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01-06-2013 | Original Paper

Influence of Religious Factors on Attitudes Towards Suicidal Behaviour in Ghana

Authors: J. Osafo, B. L. Knizek, C. S. Akotia, H. Hjelmeland

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 2/2013

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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Title: Influence of Religious Factors on Attitudes Towards Suicidal Behaviour in Ghana
Authors: J. Osafo
B. L. Knizek
C. S. Akotia
H. Hjelmeland
Publication date: 01-06-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9487-3

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Influence of Religious Factors on Attitudes Towards Suicidal Behaviour in Ghana

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