Religiosity, Spirituality, and Meaning-Making Linked to Lower Suicidality: Global Meta-Analysis Highlights Protective Dimensions

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry reveals that religiosity, spirituality, and meaning-making (R/S/M) play a significant role in influencing suicidality among individuals with psychiatric diagnoses or a history of suicide attempts. While the overall protective effect is small, certain dimensions of R/S/M demonstrate consistent links to reduced suicidality. The findings call for personalized and culturally sensitive approaches to suicide prevention.

The research team, including Dr. Bart van den Brink of GGz Centraal in the Netherlands, analyzed data from 108 studies encompassing 30,610 participants worldwide, with an average participant age of 30. Despite the diversity of spiritual and religious traditions examined, the study highlights critical gaps in geographic representation, with minimal studies from Africa, Australia/Oceania, and South America.

Protective Dimensions in R/S/M

The analysis categorized R/S/M into four dimensions—belonging, behaving, believing/meaning, and bonding—and evaluated their relationship with suicidality. Key findings include:

• Protective Factors: Specific dimensions, such as moral objections to suicide, high religious salience, and a strong sense of meaning or purpose in life, were significantly associated with lower suicidality. These protective effects were observed across religious traditions, including Christianity and Buddhism.
• Neutral or Negative Factors: Attendance at religious services and involvement in religious organizations showed no significant association with reduced suicidality. Additionally, religious affiliation was slightly linked to increased suicidality in some cases, underscoring the complexity of these relationships.

The study synthesized data from 231 effect sizes across 75 studies, representing 17,561 participants, to arrive at these conclusions.

Why It Matters: Personalized Suicide Prevention

The findings emphasize the importance of exploring an individual’s R/S/M dimensions when designing suicide prevention strategies. Certain aspects, such as moral objections to suicide or a deep sense of meaning, may serve as powerful protective factors, while other dimensions, like organizational involvement, may require deeper contextual understanding.

"An attentive examination of R/S/M, including its dimensions and dynamics, is important for everyone providing help and support to psychiatric patients," the authors write. The study highlights the potential for leveraging empowering resources within specific religious and spiritual traditions to reduce stigma and support individuals at risk of suicide.

This research underscores the growing recognition of the interplay between mental health, spirituality, and cultural diversity in tailoring effective, patient-centered suicide prevention interventions. By considering the unique aspects of R/S/M, clinicians can potentially enhance support for individuals from diverse backgrounds.