ABSTRACT
The present study explores the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms during the full moon phase among individuals in Delhi-NCR. Using stratified random sampling, data from 380 respondents were analyzed. The findings suggest that while a portion of individuals report heightened emotional disturbances during the full moon, the majority do not experience significant mental health changes. The study highlights the complex interplay between lunar phases and psychological well-being, emphasizing the role of individual resilience and external influences over lunar impact.
Keywords: Full Moon Phase, Depression and Anxiety.
1. INTRODUCTION
Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide, impacting millions of individuals. Their development and intensification are influenced by a range of environmental, biological and social factors. There has been a rising interest in recent years toward exploring the potential link between lunar phases and mental health, especially in relation to depression and anxiety. The concept of lunar phases and its impact on mental health dates back to ancient times, where people believed that the moon’s different phases could affect their emotional and mental states. For instance, full moon was thought to bring about insanity, while a new moon was believed to be associated with depression and sadness. Although traditionally considered a myth, an increasing body of empirical research now supports a connection between lunar phases and mental health. The potential impact of the lunar cycle on human psychological and physiological disturbances has been recognized in academic literature as the ‘Transylvanian Effect’, Mason (1997).
The effect of lunar phases on mental health, especially depression and anxiety, is an increasingly studied area. More research is required to gain a more profound insight into link between lunar phases and mental health and to create effective treatment strategies. The study of this relationship is an interdisciplinary field that holds cultural, scientific, and practical relevance. It presents an opportunity to integrate traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific inquiry to enhance our understanding and management of mental health issues related to lunar cycles.
The connection between lunar phases and mental health, especially depression and anxiety, has deep historical significance in many cultures and is increasingly supported by modern research. Vedic astrology, which originates from ancient India, highlights the moon’s impact on emotional and mental health, linking the full moon to intensified emotions and the new moon to rest and introspection. Despite this long-standing belief, the exact mechanisms driving this relationship have yet to be fully uncovered. Some theories propose that gravitational influences and disruptions to circadian rhythms may play a role in affecting mental well-being.
Full moon, one of eight lunar phases, in which the entire round illuminated face of Moon is visible from Earth. The F.M. is typically considered the most striking of the lunar phases because during this phase the most sunlight reflects off the Moon toward Earth. During and around the night of F. M., other celestial objects such as stars and planets are more difficult to observe because of Moon’s glare. It is also difficult to observe surface of Moon itself when it is full, as the light tends to wash out topographic features. Given that one half of the Moon always faces the Sun as it orbits, one half of the Moon is always illuminated and the other half is always dark. As the Moon progresses through its orbit, amount of illuminated lunar surface visible from Earth changes, creating the phases. The Moon appears full when it reaches the halfway point of its orbit that is, when it is directly opposite the Sun, with Earth in between. Due to its position opposite the Sun, the full moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise; Emily Kendall (2023).
The concept of the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms during the full moon has been a topic of interest in both cultural beliefs and scientific inquiry. Historically, many cultures have associated the full moon with heightened emotional states and psychological disturbances. The prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms during the F. M. is a topic that has intrigued both researchers and general public for many years. It stems from belief that lunar phases, particularly the full moon, may have a profound impact on human behavior and mental health. Prevalence pertains to the number of individuals experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms during the full moon phase compared to other times of the lunar cycle. Severity measures the intensity or degree of the symptoms. When discussing depression and anxiety, severity can range from mild to severe, impacting individuals’ daily functioning and well-being.
Depression and anxiety are complex mental health conditions influenced by various biological, psychological, and environmental factors.The full moon may influence mental health is rooted in folklore, cultural beliefs, and anecdotal evidence. Many people have claimed that during a full moon, they experience heightened emotions, sleep disturbances, or mood swings. However, scientific research has yielded mixed results, and it is essential to distinguish between correlation and causation like Hicks-Caskey & Potter (1991) in their study found a notable and statistically significant increase in the occurrence of misbehaviours specifically on the day of the Full Moon (FM) when compared to all other days throughout the lunar period. This intriguing observation suggests that there may be a correlation or association between lunar phases, particularly the full moon, and an uptick in misbehaviour.
Röösli et al. (2006) conducted a study that explored the potential impact of lunar phases on the duration of sleep, as part of a secondary analysis within a feasibility study concerning mobile telephone base stations and sleep quality. The study suggested a correlation between lunar phases and sleep duration, with participants experiencing slightly shorter sleep durations during full moon phases. It also highlighted gender and age differences in sleep patterns and noted that morning fatigue levels varied with the lunar cycle, with increased tiredness observed during full moon periods.
