General

Religion defeats suicide

Those who attend religious services are less likely to kill themselves

People who attend religious services, even just once a year, are only half as likely to attempt suicide as those who never attend, according to psychiatric researchers at the University of Manitoba. Experts have suggested several factors to explain the divergence, from the sense of family and community instilled by regular attendance, previous studies in which people raised in religious households are more likely than the general population to describe themselves as happy, to the fact most religions condemn suicide. 

Canadian Press

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: