Perspectives on suicide and suicide prevention among members of Christian faith-based organizations.

Abstract

This study investigated perspectives of suicide and suicide prevention among members of Christian faith-based organizations (FBOs). Seventy-three individuals responded to two open-ended questions soliciting their views on why people suicide and how suicide can be prevented. Content analyses revealed seven reasons for suicide categories (hopelessness, despair, combined stressors and maladaptive coping, perceived and actual disconnectedness from others, mental illness, lack of effective response from others, and lack of belief in Jesus as God) and eight suicide prevention categories (increase education and awareness, proactive engagement with those at risk, increase community resilience, communicate value and purpose, professional interventions, provide hope, policy initiatives, and unsure). Findings indicate that compassionate perspectives on suicide and constructive ideas about suicide prevention exist among Christian FBO members. This is important for future work involving active and systematic recruitment of Christian FBOs in suicide prevention initiatives.