1
ANALYSIS PAPER
Author Note
Alicia Conklin, aconklin7@liberty.edu
I have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Alicia Conklin 1971
University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515. Email: Aconklin7@liberty.edu
Analysis Paper: Protective Rule of Religious Involvement Against Depression and Suicidal
Ideation
Alicia Conklin
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
2
ANALYSIS PAPER
Introduction
This analysis will cover the role of religious involvement against suicide in youth and
adolescents. The discussion will begin with a summary of the key warning signs of those
contemplating suicide. Once these have been reviewed the discussion will shift to that of various
intervention strategies, including religious involvement as a preventative measure. Finally, we will
discuss how families may intervene and respond positively to a suicide crisis.
Key Warning Signs and Behaviors
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 12-17 years (Cole-Lewis et
al., 2016). Because of the high prevalence of this tragedy, it is important to recognize our young
people's warning signs and behaviors. Both Ruch & Bridge (2022) and McWhirter et al. (2022), list
three different types of characteristics to look at. Individual, family, and social risk factors must
be analyzed.
Factors leading to Suicide
Self-image is one of many individual characteristics that must be looked at when it comes
to youth and suicide ideation. When a child or adolescent's self-esteem is low, this can lead to a
sense of worthlessness or hopelessness (McWhirter et al., 2022). This lowered sense of self can
be caused by a distorted view of themselves and cause them to view the world through a different
lens. When these views do not line up, or fall in sync with other stressors, this can lead to other
warning signs for the individual such as anger, impulsivity, loneliness, and the perception of being
a burden to others.
“Perceived burdensomeness – feeling flawed or broken and a liability to loved ones” is
how Diamond et al. (2022) define the sense of being a burden to others. Feeling as though one is
a burden to those in their life may also lead to more lethal means of suicide attempts (McWhirter
3
ANALYSIS PAPER
et al, 2022). This can be further complicated for those who already feel lonely or hopeless.
Feeling as though one is alone, or unnoticed can lead to suicide ideation (McWhirter et al.,
2022).
Family connectedness is another factor to consider. According to Ruch & Bridge (2022),
“Family conflict and low parental monitoring were significantly associated with suicidal
ideation.” Families that express warmth, love, and caring can significantly reduce an adolescent's
feelings of isolation, thus reducing suicide ideation and the desire to commit suicide. (Cole-
Lewis et al., 2016, Ruch &Bridge, 2022, McWhirter et al., 2022)
In the social arena one must look at factors such as substance abuse, misuse, and abuse,
bullying, and social isolation as potential factors for suicide ideation and suicide attempts
(McWhirter et al., 2022, Cole-Lewis et al., 2016, Ruch & Bridge, 2022). Each offers its own
method of complication that can add to an adolescent’s feelings of worthlessness and need to
find a way out of their current situation.
Warning Signs
McWhirter et al. (2022) offer many motivations for suicide that range from self-
punishment to retaliatory abandonment. When one feels that they have a justification for wanting
to end their life, it becomes even more critical to pay attention to the warning signs that suicide
may be imminent. One of the things to pay attention to is the verbal comments or ideas that are
spoken by the youth. This can range from a statement such as stating they are tired of living to
say they wish they were dead. No matter the type of statement made, all must be taken seriously
(McWhirter et al., 2022).
4
ANALYSIS PAPER
Behavioral Changes
For those considering ending their lives, multiple changes can occur in the adolescent’s
behavior and how they interact with those around them. According to McWhirter et al. (2022),
these changes can be mood swings, giving away things the individual holds dear, and even
changes in the routines of eating and sleep. This can be complicated by changes noticed only in
the school setting such as poor behavior in the class and an increase of truancy. All of these
deserve an increased analysis of key influences in the individual’s life.
