title: Religion and suicide.
abstract: Religion impacts suicidality. One's degree of religiosity can potentially serve as a protective factor against suicidal behavior. To accurately assess risk of suicide, it is imperative to understand the role of religion in suicidality. PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases were searched for published articles on religion and suicide between 1980 and 2008. Epidemiological data on suicidality across four religions, and the influence of religion on suicidality are presented. Practice guidelines are presented for incorporating religiosity into suicide risk assessment. Suicide rates and risk and protective factors for suicide vary across religions. It is essential to assess for degree of religious commitment and involvement to accurately identify suicide risk.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University, School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA. rg2372@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Robin E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Gearing
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lizardi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012072:Religious Philosophies; D013405:Suicide / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention