Religiousness and suicide in a nationally representative sample of Trinidad and Tobago adolescents and young adults

Résumé

textbfPurpose: The present study examines religiousness and its connection to suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts among Trinidad and Tobago adolescents and young adults. textbfMethod: Data are from Trend Research Empowering National Development on adolescents and young adults in Trinidad and Tobago (N = 4448). Religious affiliation, self-perceived religiousness, attendance at religious services, prayer frequency, socio-demographic variables, and suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts were assessed. textbfResults: Compared to nonreligious, Catholics (OR 0.63, p textless 0.05) and Seventh-day Adventists (OR 0.47, p textless 0.01) were less likely to think about suicide, and hindus (OR 5.81, p textless 0.05) and other affiliates (OR 7.28, p textless 0.01) were more likely to be treated for suicide. Higher self-rated religiosity was related to lower likelihood of thinking about suicide (OR 0.86, p textless 0.01) and lower likelihood of planning suicide (OR 0.78, p textless 0.001). Attendance at religious services was related to lower likelihood of thinking about suicide (OR 0.94, p textless 05) and fewer suicide attempts (β = −0.11, p textless 0.01). More frequent prayer was related to lower likelihood of thinking about suicide (OR 0.92, p textless 0.01) and lower likelihood of planning suicide (OR 0.90, p textless 0.001). textbfConclusions: Religiousness may offer benefits for adolescents and young adults in Trinidad and Tobago by reducing the likelihood that they engage in suicide thoughts and behaviors. Results may hold implications for counselors, clergy, teachers, and others working with adolescents and young adults in Trinidad and Tobago. TRINITÉ-TOBAGO CARAIBES GENRE HOMME FEMME ADOLESCENT JEUNE-ADULTE IDÉATION INTENTION TENTATIVE SPIRITUALITÉ CHRISTIANISME HINDOUISME FACTEUR-PROTECTION CULTURE