The Perceived Efficacy of The Psychotherapeutic Procedures In Faith Healing Churches In Lagos.

Abstract

Client perceived efficacy of psychotherapy is one of the major determinants of therapeutic success. The above assertion is particularly true of faith based healing. Client’s perception of the efficacy of the therapeutic procedures in faith healing churches has not been adequately documented. This paper examined empirically the perceived efficacy of the psychotherapeutic procedures in faith healing churches in Lagos. Findings will not only assist in faith building but may also be useful in managing believers suffering from psycho-spiritual disorders. 402 Christians of different denominations in Lagos responded to a structured questionnaire. Appropriate statistical techniques were employed for data analysis. The most efficacious therapeutic procedures in faith healing as perceived by the participants were jumping, drumming, clapping, rolling on the ground and shouting, while the least perceived efficacious procedures were prayer, studying and citing extracts of the Bible, fasting, praying with rosary, and avoiding contact with opposite sex. 53% of the participants held positive perception of the efficacy of therapeutic procedures in faith healing  churches. Among them 16% strongly held the belief. No significant correlation was observed between age and perceived efficacy of therapeutic procedures although significant negative correlation was observed between worship tenure and perceived efficacy of therapeutic procedures. Perceived therapeutic efficacy was significantly influenced by gender, educational  level and denomination. Authors concluded that worship tenure, gender, educational level and denomination were some of the significant determinants of perceived therapeutic procedures in faith healing churches. Findings were discussed and recommendations were made.

Keywords: Perceived efficacy, Psychotherapeutic procedures, Faith healing churches, Lagos.