7 male participants, (29%), had post-treatment scores ranging from 0 to 13, representing 'Normalcy', and 5, (71%), had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression'.
Of the 8 female participants, 1, (13%), had a pre-treatment score ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', and 7, (87%), had pre-treatment scores ranging from 20 to 28, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression'. Conversely, 3 female participants, (38%), had post-treatment scores ranging from 0 to 13, representing 'Normalcy', and 5, (62%), had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression'.
Table 26
Pre-Treatment / Post-Treatment BDI Item Scores
Participant
Pre-Treatment BDI Scores
Post-Treatment BDI Scores
Number
Sex
1
F
20
4
2
M
15
5
3
F
28
8
4
F
24
10
5
M
28
8
6
F
22
17
7
F
25
19
8
M
23
15
9
F
27
19
10
M
28
15
11
F
20
14
12
F
18
14
13
M
25
17
14
M
28
17
15
M
28
14
Table 27
Pre-Treatment / Post-Treatment BDI Item Scores
Questions Participants Partic.1 Partic.2 Partic.3 Partic.4 Partic.5 Partic.6 Partic.7 Partic.8 Partic.9 Partic.10 Partic.11 Partic.12 Partic.13 Partic.14 Partic.15 1 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/0 2/0 2/1 2/1 2/0 2 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 3 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 1/0 2/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 4 1/0 1/0 2/0 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 3/1 2/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 3/1 2/1 5 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/1 1/1 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/1 6 1/0 0/0 1/1 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 3/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 7 2/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 1/1 8 2/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 3/1 2/1 1/1 9 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 0/0 0/0 1/1 1/0 1/0 10 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 1/1 0/0 1/1 2/1 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/1 0/0 11 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 12 3/1 0/1 3/1 3/0 2/1 3/1 3/1 1/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 1/1 1/1 3/1 2/1 13 1/0 0/0 1/0 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 3/1 14 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 15 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 16 1/0 1/0 3/0 3/0 2/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 17 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 18 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/0 19 1/0 0/0 1/0 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/0 20 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 1/1 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 21 0/0 1/1 3/1 3/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 1/0 3/1 0/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 3/1 Totals 20 / 15 / 28 / 24 / 28 / 22 / 25 / 23 / 27 / 28 / 20 / 18 / 25 / 28 / 28 / 4 5 8 10 8 17 19 15 19 15 14 14 17 17 14 CRs 100% 100% 99% 100% 100% 73% 85% 93% 85% 99% 97% 97% 90% 88% 100%
Table 28
Post-Treatment BAIŽ Scores
Participant
Pre-Treatment BAIŽ Score
Post-Treatment BAIŽ Score
Number
Sex
1
F
24
6
2
M
29
7
3
F
30
8
4
F
38
8
5
M
39
11
6
F
31
26
7
F
37
30
8
M
28
22
9
F
39
30
10
M
25
22
11
F
27
19
12
F
34
20
13
M
36
23
14
M
33
25
15
M
43
16
Table 29
Pre-Treatment / Post-Treatment BAIŽ Item Scores
Questions Participants Partic.1 Partic.2 Partic.3 Partic.4 Partic.5 Partic.6 Partic.7 Partic.8 Partic.9 Partic.10 Partic.11 Partic.12 Partic.13 Partic.14 Partic.15 1. 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 1/1 0/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/0 2. 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 3. 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 1/0 1/1 2/2 1/0 2/1 1/1 2/0 2/2 2/1 1/1 2/0 4. 2/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/3 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/1 3/2 3/2 2/2 3/1 5. 2/1 2/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/3 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/1 3/2 3/1 3/1 2/2 3/1 6. 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 1/1 2/2 2/0 2/2 1/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 7. 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 3/1 1/1 2/2 0/0 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 3/1 2/1 3/1 8. 1/0 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 1/1 2/2 1/1 2/2 1/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/2 2/1 9. 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 3/1 2/2 2/1 1/1 3/2 2/2 2/1 2/1 3/1 2/2 3/1 10. 2/1 2/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/2 3/3 2/2 3/2 2/2 2/2 3/2 3/2 2/1 3/1 11. 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 12. 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 1/1 0/0 1/1 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/1 1/0 1/0 13. 1/0 2/0 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/2 1/1 2/2 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 2/2 2/1 14. 2/1 2/1 2/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/3 1/1 3/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 3/2 2/2 2/1 15. 2/0 2/0 0/0 2/0 0/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/2 1/1 1/0 1/1 2/1 2/1 16. 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 17. 2/1 2/1 2/1 3/1 3/1 2/1 2/2 2/1 2/2 2/1 2/1 2/1 3/2 2/2 2/1 18. 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/2 1/1 1/1 1/0 1/1 2/1 2/1 19. 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 1/1 2/1 2/2 2/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 20. 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 2/0 1/1 2/1 2/2 2/1 0/0 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 21. 0/0 0/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 Totals 24-Éďőí 29-Éďőë 30-Áőă 38/ 8 39/ 11 31/ 26 37/ 30 28/ 22 39/ 30 25/ 22 27/ 19 34/ 20 36/ 23 33/ 25 43/ 16 CRs 100% 100% 99% 100% 100% 73% 85% 93% 85% 99% 97% 97% 90% 88% 100%
Two, (13%), of all those who participated in the experiment had pre-treatment scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', and 13, (87%), had pre-treatment scores ranging from 20 to 28, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression'. Conversely, 5 participants, (33%), had scores ranging from 0 to 13, representing 'Normalcy', and 10, (67%), had scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression' [Please see Table 26 on page 166].
The three groups tested, i.e., Orthodox, other Christian, (including Roman Catholics and Protestants), and agnostics presented the following pre-treatment / post-treatment score ranges. The average pre-treatment score for Orthodox participants was 25, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression', vs. a post-treatment score of 7, representing 'Normalcy', with an 18-point differential. The average pre-treatment score for other Christians was 25, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression', vs. a post-treatment score of 17, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', with an 8-point differential. This included the average pre-treatment score for Roman Catholic participants which was 23, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression', vs. a post-treatment score of 17, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', with a 6-point differential, and the average pre-treatment score for Protestant participants which was 28, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression', vs. a post-treatment score of 17, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', with a 11-point differential. The average pretreatment score for agnostic participants was 24, representing 'Moderate Levels of Depression', vs. a post-treatment score of 15, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression', with a 9-point differential. While all groups presented improvement, the average score of Orthodox participants improved by 18 points; the average score of agnostic participants
improved by 9 points, and the average score of other Christian participants improved by 8 points. Only the Orthodox participants had post-treatment scores ranging from 0 to 13, representing 'Normalcy'. The other participants had post-treatment scores ranging from 14 to 19, representing 'Mild Levels of Depression'.
4.3.2 Pre-Treatment /Post-Treatment BAIŽ
The pre-treatment / post-treatment results of the BAIŽ were as follows. Of the 7 male participants, 4, (57%), had pre-treatment scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', and 3, (43%), had pre-treatment scores over 36 representing 'High Anxiety'. Conversely, of the 7 male participants, 3, (43%), had post-treatment scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 4, (57%), had post-treatment scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'.
Of the 8 female participants, 5, (63%), had pre-treatment scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', and 3, (47%), had pre-treatment scores ranging over 36 representing 'High Anxiety'. Conversely, of the 8 female participants, 5, (63%), had scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 3, (47%), had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'.
A total of 9, (60%), of all those who participated in the experiment had pretreatment scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', and 6, (41%), had scores over 36 representing 'High Anxiety'. Conversely, a total of 8, (53%), of all those who participated in the experiment had post-treatment scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 7, (47%), had post-treatment scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'. [Please see Table 28 on page 168].
