Suicide Prevention, Religion and Spirituality

Dear Colleagues,

Research and clinical practice indicate that religion and spirituality can play an important role in the suicidal process. Although religion and spirituality are often considered to be protective factors against suicidal ideation and behaviour, and significant reasons for living, in some circumstances they can contribute to suicide risk. The relationship between secular and religious worldviews and suicide is quite complex, and calls for an in-depth interdisciplinary cross-cultural exploration.

Over the decades many research papers, book chapters and conference presentation have been devoted to “Suicide Prevention, Religion and Spirituality”. We hope that this special issue of Religions will become a meeting place for experts in suicidology, psychology, sociology and history of religion worldwide, and a valuable resource for those who would like to get acquainted with the recent theory and practice.

We aim to explore how different aspect of religion and spirituality can protect against suicide, and when and how secular and religious worldview can increase suicide risk on the individual and societal/cultural level, across the life-span. We would like to look at the contribution of religion and spirituality to suicide prevention and treatment of at-risk individuals, as well as to the process of coping with loss after a suicide death.

Please note that invited authors do not have to pay the publication fee.

Dr. Karolina Krysinska, MA, PhD
Mr. Karl Andriessen, MSuicidology, BSW
Guest Editors

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