American Worldview Inventory 2024: Research Suggests Consequences of Anti-Biblical Worldview Often Misdiagnosed and Treated as Mental Illness

Abstract

"The latest worldview research from Dr. George Barna of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University presents a chilling possibility: Hundreds of thousands of Americans are spending tens of millions of dollars and numerous hours investing in drugs and mental health solutions that are treating the wrong problem. Based on several recent studies exploring adults who admit to frequently struggling with anxiety, depression, and fear, Barna and his colleagues suggest that addressing those conditions may not require counseling, hospitalization, drugs, or other common remedies. The research instead indicates that those are often symptoms of an unhealthy worldview that produces and reinforces the emergence of anxiety, depression, fear, and even suicidal thoughts. Instead of turning to mental health treatments, the best prescription for millions of Americans is to embrace a more reliable and proven worldview, according to Barna. Barna is not suggesting that everyone’s mental health issues are caused by worldview deficiencies. He readily acknowledges that some people have mental impairments caused by chemical imbalances, genetic issues, physical or biological challenges, or other conditions. But for many people, the failure to recognize the consequences of harmful worldview beliefs and behaviors may result in costly, futile, and potentially debilitating misdiagnoses" (Excerpt from Report).