Enhancing Spiritual Well-Being as Suicide Alternative
Enhancing spiritual well-being has been increasingly recognized as a potential alternative approach to suicide prevention. This approach focuses on leveraging spiritual beliefs and practices to improve mental health and reduce suicidal ideation.
The Role of Spiritual Well-Being in Suicide Prevention
Spiritual well-being is considered a protective factor against suicide, as it can reduce suicidal behavior, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness. It serves as a buffer against feelings of social isolation, which are often linked to suicidal ideation (Gaskin-Wasson et al., 2016; Wagani and Colucci, 2018; Kopacz, 2015). Spirituality can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning, which is crucial in mitigating suicidal thoughts (Atoofi, Khodadadi and Djalalinia, 2024; Taliaferro et al., 2009).
Mechanisms of Action
Existential and Religious Well-Being
Existential well-being, which involves finding meaning and purpose in life, has been identified as a significant predictor of reduced suicidal ideation, even when controlling for other factors like religiosity and psychosocial variables (Taliaferro et al., 2009). Positive religious coping strategies, such as seeking comfort in faith, are associated with increased spiritual well-being and reduced hopelessness (Arnette et al., 2007; Heidari, Borujeni and Rafiei, 2019).
Interpersonal Needs
Spiritual well-being can mediate the relationship between thwarted interpersonal needs and negative psychological outcomes. It helps reduce feelings of social isolation, thereby lowering the risk of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms (Gaskin-Wasson et al., 2016).
Cultural and Demographic Considerations
Spiritual interventions need to be culturally competent to be effective. For instance, among African American women, addressing hopelessness and enhancing positive religious coping are crucial for improving spiritual well-being and reducing suicide risk (Arnette et al., 2007). Similarly, in Eastern cultures, spirituality is deeply intertwined with religious values, which can be leveraged in suicide prevention efforts (Wagani and Colucci, 2018; Atoofi, Khodadadi and Djalalinia, 2024).
Challenges and Future Directions
While spirituality shows promise as a protective factor, more research is needed to understand its full potential and limitations. Ethical considerations must be addressed when incorporating spirituality into clinical practice, especially in diverse populations (Kopacz, 2015). Additionally, understanding the role of negative spiritual experiences, such as problems with forgiveness and negative religious coping, is essential, as these can increase suicide risk (Kopacz et al., 2016).
In conclusion, enhancing spiritual well-being offers a promising avenue for suicide prevention. By fostering a sense of purpose, improving coping strategies, and addressing cultural nuances, spiritual interventions can play a significant role in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior. However, further research is necessary to refine these approaches and ensure their effectiveness across different populations.
References
Arnette, N., Mascaro, N., Santana, M., Davis, S., & Kaslow, N., 2007. Enhancing spiritual well-being among suicidal African American female survivors of intimate partner violence.. Journal of clinical psychology, 63 10, pp. 909-24. https://doi.org/10.1002/JCLP.20403
Gaskin-Wasson, A., Walker, K., Shin, L., & Kaslow, N., 2016. Spiritual Well-Being and Psychological Adjustment: Mediated by Interpersonal Needs?. Journal of Religion and Health, 57, pp. 1376-1391. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-016-0275-y
Wagani, R., & Colucci, E., 2018. Spirituality and Wellbeing in the Context of a Study on Suicide Prevention in North India. Religions. https://doi.org/10.3390/REL9060183
Kopacz, M., 2015. Spirituality and Suicide Prevention: Charting a Course for Research and Clinical Practice. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 2, pp. 79-81. https://doi.org/10.1037/SCP0000062
Atoofi, M., Khodadadi, F., & Djalalinia, S., 2024. A Comprehensive Analysis of Spiritual Interventions in the Prevention and Management of Student Suicide. International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijhrba-143429
Taliaferro, L., Rienzo, B., Pigg, R., Miller, M., & Dodd, V., 2009. Spiritual Well-Being and Suicidal Ideation Among College Students. Journal of American College Health, 58, pp. 83 – 90. https://doi.org/10.3200/JACH.58.1.83-90
Heidari, M., Borujeni, M., & Rafiei, H., 2019. The Assessment Effect of Spiritual Care on Hopelessness and Depression in Suicide Attempts. Journal of Religion and Health, 58, pp. 1453-1461. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-017-0473-2
Kopacz, M., Currier, J., Drescher, K., & Pigeon, W., 2016. Suicidal behavior and spiritual functioning in a sample of Veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Journal of Injury and Violence Research, 8, pp. 6 – 14. https://doi.org/10.5249/jivr.v8i1.728
Practicing Gratitude as a Suicide Alternative
Gratitude, defined as the appreciation of positive aspects of life, has been increasingly studied as a potential protective factor against suicidal ideation and behavior. This research explores the mechanisms through which gratitude may reduce suicide risk and its effectiveness as an intervention.
