Moral Objections and Fear of Hell: An Important Barrier to Suicidality

AbstractThis review explores the literature to test the hypothesis that ‘moral objections to suicide (MOS), especially the conviction of going to hell after committing suicide, exert a restraining effect on suicide and suicidality.’ Medline and PsycInfo were searched using all relevant search terms; all relevant articles were selected, rated and reviewed. Fifteen cr oss-sectional studies were available on this topic, and raise sufficient evidence to confirm a restraining effect of MOS, and sparse data on fear of hell. MOS seem to counteract especially the development of suicidal intent and attempts, and possibly the lethality of suicidal attempts. A differentia l pattern of influence of MOS on the suicidal continuum is suggested.
Source: Journal of Religion and Health - Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: research