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Moral Objections and Fear of Hell: An Important Barrier to Suicidality

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Abstract

This review explores the literature to test the hypothesis that ‘moral objections to suicide (MOS), especially the conviction of going to hell after committing suicide, exert a restraining effect on suicide and suicidality.’ Medline and PsycInfo were searched using all relevant search terms; all relevant articles were selected, rated and reviewed. Fifteen cross-sectional studies were available on this topic, and raise sufficient evidence to confirm a restraining effect of MOS, and sparse data on fear of hell. MOS seem to counteract especially the development of suicidal intent and attempts, and possibly the lethality of suicidal attempts. A differential pattern of influence of MOS on the suicidal continuum is suggested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatric Acute Care Unit, Eleos, Christian Institution for Mental Health Care, Printerweg 21, 3821 AP, Amersfoort, The Netherlands

    Bart van den Brink

  2. Kennisinstituut christelijke ggz, Center for Christian Mental Health Care, Amersfoort, The Netherlands

    Bart van den Brink & Hanneke Schaap

  3. University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Arjan W. Braam

  4. Department of Emergency Psychiatry, Altrecht Mental Health Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Arjan W. Braam

  5. Department of Residency Training, Altrecht Mental Health Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Arjan W. Braam

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  1. Bart van den Brink
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  2. Hanneke Schaap
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  3. Arjan W. Braam
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Correspondence to Bart van den Brink.

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van den Brink, B., Schaap, H. & Braam, A.W. Moral Objections and Fear of Hell: An Important Barrier to Suicidality. J Relig Health 57, 2301–2312 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0573-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0573-7

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