Citation

Pandya SP. J. Pastoral Care Counsel. 2018; 72(1): 45-57.

Affiliation

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1542305018761631

PMID

29623802

Abstract

This article reports on a multi-city two-year long experiment on the effect of a spiritual counseling program (SCP) on children diagnosed with anxiety disorders. The two-year customized SCP was conducted with 1238 children from 20 private schools in five cities across five countries, with an equal number in a control group.

RESULTS showed that post-treatment self-reported and counselor-tested anxiety outcome measure scores were lower for the treatment group. Girls, children from more affluent cities, middle-class children, and those who had one stay-at-home parent and no siblings showed reduced anxiety disorders post-treatment. Children who voluntarily attended more SCP rounds than those prescribed and those who regularly self-practiced also showed lower anxiety symptoms post-treatment. Child-focused spiritual counseling intervention comprising components of connection with God within, recognizing and annihilating fear through introspection and breath control, stilling, centering, and consciousness seemed effective. Socio-cultural factors, parental involvement, and child's own engagement with the treatment were significant determinants of effectiveness.

Language: en

Keywords

Spiritual counseling; anxiety disorders; children; spiritual counseling program