The three groups tested, i.e., Orthodox, other Christian, (including Roman Catholics and Protestants), and agnostics presented the following pre-treatment / post-treatment score ranges. The average pre-treatment score for Orthodox participants was 32, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', vs. a post-treatment score of 8, representing 'Low Anxiety', with a 24-point differential. The average pre-treatment score for other Christians was 32, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', vs. a post-treatment score of 26, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', with a 6-point differential. This included the average pre-treatment score for Roman Catholic participants which was 33, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', vs. a post-treatment score of 26, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', with a 7-point differential, and the average pre-treatment score for Protestant participants which was 32, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', vs. a post-treatment score of 26, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', with a 6-point differential. The average pre-treatment score for agnostic participants was 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety', vs. a post-treatment score of 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', with a 14-point differential. While all groups presented improvement, the average score of Orthodox participants improved by 24 points; the average score of agnostic participants improved by 14 points, and the average score of other Christian participants improved by 6 points. The Orthodox participants had post-treatment scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety'. The other Christian participants had post-treatment scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'; and 3 agnostic participants had scores ranging from 0 to 21, representing 'Low Anxiety', and 2 had scores ranging from 22 to 35, representing 'Moderate Anxiety'.
4.3.3 BDI and BAIŽ Scores vs. Treatment
The first and second administrations of the BDI and BAIŽ scores were examined in relation to participation in the twelve-week treatment plan. The correlation between two variables reflects the degree to which the variables are related. One of the most common measures of correlation is the 'Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient' (PMCC). When computed in a sample, the PMCC is designated by the letter 'r', and reflects the degree of linear relationship between two variables. It ranges from +1 to -1. A correlation of+1 means that there is a perfect positive linear relationship between variables (Moore, 2004). A correlation coefficient ('r') ranging from zero to 0.20 indicates no or negligible correlation. A range from 0.20 to 0.40 indicates a low degree of correlation; 0.40 to 0.60 indicates a moderate degree of correlation; 0.60 to 0.80 is regarded as indicating a marked degree of correlation; and 0.80 to 1.00 indicates high correlation (Franzblau, 1958). It is rare to find correlations of +1.00 or -1.00 in social science research. In this study, the correlation coefficient, r = 0.723, between BDI scores and treatment CRs, reflects a marked degree of correlation (with a p-value of 0.002). The correlation coefficient, r = 0.790, between the BAIŽ scores and treatment CRs, also reflects a marked degree of correlation (with a p-value of 0.0004).
A p-value is a measure of how much evidence exists against the null hypotheses (H0). The smaller the p-value, the more evidence against the H0. Researchers in the social sciences will often reject a hypothesis if the p-value is less than 0.05, as pre-established in this research. However, researchers in the so-called 'hard' sciences will often use a stricter cut-off, e.g., 0.01. The general rule is that a small p-value is evidence against the H0 while a large p-value means little or no evidence against the H0. It should be noted that little or no evidence against the Ho is not the same as evidence for the Ho. Both p-values above indicate that the associations between the responses and the predictors are statistically significant, comparing the p-values with the alpha level selected (i.e., 0.05). Therefore, the variables are related significantly and there exists a dependence relationship. The findings therefore negate the H0 of this research.
Another common measure of correlation is the Chi-square. The Chi-square is a non-parametric test of statistical significance for bivariate tabular analysis. Chi-square significance test operates by comparing observed frequencies to the frequencies expected if there were no relationship at all between the two variables. When the results are sufficiently different from the predicted H0 results, the H0 can be rejected and it can be concluded that a statistically significant relationship exists between the variables. Applying Chi-square to small samples exposes the research to the possibility of error. However, there is no accepted cut-off. Some set the minimum sample size at 50, while others would allow as few as 15. However, determining the critical values for the Chi-squares, especially in this case, 11.07 and 14.067, is helpful. When the calculated Chi-square value is equal to or greater than the critical value, it can be concluded that the probability of the H0 being correct is 0.05 or less. The calculated value of 19.167, [see Chi-square in Table 31, Chi-Square Test: Treatment and BDI Scores], is greater than the critical value of 11.071. The calculated value of 17.810, [see Chi-square in Table 32, Chi-Square Test: Treatment and BAIŽ Scores], is greater than the critical value of 14.067. The H0 can therefore be rejected and it can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the observed and expected frequencies.
