Abstract
Dimensions of religion contribute in different ways to the in general protective effect of religiosity and spirituality (R/S) against suicidality. Few studies have included a substantial number of dimensions, and even fewer a follow-up, to clarify the stability and contribution of R/S over the course of psychopathology. In this follow-up study among 155 religiously affiliated in- and outpatients with major depression, religious service attendance, frequency of prayer, type of God representation, moral objections to suicide, and social support were re-assessed in 59 subjects. Diverse statistical analyses show a partial change in R/S parameters. Supportive R/S is persistently associated with lower suicidality. R/S at T0 or change in R/S is not associated with additional changes in suicidality over time. The results suggest that the most important change in suicidality can be understood as an effect of a decline in depressive symptomatology, not of changes in R/S. Despite the limited follow-up and sample size, these results emphasize the importance of longitudinal and dynamic evaluation of especially affective and supportive aspects of R/S in suicidal persons.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 442 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-14 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Religions |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 24 Mar 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2023 |
Bibliographical note
This article belongs to the Special Issue: The Relevance of Religion and Spirituality for Suicide Prevention.Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 by the authors.
Keywords
- depression
- God representation
- moral objections to suicide
- prayer
- religion
- religious service attendance
- suicidal ideation