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Jewish affiliation in relation to suicide rates
1Psychology Department, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston 61920, USA.
Psychological Reports
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Jewish doctrine prohibits suicide, a principle reflected in US suicide rates. Higher Jewish populations in US states correlated with lower suicide rates, indicating adherence to religious tenets.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Jewish religious doctrine explicitly forbids suicide.
- Understanding the impact of religious adherence on public health behaviors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the proportion of the Jewish population within US states and their respective suicide rates.
- To examine if Jewish religious proscriptions against suicide are reflected in demographic data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized state-level data for all 50 US states.
- Analyzed the correlation between the percentage of the Jewish population and the recorded suicide rates.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.26) was observed.
- States with a higher proportion of Jewish residents exhibited lower suicide rates.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential association between Jewish religious adherence and lower suicide rates in the United States.
- This study provides empirical support for the influence of religious doctrine on public health outcomes.