Religion as Meaning-Making Resource in Understanding Suicidal Behavior in Ghana and Uganda

Birthe Loa Knizek, Johnny Andoh-Arthur, Joseph Osafo, James Mugisha, Eugene Kinyanda, Charity Akotia, Heidi Hjelmeland

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Suicidal behavior is condemned by religions and tradition, and suicide attempts are criminalized by law in several African countries, including Ghana and Uganda. Suicide and suicide attempts may have severe consequences for both the entire family and the community. Religion is known to act as a protective coping force that helps people to make meaning and find comfort when dealing with stressful life events or situations like suicide. In this article, we focus on the cultural interpretations of the dominating religion in Ghana and Uganda, Christianity, and whether these affect attitudes toward suicidal behavior, meaning making, and coping possibilities for people who have attempted suicide or are bereaved by suicide. This article is based on data material from previous studies on the mentioned topics by the authors.

Original languageEnglish
Article number549404
JournalFrontiers in Psychology
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Africa
  • culture
  • meaning-making activity
  • religion
  • suicidal behavior

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