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
According to Hicks-Caskey & Potter (1991) in their study, they found a notable and statistically significant increase in the occurrence of misbehaviours specifically on the day of the Full Moon (FM) when compared to all other days throughout the lunar period. This fascinating finding indicates that there could be a connection or association between lunar phases, particularly the Full Moon, and an uptick in misbehaviour.
A study conducted by Owen et al. (1998) found no supporting evidence for the belief that lunar phases influence human behaviour or activity. Their findings showed no statistically significant link between the lunar cycle and the frequency or intensity of violent and aggressive behaviours.
In accordance with the findings presented by Laverty and Kelly (1998) there is no discernible connection between the incidence of traffic accidents resulting in property damage or nonfatal injuries and various lunar cycles, including the total or half synodic and anomalistic lunar cycles, as well as the stages of the waxing and waning synodic cycle. Parmeshwaran et al. (1999) investigated the incidence of non affective psychoses concerning lunar phases. Their study sought to determine if there was a correlation between moon’s phases and the occurrence of non-affective psychiatric disorders, shedding light on a potential link between lunar cycles and specific mental health conditions.Additionally, Barr (2000) examined significant changes in mental state of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in relation to lunar phases. The study sought to establish whether the moon’s cycles had any bearing on the fluctuations of mental well-being experienced by schizophrenia patients.
Peters-Engl et al. (2001) examined whether the timing of surgery to specific lunar phases had any impact on survival rates of patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The result shows no significant influence on patient survival based on the particular lunar phase at which the surgery was performed. These finding shows that lunar cycle not play play a substantial role in affecting the outcomes of breast cancer patients.
Benbadis et al. (2004) carried out an extensive review of seizure incidents recorded in their epilepsy monitoring unit over a three-year period. Their study examined the total count of seizures, encompassing both epileptic and non epileptic types. Notably, the results showed no statistically significant connection between lunar phases and overall frequency of seizures.
Röösli et al. (2006) study suggested a correlation between L. P. and sleep duration, with participants experiencing slightly shorter sleep durations during Full Moon phases. It also highlighted gender and age differences in sleep patterns and noted that morning fatigue levels varied with the lunar cycle, with increased tiredness observed during Full Moon periods. Various studies have explored the potential influence of moon phases on exacerbation of mental illnesses, encompassing different facets of behavioural disorders. Calver et al. (2009) delved into this phenomenon, investigating how lunar phases might relate to distinct manifestations of behavioural disorders. Their research aimed to understand whether certain phases of moon could contribute to worsening of these conditions.
Banfield et al. (2017) reported findings indicating a possible influence of lunar phases on the incidence of intracranial aneurysm ruptures. However, it is important to acknowledge that the studies they cited were based on relatively small sample sizes, offered minimal detail about the patient populations involved, and lacked comprehensive explanations of the statistical methods employed in the analyses.
Maslov (2022) examining the potential influence of moon phases on individuals with mental disorders and their frequency of emergency and urgent admissions to mental hospitals in the city of Penza and Penza oblast (Russia) during the years 2018 and 2019. The study specifically looked at the frequency of hospital admissions among individuals with severe mental disorders characterized by pronounced psychotic and affective or behavioural manifestations, during various moon phases. This finding aligns with similar international studies, suggesting that lunar phases may not have a substantial impact on the frequency of emergency and urgent admissions for individuals with severe mental disorders.
Kumar’s (2024) study explores the long-standing belief that phases of moon influence the human mind. Given the advancements in space exploration, including humanity’s landing on the moon, these beliefs warrant further investigation. The study addresses the question of whether moon cycles have any impact on mental health disorders.
OBJECTIVE OF THE RESEARCH STUDY
- To analyze the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms during the full moon phase.
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Area of Research: The area of research includes Delhi- NCR.
Sampling Design: In this study, the researcher employed a stratified random sampling technique to gather data from various respondents. The researcher has taken 380 respondents from the Delhi- NCR.
ANALYSIS RELATED TO PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS DURING THE FULL MOON PHASE
Table 1: Table showing the response related to prevalence and severity of depression symptoms during the full moon phase
Analysis:
1. Perception of Depressive Symptoms: A total of 34.48% report increased feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the full moon, while 38.15% do not notice any changes. Additionally, 27.37% remain neutral, indicating mixed perceptions and varying emotional responses to the lunar phase.