Table 30Pre Treatment / Post Treatment Scores and CRs
BDI
BAIŽ
CR
Participants
Pre-Treatment
Post-Treatment
Pre-Treatment
Post-Treatment
Percentile
1
20
4
24
6
100%
2
15
5
29
7
100%
3
28
8
30
8
99%
4
24
10
38
8
100%
5
28
8
39
11
100%
6
22
17
31
26
73%
7
25
19
37
30
85%
8
23
15
28
22
93%
9
27
19
39
30
85%
10
28
15
25
22
99%
11
20
14
27
19
97%
12
18
14
34
20
97%
13
25
17
36
23
90%
14
28
17
33
25
88%
15
28
14
43
16
100%
Table 31
Chi-Square Test: Treatment and BDI Scores
CHI-SQUARE TEST
Pre-Treatment
Post-Treatment
Total
BDI Scores
0 - 5 0 2 2 6 - 19 0 3 3 11 - 15 1 5 6 16 - 20 5 8 21 - 25 5 0 5 26 - 30 6 0 6 Total 15 15 30
Degrees of freedom: 5 Chi-square = 19.167 p = 0.002
Critical Chi = 11.071
Reject the null hypothesis, since 11.071 < 19.167. The variables are dependent.
Table 32
Chi-Square Test: Treatment and BAIŽ Scores
CHI-SQUARE TEST Pre-Treatment Post-Treatment Total BAIŽ Scores 6 - 10 0 4 4 11 - 15 0 1 1 16 - 20 0 3 3 21 - 25 2 4 6 26 - 30 4 3 7 31 - 35 3 0 3 36 - 40 5 0 5 41 - 45 1 0 1 Total 15 15 30
Degrees of freedom: 7 Chi-square = 17.810 P = .0129
Critical Chi = 14.067
Reject the null hypothesis, since 14.067 < 17.810. The variables are dependent.
Critical values for the Chi-square are determined from a statistical table based on the significance level at which the test is being performed [0.05 in this case] and the degrees of freedom. The variables are related significantly and there exists a dependence relationship. In this case, the Chi-square findings clearly negate the H0 and support the non-directional hypotheses, i.e., that there is a systematic relationship between neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment and the intensity of self-reported depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety among the participants of the statistically valid sample group.
4.3.4 Extraneous and Confounding Variables
Extraneous variables are those that produce an association between two variables that are not causally related. For example, if there is an association between two variables, e.g., x and y, and that association is due to the fact that both x andy are affected by a third variable z, then the association between x and y is spurious and is a result of the effect of the extraneous variable z. Confounding variables are similar to extraneous variables. However, they affect two variables that are not spuriously related. For example, if x andy are associated and also causally related, i.e., if x affectsy, the association between x and y may reflect not only their causal connection but also the influence of a third variable, i.e., z. Therefore, the association between x and y may exaggerate the causal effect of x on y because the association is inflated by the effect of z on both x and y. In this case, z is a confounding variable.
In this research, extraneous and confounding variables were initially reduced, controlled, or excluded by the following: (a) the sample size which assisted in ensuring homogeneity of variance; (b) qualifying demographics which ensured that each of the 3 groups, i.e. Orthodox, other Christian, and agnostic, had analogous gender / age ranges and that participants had not received psychological treatment; (c) the research design integrated a participants' Religious / Spiritual Activities Register to determine any affect on treatment outcomes by such activities; and (d) the research design included a qualitative component consisting of post-treatment interviews to determine the etiology and environmental factors related to the development / maintenance of the original symptoms from the perspective of the participants. During the course of the experiment, additional factors assisted in the further exclusion of possible extraneous and confounding variables. These were (a) pre-treatment BDI scores were analogous across the 3 groups; (b) pre-treatment BAIŽ scores were analogous across the 3 groups; (c) the CR differential among the 3 groups was not greater than 13.
Having stated the above, in the case of Orthodox participants, there appeared to be a set of lurking variables that may have enhanced the causal effect of neptic-treatment on the levels of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety. These include, according to the perspective of the participants, and as documented in their R/SARs, regular Church attendance, Confession, and Holy Communion. This was predicted in the Thesis Statement in section 1.4. This is also reinforced by the findings shown in the Pearson's 'r'.
4.4 Follow-up Interviews
As explained in Chapter III, 14 weeks after the first administration of the BDI and BAIŽ, (and 1 week after the second administration of the BDI and BAIŽ), short semistructured Follow-up Interviews were conducted with all participants. The primary objective of these interviews was to obtain relevant feedback from the participants that could shed additional light on the quantitative findings.