Intervention Strategies
When it comes to interventions, prevention can serve as a great barrier to completed
suicides. Just simply listening to and respecting the feelings of the suicidal youth can offer a
glimmer of hope that they are valued (McWhirter et al., 2022). By offering treatment plans for
the depression, anxiety, loneliness, and family issues facing our youth today, we can form a basis
for early prevention that actually can help prevent suicide (McWhirter et al., 2022).
Counselors and other helping professionals can offer therapy that is centered on treating
the individual and their families. According to Meza et al. (2023), there should be an inclusion of
family sessions, parent/caregiver sessions, and individual sessions. By including all of these
elements not only is a thorough assessment completed on the child, but the family and parents
can be educated on how to prevent the suicidal ideation from progressing.
Other important things to consider are the use of psychoeducation, addressing the client’s
concerns, and building a relationship with the client (Meza et al., 2023). These three and many
other concepts are addressed in relation to building a trusting relationship with the youth in order
to find the basis for the suicidal ideation and prevent a suicide attempt. Meza et al. (2023) also
5
ANALYSIS PAPER
offer various skills that the youth can learn and benefit from including distress tolerance/emotion
regulation skills, social/interpersonal skills, and cognitive restructuring skills.
Religion as an Intervention
Cole-Lewis et al. (2016), addressed the involvement of religion in the prevention of
suicide. They expressed that affiliation with a religion, the level of importance, and how often the
youth attend religious services have all been shown to positively affect their mental health. They
also mention that other researchers have noticed the benefit of simply reading religious texts or
listening to certain music can also help prevent youth from suicidal ideation.
Another interesting point that Cole-Lewis et al. (2023) address is that religious
involvement may also serve to help youth with their interpersonal relationships. This may be
because those individuals they see on a regular basis may be more open to developing close
meaningful relationships with them. It seems that religious activities may also help to develop
closer family relationships and buffer against depression.
Family Interventions
Because family relationships play such a huge role in the developing adolescent's life, it
is important for the family to be involved in any prevention and intervention strategies. Cole-
Lewis et al, (2023) mention that “feelings of warmth, love and care from parents is associated
with lower levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts.” This should be a wake-up call
to families to be involved in each other’s lives.
As previously mentioned by Meza et al. (2023), family and parent/caregiver sessions in
therapy are just as important as individual sessions. By having the family involved in treatment
they are able to learn warning signs and help the youth learn and implement the skills needed to
avoid a suicide attempt. Family involvement can also help build those relationships that are so
6
ANALYSIS PAPER
crucial to developing a sense of belongingness for the youth. Cole-Lewis et al. (2016) reiterated
this when they mentioned a study conducted on 4000 youth in low-income/high-poverty regions,
that showed family connectedness showed a strong negative association with suicide ideation.
Summary
This analysis showed a myriad of factors that can contribute to a youth’s desire to take
their life. We discussed factors and warning signs to look for including, self-harm, family
disconnectedness, depression, anxiety, and poor interpersonal relationships. Behavioral changes
such as grades changing, withdrawing from friends and family, and losing interest in favorite
activities can be important warning signs as well.
But alongside the many warning signs and factors to look for, we offered interventions
that can benefit and prevent suicide attempts. Having the family/parents/caregivers involved in
treatment is certainly beneficial as it can help build those necessary relationships to prevent
ideation. Teaching various skills like conflict resolution, and cognitive restructuring are also
beneficial. Lastly, we look at the benefit of religious involvement for suicide prevention.
7
ANALYSIS PAPER
Reference
Cole-Lewis, Y. C., Gipson, P. Y., Opperman, K. J., Arango, A., & King, C. A. (2016). Protective
role of religious involvement against depression and suicidal ideation among youth with
interpersonal problems. Journal of Religion and Health, 55(4), 1172–1188.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-016-0194-y
Diamond, G., Kodish, T., Ewing, E. S., Hunt, Q. A., & Russon, J. M. (2022). Family processes:
Risk, protective and treatment factors for youth at risk for suicide. