Citation

Taliaferro LA, Rienzo BA, Pigg RM, Miller MD, Dodd VJ. J. Am. Coll. Health 2009; 58(1): 83-90.

Affiliation

Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3200/JACH.58.1.83-90

PMID

19592357

Abstract

Objective: This study explored whether specific dimensions of spiritual well-being (religious well-being and existential well-being) relate to reduced suicidal ideation, and whether associations persisted after controlling for religiosity and psychosocial variables associated with suicide. Participants: Participants were 457 college students who completed measures that assessed spiritual well-being, religiosity, hopelessness, depression, social support, and suicidal ideation. Methods: The authors used linear regression modeling to assess religious and spiritual correlates of suicidal ideation. Results: After controlling for demographic variables and psychosocial factors, neither involvement in organized religion nor religious well-being significantly contributed to suicidal ideation. However, even after controlling for significant correlates, existential well-being remained a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. Conclusions: This investigation highlighted existential well-being as an important factor associated with lower levels of suicidal ideation among college students. Findings from this study focusing on the association between spiritual well-being and suicidality may prove especially beneficial to suicide prevention efforts.

Language: en