An examination of the relationship between depressive symptoms and perceptions of god among individuals seeking primary health care services: The case of Tokat/Niksar

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and perception of God among individuals seeking primary healthcare services. The study consists of two main sections: theoretical and empirical. The sample of the study consists of 266 individuals randomly selected from among those who applied to family health centres and healthy life centres in the primary healthcare services of Niksar district, Tokat province. The Personal Information Form, Beck Depression Scale, and God Perception Scale were used as data collection tools. The study examined the relationship between participants' levels of depressive symptoms and their perception of God. In addition, participants' levels of depressive symptoms, love-oriented perception of God, and fear-oriented perception of God were evaluated based on sociodemographic variables. The study found significant differences between participants' gender, age, marital status, educational level, socioeconomic status, previous psychological diagnosis or treatment, and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, significant differences were found between participants' levels of love-oriented God perception and their gender, age, and marital status; and between their levels of fear-oriented God perception and their gender. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between the sub-dimensions of depression, namely hopelessness, negative feelings towards oneself, somatic symptoms, and feelings of guilt, and the love-oriented and fear-oriented perceptions of God.