An exploratory study of the effects of water fasting for depression

This mixed-methods study, including both quantitative and qualitative data, explored the use of water fasting to decrease symptoms of depression. Water fasting was defined as abstinence from all food and drink except water for a specific length of time. Transpersonal scholars have suggested that fasting can be a means of personal transformation, providing exceptional human experiences, and leading to peak experiences and self-actualization. The degree of depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and locus of control was measured using Form B of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales. The research question was Do individuals who engage in water fasting demonstrate a decrease in the symptoms of depression? Using a mixed methods design, this researcher matched 42 fasting participants to 42 comparison participants at testing time 1 for gender and level of depression according to the 4 BDI-II scoring categories of minimal, mild, moderate, and severe depression. The researcher found a statistically significant difference between the groups [F(1,82) = 20.91, p < .001], that result demonstrating the efficacy of fasting as a potential treatment for decreasing symptoms of depression. In addition, Internal Locus of Control (IHLC) pretest scores were significantly higher for the intervention participants, that result indicating a stronger belief in the personal ability to directly impact health outcomes. In the qualitative Thematic Content Analysis, themes were identified from the participants' responses. This study serves as an introduction to water fasting as a means to reduce thoughts and feelings of depression and generates indications for future research.