Citation

Chatters LM, Taylor RJ, Lincoln KD, Nguyen A, Joe S. Arch. Suicide Res. 2011; 15(4): 337-353.

Affiliation

School of Public Health , University of Michigan, Ann Arbor , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2011.615703

PMID

22023642

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between church-based informal social support and lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts within a representative national sample of African American and Black Caribbean adults. Characteristics of church-based social support networks, as well as emotional support and negative interaction with church members were examined in relation to lifetime suicide ideation and attempts. This study used data from the National Survey of American Life (2001-2003). Frequency of interaction with church members was positively associated with suicide attempts, while subjective closeness to church members was negatively associated with suicide ideation. Emotional support, service attendance, and negative interaction with church members were unrelated to both suicide ideation and attempts. Findings are discussed in relation to research on church-based support networks, different models linking church support and suicidality, and the mechanisms by which church-based networks deter suicide ideation and attempts.

Language: en