Religious beliefs buffer the impact of depression on suicide ideation

Depression and suicide ideation co-occur regularly. The present study investigated whether religious beliefs, i.e. trust in higher guidance, buffers the association between depression and suicide ideation. A total of 427 participants (n = 93 inpatients, n = 334 online sample) completed measures of suicide ideation, trust in higher guidance, and depression. Trust in higher guidance moderated the impact of depression on suicide ideation. Trust in higher guidance seems to confer resilience and should be taken into account when assessing individuals for suicide risk.