Church attendance, denomination, and suicide ideology

Journal/Book: J Soc Psychol. 1996; 136: 1319 Eighteenth St NW, Washington, DC 20036-1802. Heldref Publications. 559-566.

Abstract: The influence of religion on attitudes toward suicide was explored, using a representative sample (N = 2,034) of 15- to 30-year-old Germans. The dependent variable was approval vs. disapproval of suicide in hopeless situations. A legit model that fits the data includes the variables of denomination, church attendance, education, and suicide of an acquaintance as well as a Church Attendance x Suicide of an Acquaintance interaction. Gender did not improve the fit of the model. The results of the analysis indicated that church attendance and Catholicism decreased support for suicide. The effect of religiosity on attitudes about suicide was not affected by gender or by education.

Note: Article M Siegrist, Inst Psychol, ABT Sozial Psychol, Plattenstr 14, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland

Keyword(s): DURKHEIM THEORY; RELIGION; ATTITUDES

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