The methods and procedures used for the Follow-up Interviews are discussed in section 3.1 on page121. To recap, participants were informed of their BDI and BAIŽ scores before the interview. All interviews began with the following question: Do you believe that there is any relationship between your levels of depression, as documented in the Beck Depression Inventory, and your levels of anxiety, as documented in the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment that you participated in over the last three months? Please explain. A brief summary of the responses of each participant to this Follow-up Interview question, and other questions, and a brief analysis of those responses are presented in sections 4.4.1 - 4.4.15 below.
4.4.1 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 1
Participant 1, a 25 year-old Orthodox female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 20 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 4 (Normalcy), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 24 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 6 (Low Anxiety). She identified the etiology of her 'depression' and 'anxiety' as being related to relationship problems. Approximately 2 years ago, she discovered that her fiancé had been seeing another woman. She terminated the engagement and has refused to see him since that time. Although she states that she is "not over the betrayal", which is an ongoing stressor, she insists that she is no longer depressed or anxious. She attributed her improvement to the treatment and to "learning how to really pray through the 'Jesus Prayer' and practicing self-discipline through fasting". She also stated: "The prayer and fasting have helped me a lot, and I'm ready to get on with my life". In terms of her Religious / Spiritual Activity Register (R/SAR), the participant was convinced that regular Church attendance, Confession, and Holy Communion, played an extremely important role in her recovery process. She had a 100% CR with the treatment program. [Please see Table 33 on page 189].
4.4.2 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 2
Participant 2, a 27 year-old Orthodox male, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 15 (Mild Depression) and a post-treatment score of 5 (Normalcy), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 29 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 7 (Low Anxiety). He stated that his depressive symptoms and anxiety were the result of problems at work and that these problems had not subsided, but were ongoing stressors. He attributed his improvement to the treatment and to "prayer and learning how to discipline myself". In terms of the R/SAR, he identified Church attendance, Confession and Holy Communion as instrumental in assisting him to "look at things differently". He had a 100% CR with his treatment plan. [Please see Table 34 on page 190].
4.4.3 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 3
Participant 3, a 32 year-old Orthodox female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 28 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 8 (Normalcy), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 30 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 8 (Low Anxiety). She explained that she had experienced persistent feelings of sadness and anxiousness since she was 12 or 13 years old, but that these had become more intense over the past 2 years. She was unable to identify any causative factors, and indicated that there had been no change in stressors. She attributed her improvement to the treatment and to her "prayer and fasting". In terms of her R/SAR, she identified Confession, and Holy Communion as important factors. She had a 99% CR with her treatment plan. [Please see Table 35 on page 191].
4.4.4 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 4
Participant 4, a 39 year-old Orthodox female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 24 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 10 (Normalcy), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 38 (High Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 8 (Low Anxiety). This participant stated that she had "feelings of guilt" related to "past mistakes" that she had made in her relationships that caused her to feel depressed and anxious. She indicated that there had been no change in stress levels. She attributed her improvement to the treatment and to "praying the 'Jesus Prayer', keeping the fast, and for the first time in my life, taking my spiritual life seriously". In terms of her R/SAR, she believed that frequent Holy Communion had contributed to her progress. Her treatment CR was 100%. [Please see Table 36 on page 192].
4.4.5 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 5
Participant 5, a 31 year-old Orthodox male, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 28 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 8 (Normalcy), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 39 (High Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 11 (Low Anxiety). He stated that he had been depressed and anxious because he had "made so many poor decisions" during his life, but that through the treatment he was learning that "God was in control". He indicated that there had been no change in his levels of stress. He especially attributed his improvement to the treatment and to "learning to trust God through prayer and by learning self-discipline through fasting". In terms of his R/SAR, he stated that Church attendance, Confession, Holy Communion, and working as a volunteer at the Church were important elements in his healing process. His treatment CR was 100%. [Please see Table 37 on page 193].
