Relationship between spirituality and suicidal ideations among patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background and objective: Suicide still constitutes to be a critical and risky issue requiring preventive strategies. There is evidence to suggest that spirituality is vital to the process of discovering meaning in life and plays an important role in dealing with suicidal desire. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between spirituality and suicidal ideations among patients with major depressive disorder.

Methods: Design and participants: A descriptive correlational design was utilized in the current study. A purposive sample of 181 patients with major depressive disorder was recruited. Setting: The study was conducted at inpatient psychiatric department of Tanta University and Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neuro-Surgery Center. Both hospitals are under the supervision and direction of the ministry of higher education. Tools: Four tools were used to collect data; socio-demographic and clinical characteristics structured interview schedule, Beck Depression Inventory, Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, and Scale for Suicide Ideation.

Results: The current study indicated a statistical significant negative correlation between depression and spirituality. Also, a statistical significant negative correlation was found between spirituality and one subscale of suicide which is active suicide desire subscale. On the other side, there was a statistical significant positive correlation between depression and total score of suicide.

Conclusions: Higher levels of spirituality may help buffer risk of active suicide desire and promote protective effect against depression. Recommendation: interventions that aim at increasing spiritual involvement and practice may be beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms and suicide desire.