1- PhD Student in Psychology, Shahroud Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahroud Iran.
2- Professor of the Department of Psychology at the Hozah and University Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.
3- Assistant Professor of Psychology Department, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran.
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran.
Abstract: (485 Views)
Background and purpose: The use of virtual space has transformed different aspects of our lives and offers new ways to learn, communicate, work and have fun. But it may also have adverse consequences. Therefore, with the increasing use of virtual networks and social media, people are increasingly exposed to diverse religious beliefs and practices. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty about one's beliefs and values, which can have negative effects on mental health and well-being. Also, spirituality and religion have been shown as important factors in promoting mental health, resilience and coping skills. By examining the effectiveness of a spiritual therapy program, one can have a better understanding of how to support people in creating a strong sense of spirituality and connecting with their beliefs. Finally, the multidimensional approach of this treatment program is very promising because it takes into account the complexity of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. By examining the impact of this program on people's concepts of God and religious orientations, it is possible to gain insight into how to create effective interventions that are tailored to people's unique needs and experiences. Therefore, according to the said contents, this research was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of the multidimensional spiritual therapy program on the concept of God and religious orientation in people connected to virtual networks.
Research method: The current research was a semi-experimental type and was conducted with a pre-test-post-test design with two control and experimental groups. The statistical population of the research included people affiliated with virtual networks who referred to counseling and psychology clinics in Tehran in 1400. The sample size was determined through G*power software in such a way that the study has the necessary power to detect a difference of at least 1 unit in the amount of theism and religious orientation between the experimental group and the control group. Assuming the probability of the first type of error is 5% and the probability of the second type of error is 20%, and assuming a standard deviation of 0.9, the number of samples equal to about 15 people for each group was obtained. Therefore, among the statistical population, 30 qualified volunteers were included in the study and were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (each group included 15 people). The implementation method was as follows: after selecting the people of the sample group and before starting the treatment program, the questionnaires of Jan Bozorgi's God-belief (2018) and Allport's religious orientation (1950) were distributed between both groups. After that, the multi-dimensional spiritual treatment program was implemented on the experimental group (in the form of 12 sessions of 90 minutes and each session once a week) and the control group was not subjected to any treatment program. At the end, the post-test was done again from both groups. Also, after the end of the research, in order to maintain the ethical standards in the research, the treatment programs implemented in this research were also implemented on the control group.
The criteria for entering the research include 1- a higher than average score on the scale of addiction to mobile-based social networks, 2- having a belief in the existence of God, 3- at least a diploma level of education, 4- not participating in other therapeutic interventions at the same time and exit criteria The research also included 1- absence of more than three sessions, 2- non-observance of group-therapy rules.
Data analysis was carried out in two parts: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. At the level of descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used, and at the level of inferential statistics, multivariate covariance analysis was used. Data analysis was done in SPSS software version 24 and the significance level of the tests was considered to be 0.05.
Findings: The findings of the research showed that the effect of multidimensional spiritual therapy on the concept of God and religious orientation in people connected to virtual networks was significant (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that multi-dimensional spiritual therapy by creating balance in practice improves the concept of God and religious orientation in people connected to virtual networks.