4.4.6 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 6
Participant 6, a 32 year-old Catholic female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 22 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 17 (Mild Depression), and a pretreatment BAIŽ score of 31 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 26 (Moderate Anxiety). She associated the etiology of her depression and anxiety with the many mistakes that she had made in her life, and stated that she knew that these mistakes would have long-term effects. She indicated that there had been no change in stressors. She attributed her improvement to the treatment and to "trusting Jesus". In terms of her R/SAR, she stated that practicing yoga had also helped her. Her treatment CR was 73%. [Please see Table 38 on page 194].
4.4.7 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 7
Participant 7, a 30 year-old Catholic female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 25 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 19 (Mild Depression), and a pretreatment BAIŽ score of 37 (High Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 30 (Moderate Anxiety). She stated that she had become depressed and anxious due to mistakes in choices that she had made, and that later her depression and anxiety increased because she had put on weight. The participant indicated that there had been no change in stress levels. She attributed her improvement to the treatment and to "learning how to accept setbacks through prayer, fasting, and spending time with God". In terms of her R/SAR, she stated that community service was a factor in her recovery. She plans to begin dieting now that she feels 'better' about herself. Her CR was 85%. [Please see Table 39 on page 195].
4.4.8 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 8
Participant 8, a 35 year-old Catholic male, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 23 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 15 (Mild Depression), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 28 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 22 (Moderate Anxiety). His symptoms of depression and anxiety stemmed from problems in his marriage, which, although they have not completely subsided, have decreased in intensity. He attributed his improvement to the treatment and to "praying, fasting, and... learning to forgive others". In relation to his R/SAR, he stated that community service was an important part of his ongoing recovery process. His CR was 93%. [Please see Table 40 on page 196].
4.4.9 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 9
Participant 9, a 38 year-old Protestant female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 27 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 19 (Mild Depression), and a pretreatment BAIŽ score of 39 (High Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 30 (Moderate Anxiety). She attributed her depression and anxiety to her own self-centeredness and self-absorption. The participant identified no changes in her levels of stress. She credited her improvement to the treatment and to "praying, fasting, and discovering how to love God and others". In terms of her R/SAR, she stated that 'sharing' her faith had also contributed to her progress. Her CR was 85%. [Please see Table 41 on page 197].
4.4.10 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 10
Participant 10, a 32 year-old Protestant male, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 28 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 15 (Mild Depression), and a pretreatment BAIŽ score of 25 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 22 (Moderate Anxiety). He attributed his depression and anxiety to "guilty feelings" for sins that he had committed in the past and identified no changes in his levels of stress. He credited his progress to the treatment and to "learning to love God more through prayer and fasting", and "learning to trust God for forgiveness". In terms of his R/SAR, he stated that 'reading the Word', i.e., the Bible, on a more regular basis, had also been of great benefit to him. His treatment CR was 95%. [Please see Table 42 on page 198].
4.4.11 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 11
Participant 11, a 23 year-old agnostic female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 20 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 14 (Mild Depression), and a pretreatment BAIŽ score of 27 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 19 (Low Anxiety). She stated that she had become depressed and anxious because her family and friends were continually complaining about her "selfishness and bad attitude". The participant identified no changes in her stress levels. She attributed her improvement to the treatment and to "the meditation and fasting" through which she learned to "become less selfish and mean". In accordance with her R/SAR, she stated that community service, yoga, and aromatherapy had also contributed to her "total improvement". Her treatment CR was 97%. [Please see Table 43 on page 199].
4.4.12 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 12
Participant 12, a 32 year-old agnostic female, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 18 (Mild Depression) and a post-treatment score of 14 (Mild Depression), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 34 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 20 (Low Anxiety). She became depressed and anxious when she repeatedly confronted failure in relationships. The participant reported no changes in her ongoing stressors. She attributed her improvement to the treatment and to "the meditation". In accordance with her R/SAR, she stated that evening walks and time "alone with herself had also helped her. She had a treatment CR of 97%. [Please see Table 44 on page 200]
4.4.13 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 13
Participant 13, a 37 year-old agnostic male, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 25 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 17 (Mild Depression), and a pre-treatment BAIŽ score of 36 (High Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 23 (Moderate Anxiety). He stated that his depressive and anxious symptoms had developed because he had a poor self-image. The participant identified no changes in stress levels. He attributed his improvement to the treatment and to "meditation and fasting, and their tranquilizing effects on the heart". In terms of his R/SAR, he stated that exercise had helped him to improve his self-image. He had a CR of 90%. [Please see Table 45 on page 201].
