The Impact of Religiosity on Suicide Ideation & Related Variables in the Aged Dwelling in Community

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study tried to investigate the effects of religiosity on suicide ideation, depression and well-being in older people. METHODS: We analyzed data of 455 subjects over 60-year old who responded to Duke Religion Index, Suicidal Ideation Scale, Short Geriatric Depression Scale of Korean version and WHO-Five Well-Being Index. We compared each score of the scales between religious group and non-religious group and tested the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between depression and suicide ideation. RESULTS: Only well-being score of religious group was higher than that of non-religious group. Organizational religious activity had moderating effect on the relationship between depression and suicide ideation. The elderly people who frequently participate in organizational religious activity had low suicide ideation level even if they feel depressed. CONCLUSION: Religiosity can be a protective factor on suicide in elderly people by giving positive effect on well-being and decreasing suicide ideation.