The relationship between religious orientation, coping strategies and suicidal behaviour

• Main Authors: Ooi, Mei Yin, Rabbani, Mohtaram, Yahya, Amira Najiha, Siau, Ching Sin
• Format: Article
• Published: SAGE Publications Inc 2023
• Subjects: B Philosophy (General); BL Religion; L Education (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/39640/

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between religious orientation, coping strategies and suicidal behaviour among secondary school adolescents and college students. A total of 196 participants (73 adolescents and 123 adults college students) completed the online survey consisting of the Religious-Orientation Scale-Revised, Brief COPE and Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised. Adolescents in secondary school had higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviour than college students (OR 4.40, 95% CI: 1.133, 17.094, p = 0.032). Individuals who employed an avoidant coping strategy had higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviour after adjusting for other relevant variables, which indicated that when a person engages in avoidant coping strategy, it is most likely that they have a higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviour (OR 1.118, 95% CI: 1.050, 1.189, p < 0.001). There is an urgent need to initiate psychological interventions to reduce suicide behaviour risk among Malaysian secondary school adolescents.