The Effects of Religious Versus Secular Education on Suicide Ideation and Suicidal Attitudes in Adolescents in Turkey

This study investigated the impact of religious versus secular education on suicide ideation & attitudes towards suicide & a suicidal close friend in Turkish adolescents. A questionnaire collected data from 206 adolescents undergoing religious education & 214 adolescents undergoing secular education. Suicide ideation was more frequent in adolescents in secular education. The secular group was more accepting of suicide; however, those from the religious group were more accepting of a suicidal close friend. It is concluded that suicide finds accepting attitudes in secular segments of society & therefore becomes an option during times of personal crisis. (30 refs.) JA