Protective Mechanisms of Gratitude
Psychosocial Well-being: Gratitude is associated with improved psychosocial well-being and decreased psychopathology, which in turn reduces suicide risk. It positively influences factors such as hopelessness, depression, social support, and substance misuse, thereby mitigating suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Kaniuka et al., 2020; Kaniuka et al., 2020; Kleiman et al., 2013).
Meaning in Life: Gratitude, along with traits like grit, enhances the sense of meaning in life, which serves as a resilience factor against suicide. Individuals with high levels of gratitude and grit report fewer suicidal ideations over time (Kleiman et al., 2013).
Interpersonal Functioning: Gratitude improves interpersonal functioning by fostering social support and reducing depressive symptoms, which are critical in lowering suicidal ideation, especially among vulnerable groups such as sexual minorities and veterans (Kaniuka et al., 2020; Umucu et al., 2021).
Effectiveness of Gratitude Interventions
Clinical and Non-Clinical Populations: Gratitude interventions have shown promise in both clinical settings, such as psychiatric hospitals, and non-clinical settings, like among college students and internet users with high suicidal ideation. These interventions can effectively reduce suicidal thoughts by enhancing gratitude and related positive emotions (Schnitker et al., 2021; Sueki and Ishikawa, 2021; Krysińska, 2018).
Feasibility and Utility: Studies indicate that gratitude interventions are feasible and can be effectively implemented as part of suicide prevention strategies. They are particularly useful for individuals who may not have access to traditional psychiatric care (Sueki and Ishikawa, 2021).
Challenges and Future Directions
Mediating Factors: While gratitude is linked to reduced suicidal ideation, its effects can be mediated by factors such as self-esteem and coping efficacy. The impact of gratitude is more pronounced in individuals experiencing fewer stressful life events (Li et al., 2012).
Research Gaps: Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of gratitude interventions and to identify the most effective ways to cultivate gratitude in diverse populations. Understanding the interaction between gratitude and other protective factors could enhance the development of comprehensive suicide prevention programs (Krysińska et al., 2015).
In conclusion, gratitude emerges as a significant protective factor against suicide, offering a promising avenue for intervention. By fostering positive emotions and enhancing meaning in life, gratitude can play a crucial role in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior across various populations.
References
Schnitker, S., Currier, J., Abernethy, A., Witvliet, v., Foster, J., Luna, L., VanHarn, K., & Carter, J., 2021. Gratitude and Patience Moderate Meaning Struggles and Suicidal Risk in a Cross-Sectional Study of Inpatients at a Christian Psychiatric Hospital.. Journal of personality. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12644
Kaniuka, A., Rabon, J., Brooks, B., Sirois, F., Kleiman, E., & Hirsch, J., 2020. Gratitude and suicide risk among college students: Substantiating the protective benefits of being thankful. Journal of American College Health, 69, pp. 660 – 667. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2019.1705838
Kleiman, E., Adams, L., Kashdan, T., & Riskind, J., 2013. Gratitude and grit indirectly reduce risk of suicidal ideations by enhancing meaning in life: Evidence for a mediated moderation model. Journal of Research in Personality, 47, pp. 539-546. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JRP.2013.04.007
Kaniuka, A., Job, S., Brooks, B., & Williams, S., 2020. Gratitude and lower suicidal ideation among sexual minority individuals: theoretical mechanisms of the protective role of attention to the positive. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 16, pp. 819 – 830. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1818814
Sueki, H., & Ishikawa, K., 2021. The feasibility and utility of gratitude intervention for suicidal internet users. **. https://doi.org/10.31234/OSF.IO/VZCU2
Kleiman, E., Adams, L., Kashdan, T., & Riskind, J., 2013. Grateful individuals are not suicidal: Buffering risks associated with hopelessness and depressive symptoms. Personality and Individual Differences, 55, pp. 595-599. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PAID.2013.05.002
Krysińska, K., 2018. Gratitude as a Protective Factor for Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour: The Theory and the Evidence Base. **, pp. 89-110. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03225-8_5
Umucu, E., Lo, C., Lee, B., Vargas-Medrano, J., Diaz-Pacheco, V., Misra, K., Martin, S., Thompson, P., & Gadad, B., 2021. Is Gratitude Associated With Suicidal Ideation in Veterans With Mental Illness and Student Veterans With PTSD Symptoms?. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 210, pp. 26 – 31. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000001406
Krysińska, K., Lester, D., Lyke, J., & Corveleyn, J., 2015. Trait gratitude and suicidal ideation and behavior: an exploratory study.. Crisis, 36 4, pp. 291-6. https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000320
Li, D., Zhang, W., Li, X., Li, N., & Ye, B., 2012. Gratitude and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Chinese adolescents: direct, mediated, and moderated effects.. Journal of adolescence, 35 1, pp. 55-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.06.005
