Development of a Religious Cognitive-Emotional Therapy Program in Alleviating the Psycho-Spiritual Crises of Selected Consecrated Women

The research explored the effectiveness of Religious Cognitive Emotional Therapy (RCET) Program to alleviate psycho-spiritual crisis termed as; depressive symptoms and lack of religious meaning of consecrated women in India. The Psycho-Spiritual crises are experiences a person encounters in life that are distressing due to irrational beliefs, thoughts and emotions about consecrated life. These crises can affect their relationship with God, Religious vows, prayer, community life and ministry can lead to depression. This study was conducted in two phases: 1. development of the RCET program, 2. assessment of the effectiveness of RCETP in alleviating depressive symptoms and enhancing religious meaning of consecrated women employing true experimental research design particularly between subjects. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Assessment of Religious Meaning was admmistered before and after the implementation of the program. Total number of 60 consecrated women randomly assigned to control and experimental conditions. Data analysis was done utilizing mean scores, paired sample t-test, MANOVA and Cohen's d. The null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significant. The statistical analysis between pre, post and extended post test scores of the experimental group showed significant difference (P=0.00) revealed the significant effectiveness of RCET program in decreasing depressive symptoms and enhancing religious meaning.