Superstitious Behavior Among Family Members of Individuals Taking Psychiatric Treatment

Aim: The present research study examines the difference in terms of superstitious behavior among family members of individuals undergoing psychiatric treatment located in urban and rural areas. This research aims to understand the influence of superstition beliefs and behavior of family members on perceptions and responses to mental health treatment of their loved one. Material and Methods: The total sample consisted 100 family members of individuals taking psychiatric treatment out of which 50 from urban areas and 50 from rural areas located in Nashik districts of Maharashtra. The sample was selected from psychiatric clinics located in Nashik city. For examine the level of Superstitious Behavior researchers used superstitious behavior scale by Dr. Manasvi Shrivastav (2019). Statistical Analysis: Descriptive, inferential comparative statistical analyses were used for observing the difference. The t test was used to study the difference in superstitious behavior between urban and rural family members. Result and Conclusion: The research finding shows the significant difference in terms of superstitious behavior between urban and rural family members. The mean score of superstitious behavior was 11.52 (SD = 10.56) for urban family members and 34.40 (SD = 17.10) for rural family members and the obtained t-value was 7.56 which indicated significant difference. The study revealed that rural family members exhibited higher levels of superstitious behavior as compared to urban family members which plays the crucial role in shaping the attitudes of family members toward psychiatric treatment in rural settings.