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The relationship between suicide and Islam: a cross-national study
1University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom and Consultant Psychiatrist, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom. ajit.shah@wlmht.nhs.uk
Journal of Injury & Violence Research
|April 13, 2011
Summary
This study found a significant negative correlation between the percentage of Islamic adherents and general population suicide rates. Further research is recommended to understand the impact of Islam on suicide prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Historically low suicide rates in Islamic countries.
- Modernization may weaken religious ties, potentially impacting mental health.
- Investigated the relationship between Islam adherence and suicide rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that there is no relationship between general population suicide rates and the percentage of Islamic adherents.
- To examine the correlation between Islam adherence and suicide rates, controlling for socioeconomic factors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-national data analysis from WHO and UN.
- Examined correlation between suicide rates and percentage of Islamic adherents.
- Controlled for socioeconomic status and income inequality.
Main Results:
- Significant negative correlations found between general population suicide rate and percentage of Islamic adherents.
- This negative correlation was observed in both males and females.
- Results held after controlling for socioeconomic status and income inequality.
Conclusions:
- Ecological fallacy cautions against attributing causality.
- Further in-depth studies on adherents with and without suicidal ideation are warranted.
- The impact of Islam on suicide warrants further investigation.
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