Religiosity and suicidal ideation and behavior

This chapter reviews research on whether religiosity is a protective factor for suicidal ideation and behavior. The results of the research are mixed, with the evidence suggesting a protective effect from religiosity, except for psychotic patients. The results differ by age and sex, and the protective impact of religiosity is more apparent for attempted and completed suicide than for suicidal ideation. A study of college students indicated that scores on a measure of “Reasons for Living” were stronger protective factors for suicidal ideation and attempts than was religiosity. Each year over 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide and, for each adult selfinflicted death, there are more than 20 suicide attempts (World Health Organization, 2014). In 2013 there were over 40,000 suicides in the US (13 per 100,000 per year), with 3.5 male deaths for each female death by suicide (Drapeau and McIntosh, 2015). The number of suicide attempts in US adults aged 18+ was estimated at 1.3 million, with 3 female attempts for every male attempt. In addition to the premature loss of life resulting from a death by suicide and the physical and emotional trauma of suicide attempters, suicide has a serious impact on people bereaved by suicide (“suicide survivors”) and on the society as a whole. A research-based estimate indicates that a suicide on average intimately affects 25 other people, resulting in approximately one million new suicide loss survivors in the US every year (Drapeau and McIntosh, 2015). Suicidal ideation and behavior result from complex interactions among a wide range of risk and protective factors encompassing the entire life span of an individual (Lester, 2000). Although there are differences between age, gender and race/ethnic groups, factors related to an elevated risk for suicide include individual characteristics, such as mental health problems and psychiatric hospitalization, current suicidal ideation and previous suicidal behavior, physical illness, negative life events and low coping potential, as well as neurobiological and psychological factors, especially hopelessness. A family history of psychopathology and suicidal behavior and a lack of social support may also affect the. level of suicide risk. In addition, socioeconomic and cultural factors, such as a permissive attitude towards suicide and easy access to lethal means, can increase the risk. Sufficiently strong protective factors can outweigh the impact of risk factors. Although this area of study is still in its infancy, several factors which can reduce the risk of suicide have been identified. These include good physical health, hopefulness, strong reasons for living, effective problem-solving and coping skills, cognitive flexibility, having plans for the future, constructive use of leisure time, and the propensity to seek help. Availability of family and nonfamily social support, significant and stable relationships, children under the age of 18 living at home, employment, and restricted access to lethal means of suicide can reduce the risk of suicide. Socio-cultural factors, such as negative attitudes towards suicide and cultural continuity among the First Nations and other Indigenous peoples, have also been found to protect against suicidal ideation and behavior.