Religious Commitment, Attitudes Toward Suicide, and Suicidal Behaviors Among College Students of Different Ethnic and Religious Groups in Malaysia

Abstract

The variation in suicide patterns across ethnic groups with different religious background is a puzzling social phenomenon. This study sought to examine the impact of religious commitment and attitudes toward suicide on suicidal behaviors of college students across major ethnic and religious groups in a multicultural society of Malaysia. A total of 139 college students completed Religious Commitment Inventory-10, Attitudes Toward Suicide Scale, and Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Findings showed significant discrepancies in attitudes toward suicide, but not suicidal behaviors across ethnic and religious groups. Suicide acceptance significantly affected suicidal behaviors as well. Although religious commitment is not associated with suicidal behaviors, its deviation is reflected in students' acceptance of suicide. Additionally, college students' suicide risk, lifetime, and recent suicide ideation, as well as their likelihood of future suicide attempt can be associated with their acceptance of suicide. The influence of attitudes toward suicide and religion, therefore, should be taken into consideration while implementing suicide prevention programs as it helps shape the norms about suicide among youths.

Does ethnicity matter in risk and protective factors for suicide attempts and suicide lethality?

“…The results from the current study are consistent with Chia’s [26], who reported that a risk factor for young Chinese is mental illness, and congruent with the prevalence of a prior mental illness for suicide deaths in Singapore [50]. They also do not have religious beliefs with strong sanctions against suicide, consistent with a review of recent literature showing that religion is a common purveyor of cultural sanctions regarding the acceptability of suicides [51–52]. …”

Spirituality Moderates Hopelessness, Depression, and Suicidal Behavior among Malaysian Adolescents

“…Malaysia is one of the Islamic countries with the Muslims population approximately 60.4 % of the total population (Foo et al 2014). Suicide is a horrible crime under Islamic law in Malaysia, and suicide attempts may lead to criminal prosecution.…”

Comparing the Effect of Stigma on the Recognition of Suicide Risk in Others between Australia and Brazil

“…While the Australian respondents thought Alex would attempt suicide, in Brazil respondents thought Alex would seek help from a trusted confidential source (e.g., a medical professional, or a religious person). It has been proposed that religious individuals might intervene (e.g., ministry of intercession) to increase suicidal individuals' feeling of belongingness [54,55]. Therefore, it is plausible that respondents from Brazil, a highly religious nation [56], are more likely to believe that Alex would seek help, especially from a religious person.…”