2. Impact on Stress Management: About 33.43% find it harder to cope with stress during the full moon, whereas 52.36% report no additional difficulties. Meanwhile, 14.21% remain neutral. So, stress management appears largely unaffected by the lunar phase for most respondents, though some individuals find it harder to cope, indicating personal resilience and external factors play a bigger role.
3. Social Withdrawal Patterns: While 39.48% feel more socially withdrawn during the full moon, 53.94% do not experience increased isolation. A small portion (6.58%) remains neutral, highlighting that social behaviors are shaped more by personal and external factors than lunar phases.
4. Seeking Professional Help: A notable 45.78% have sought therapy or medication for depressive symptoms linked to the full moon, whereas 40.78% have not. About 13.42% remain neutral. So, a significant number of individuals seek professional help for depressive symptoms linked to the full moon, though others either do not experience such effects or do not find them severe enough to warrant intervention.
5. Thoughts of Self-Harm: Most respondents 59.73% do not experience increased thoughts of self-harm during the full moon. However, 29.49% report a higher likelihood of such thoughts, and 10.78% remain neutral, emphasizing the complexity of mental health influences beyond lunar cycles.
6. Impact on Daily Functioning: Nearly half 48.94% report a decline in productivity and daily task performance due to depressive symptoms during the full moon, while 41.57% do not. Meanwhile, 9.47% remain neutral, indicating variability in how individuals perceive and respond to lunar influences.
4. CONCLUSION
The result indicate that depressive symptoms during the full moon phase are experienced by a noticeable portion of individuals, manifesting in feelings of sadness, social withdrawal, stress-related difficulties, and impaired daily functioning. While a considerable number seek professional help, and some report more serious concerns such as thoughts of self-harm, the majority of respondents do not observe significant changes in their mental health or behavior during this lunar phase. This suggests that while the full moon may influence emotional and psychological states for certain individuals, its impact is not universally severe or consistent, and is likely moderated by personal vulnerability, coping mechanisms, and external life circumstances.
5. REFERENCES
[1] Banfield, J. C., Abdolell, M., & Shankar, J. S. (2017). Secular pattern of aneurismal rupture with the lunar cycle and season. Interventional Neuroradiology, 23(1), 60-66.
[2] Barr, W. (2000). Lunacy revisited: The influence of the Moon on mental health and quality of life. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 38(5), 28-35.
[3] Benbadis, S. R., Chang, S., Hunter, J., & Wang, W. (2004). The influence of the full moon on seizure frequency: myth or reality? Epilepsy & Behavior, 5, 596-597.
[4] Calver, L.A., Stokes, B.J., & Isbister, G.K. (2009). The dark side of the Moon. Medical Journal of Australia, 191(11), 692-694.
[5] Hicks-Caskey, W. E. & Potter, D. R. (1991). Effect of full moon on a sample of developmentally delayed, institutionalized women. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 72, 1375-1380.
[6] Kendell, E. (2023). Full Moon Lunar Phase, Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/science/planet
[7] Kumar, N. (2024). Moon Cycles and Mental Ailments. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 12(1), 2309-2318.
[8] Laverty, W. H. & Kelly, I. W. (1998). Cyclical calendar and lunar patterns in automobile property accidents and injury accidents. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 86, 299-302.
[9] Maslov, K. A. (2022). The Influence of Moon Phases on the Frequency of Admissions to a Psychiatric Hospital. Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics, 58(7), 708-712.
[10] Mason, T. (1997). Seclusion and the lunar cycles. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 35, 14-18.
[11] Owen, C., Tarantello, C., Jones, M., & Tennant, C. (1998). Lunar cycles and violent behaviour. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 32, 496-499.
[12] Parmeshwaran, R., Patel, V., & Fernandes, J. M. (1999). Lunar phase and psychiatric illness in Goa. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 41(1), 60-65.
[13] Peters-Engl, C., Frank, W., Kerschbaum, F., Denison, U., Medl, M., & Sevelda, P. (2001). Lunar phases and survival of breast cancer patients a statistical analysis of 3,757 cases. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 70(2), 131-135.
[14] Röösli, M., Jüni, P., Braun-Fahrländer, C., Brinkhof, M. W. G., Low, N., & Egger, M. (2006). Sleepless night, the moon is bright: longitudinal study of lunar phase and sleep. Journal of Sleep Research, 15, 149-153.
Published In: www.ijprems.com