4.4.14 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 14
Participant 14, a 35 year-old agnostic male, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 28 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 17 (Mild Depression), and a pretreatment BAIŽ score of 33 (Moderate Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 25 (Moderate Anxiety). He became depressed and anxious after becoming romantically involved with a married woman at work. Although he has now broken off the relationship, he still considers that he is not "over her yet", and experiences considerable stress related to this situation. He attributed his improvement to the treatment and to "getting to know himself through meditation". In terms of his R/SAR, he did not attribute any other factor to his improvement. His CR was 88%. [Please see Table 46 on page 202].
4.4.15 Analysis of Responses: Participant No. 15
Participant 15, a 39 year-old agnostic male, had a pre-treatment BDI score of 28 (Moderate Depression) and a post-treatment score of 14 (Mild Depression), and a pretreatment BAIŽ score of 43 (High Anxiety) and a post-treatment score of 16 (Mild Anxiety). He was not able to identify the etiology of his depression and anxiety, but stated that he had been raised in a dysfunctional home. He has not spoken to his father since he was 15 years old. The participant identified no changes in his levels of stress. He attributed his improvement to the treatment and to "meditation and fasting". His R/SAR did not document any additional activities. His CR was 100%. [Please see Table 47 on page 203].
4.4.16 Summary of Follow-up Interviews
In the Follow-up Interviews, participants attributed recovery to the treatment plan. They also identified factors related to the etiology and maintenance of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety, which BDI and BAIŽ item scores appear to confirm. It should be noted that although depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety are often viewed as being triggered by environmental stressors, such as the rupture of a significant relationship or exposure to a life-threatening disaster, other physiological, spiritual, and psychological factors are involved. Analyses of the Follow-up Interviews demonstrate that the etiological factors described by participants were not momentary or transient, i.e., they were not limited to specific responses to isolated life experiences but rather were persistent and ongoing. This reinforces the presupposition that they would not have subsided without treatment. Unlike situational feelings of depression and anxiety, mild to moderate depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety are chronic and relentless disorders that often grow progressively worse over time (Gorman & Coplan, 1996; Keller & Hanks, 1994; Liebowitz, 1997; Marcus et al., 1997).
4.5 Conclusion
The Follow-up Interviews served to reinforce the results of the quantitative findings and were used as a triangulation device to provide supporting evidence.
Tables 33 to 47 are under construction - please revisit this chapter at a later date
In spite of the presence of any confounding or lurking variables, an analysis of these interviews confirmed that which was learned by the analyses of the quantitative data, i.e., there is a statistically significant relationship between participation in neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment and the reduction of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety. This relationship is generalizeable based upon the findings from the statistically valid sample group. The H0 is thereby rejected, the non-directional hypothesis is validated, and the researcher's theory as set forth in the Thesis Statement in section 1.5 is established as new knowledge, i.e., the techniques used in the neptic-psychotherapeutic method of the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church reduce the intensity of self-reported depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety in participants regardless of their religious affiliation, thereby signifying the universal and intrinsic value of those techniques. However, it appears that optimal benefits from these techniques cannot be obtained outside of the life of the Orthodox Church and her Holy Mysteries, and therefore, as theorized, the findings show that, while all who participated in neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment benefited from the same to some degree, only those practicing Orthodox Christians, actively engaged in theosis, obtained the most marked benefits from participation in the treatment program.
This study has addressed the Research Problem in section 1.4 and dealt categorically with the research question: Does Orthodox neptic-psychotherapeutic treatment have an effect on the intensity of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety? As stated above, the data, findings and analysis validate the non-directional hypothesis, and confirm the researcher's presuppositions as set forth in Chapter I. Chapter V (a) summarizes the research problem, thesis statement, hypotheses, goals, literature review, methodology, and findings, (b) draws conclusions, (c) discusses implications, (d) tenders limitations, and (e) makes recommendations.
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Last update: 11-2-2011.