Religious Involvement and Depression among Individuals with Hypertension

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23495325

Meena¹, Vallari Kukreti², and Madhu Lata Nayal³ (Department of Psychology, SSJ University, Almora, Uttarakhand^1,3 and Department of Psychology, S.D.M. G.P.G. College, Doiwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand²)

Religious practices are an integral part of the Indian sociocultural landscape, influencing the everyday lives of a large segment of the population. The present study aim was to investigate the association between religious involvement and depression across gender and age among hypertensive individuals. A total sample of 240 hypertensive individuals (120 depressed & 120 non-depressed) aged 40 to 70 years was purposively selected from Pithoragarh and Almora Districts of Uttarakhand. A personal data schedule to assess religious practices and the Depression Inventory II by Beck et al. (1996) were used. For statistical analysis chi square test and Cramer’s V test (effect size) were used. Findings revealed a significant association between religious practices and depression among female, middle-aged, and geriatric hypertensives. Whereas a non-significant association was found between religious practices and depression among male hypertensive individuals. In conclusion, the association between religious involvement and depression varied according to the gender and age of hypertensive individuals. Overall, the findings highlight the need for age and gender specific mental health assessments that consider religious practices as part of an individual’s psychosocial background.