Teens, especially girls, whose parents are religious may be less likely to die by suicide, no matter how they feel about religion themselves, new research suggests. The lower suicide risk among those raised in a religious home is independent of other common risk factors, including whether parents suffered from depression, showed suicidal behavior or divorced, the Columbia University researchers said. The study,
however, does not prove that a religious upbringing prevents suicide, only that there is an association between the two. “We know that spiritual beliefs and practices tend to help people feel a greater sense of connection, of hope and meaning in their lives,” said Melinda Moore, chairwoman of the clinical division of the American Association of Suicidology. She is also an assistant professor of psychology at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky. READ MORE
