Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Self-Help (MBCT-SH) As an Intervention for Anxiety and Depression for Older Clergy: A Study of Clergy from Selected Christian Denominations in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are common problems facing older people. They become intensified among older clergy, whose mental problems are framed not just by their age, but also by their vocational experiences. This study assessed the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as an intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms for older clergy, and focused on selected mainline Christian denominations in Nairobi, Kenya. The study used a convenient sample of n=132 participants aged 60 years and above. A quasi-experimental research design was used, with an experimental group being exposed to MBCT-SH therapy for twelve weeks and followed up for eight weeks. Data was collected via a socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Index (BDI). At the baseline about 90% of participants had either mild or moderate anxiety. For the control group, anxiety estimates grew by 9%, while for the treatment group they fell by 42%, hence the intervention was effective in this regard. For depression, about 52% of participants had mild or moderate depression. A significant effect was observed in relation to the interaction of the intervention and time whereby for the control group, depression estimates grew by 80% between the baseline and midline, while for the treatment group, they reduced by 40%, hence the intervention had a significant effect on depression levels. The participants found the MBCT convenient to use, informative on the contextualised causes, triggers, and manifestations of both anxiety and depression, and effective in reducing their symptoms. They however expressed reservations about the philosophical basis of MBCT, which they felt lacked biblical backing up. The findings give incipient evidence for the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing both the levels of anxiety and depression among older clergy and can help practitioners to develop integrative strategies to prevent and treat anxiety and depression.