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Cited by 187Suicide and Self-Harm StudiesReligion, Spirituality, and PsychologyHomicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse

Religion and Spirituality Along the Suicidal Path

Colucci, Erminia, Martin, Graham·2008·Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
DOI 10.1521/suli.2008.38.2.229
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Abstract

The inner experience of spiritual and religious feelings is an integral part of the everyday lives of many individuals. For over 100 years the role of religion as a deterrent to suicidal behavior has been studied in various disciplines. We attempt to systematize the existing literature investigating the relationship between religion/spirituality and suicide in this paper. After an overview of the attitudes of the dominant religions (e.g., Catholicism, Islam, and Buddhism) toward suicide, the three main theories that have speculated regarding the link between religion and suicide are presented: “integration theory” (Durkheim, 1897/1997), “religious commitment theory” (Stack, 1983a; Stark, 1983), and “network theory” (Pescosolido & Georgianna, 1989). Subsequent to this theoretical introduction, we report on studies on religion/spirituality keeping the suicidal path as a reference: from suicidal ideation to nonlethal suicidal behavior to lethal suicidal behavior. Studies presenting indications of religious beliefs as a possible risk factor for suicidal behavior are also presented. The last section reviews possible intervention strategies for suicidal patients and suicide survivors. Indications for future research, such as more studies on nonreligious forms of spirituality and the use of qualitative methodology to achieve a better and deeper understanding of the spiritual dimension of suicidal behavior and treatment, are offered.

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Authors
Colucci, E., & Martin, G.
Affiliations
The University of Queensland (AU)
Corresponding author
Colucci, Erminia
ORCID
Venue
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2008-04
Volume
38
Issue
2
Pages
229-244
ISSN
  • 0363-0234 (ISSN-L)
  • 1943-278X
DOI
10.1521/suli.2008.38.2.229
OpenAlex
W2161885593
Cited by
187
References
136
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 19
FWCI
1.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 1004 d)
Locations
  • Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
  • Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse
Keywords
religion and suicide, spirituality, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, religious commitment, integration theory, network theory, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, suicide prevention interventions, suicide survivors
MeSH terms
Suicide Prevention, Bereavement, Buddhism, Catholicism, Decision Making, Humans, Models, Psychological, Motivation, Religion, Religion and Psychology, Research Design, Risk Factors, Suicide, Suicide, Assisted, Survivors, Spirituality

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