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Influence of Religious Factors on Attitudes Towards Suicidal Behaviour in Ghana

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Abstract

The objective of this qualitative study was to understand how religion influences lay persons’ attitudes towards suicide in Ghana. Twenty-seven adults from both rural and urban settings were interviewed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data. Results showed that the participants are committed to core and normative religious beliefs and practices they perceived as life preserving. Such an understanding influenced their view of suicidal behaviour as unacceptable. Nevertheless, religion facilitated their willingness to help people during suicidal crisis. Religious commitment theory is used to explain some of the findings of this study. Implications for suicide prevention are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Work and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway

    J. Osafo & H. Hjelmeland

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 84, Accra, Ghana

    J. Osafo & C. S. Akotia

  3. Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway

    B. L. Knizek

  4. Department of Suicide Research and Prevention, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0403, Oslo, Norway

    H. Hjelmeland

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  1. J. Osafo
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  2. B. L. Knizek
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  3. C. S. Akotia
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  4. H. Hjelmeland
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Osafo, J., Knizek, B.L., Akotia, C.S. et al. Influence of Religious Factors on Attitudes Towards Suicidal Behaviour in Ghana. J Relig Health 52, 488–504 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9487-3

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