Religion and Suicide: New Findings

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychiatry
• Sociology of Religion

Background:

• Suicide rates and influencing factors differ across religious groups.
• Significant research advancements in religion and suicide have occurred since 2009.
• Previous reviews highlight the importance of religious context in suicidality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of research on religion and suicide.
• To explore epidemiological data on suicidality across religions.
• To identify updated risk and protective factors and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, SocINDEX, and CINAHL databases.
• Inclusion of articles published between 2008 and 2017.
• Analysis of epidemiological data and risk/protective factors related to religion and suicide.

Main Results:

• Identified variations in suicide rates and associated factors across diverse religious affiliations.
• Synthesized current research findings on the complex interplay between religion and suicide.
• Highlighted key epidemiological trends and demographic patterns in suicidality within religious contexts.

Conclusions:

• Religion remains a significant factor influencing suicide rates and outcomes.
• Updated guidelines for clinical practice and public health interventions are needed.
• Further research is crucial to understand nuanced religious influences on suicide prevention.