Religion and Suicide

Suicide rates vary widely from country to country.

What factors besides religion might help account for the differences?

The motivating factors of suicide seem to be moving targets. It varies by age, race, gender, mental status, socioeconomical situations, number of friends, closeness to family, biology, and the list could go on and on. Determining what accounts for the variance in suicide rates between countries seems to be just as elusive as determining why they happen at all.

Some of the conclusions drawn from the research based on the discussion question are quite interesting, and some are mind-numbing at best.

Comer (2013) states that his book uses more ink on the subject of suicide based on a sociocultural model than any other particular subject he writes about. The textbook gives broad coverage to the subject, but seems to lack substantial depth.

One of the most interesting factors discovered while researching this topic was how age varies based on the economical development of the country (Girard, 1993). The suicide rates in men, in just about every country examined, increases with age. However, the fascinating issue in this area is the correlation of the age of the women and economic development. In wealthy nations, suicide rates among women peak in middle age. When looking at the poorer nations, suicide rates were higher for the elderly women. The most interesting fact came from the poorest nations. Among these nations you can find that the peak years of suicide shifts to the younger women. I had assumed, prior to reading that there would be a strong negative correlation, but it turned out quite different.

In another interesting finding Lester (1987) hypothesized about a biological correlation relating a cultures tendency toward suicide. He suggested, based on his research, that the higher the number of people having Type O correlated to lower suicide rates.

Finally, there seems to be some very interesting information regarding suicide, but the downside is that there is anything to write about in the first place.

The common thread that seems to run throughout the pages that discuss suicide, and throughout the lives ended by suicide, appears to be connected to hope. It is sad that the only option some people believe they have when hope seems lost is suicide. They need to know the love of God, and understand that God, “Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” (Ephesians 3:20, AMP).

The Prophet Isaiah confirms this as well, “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]” (Isaiah 26:3-4, AMP).

Could life ever be so tough for you that suicide might be considered an option?

 

  

Comer, R. J. (2013). Abnormal Psychology (8th Edition). New York: Worth Publishers.

Girard C. Age, gender, and suicide. American Sociological Review, 58: 553-574, 1993.

Lester D. National distribution of blood groups, personal violence (suicide and homicide), and national character. Personality & Individual Differences, 8: 575-576, 1987.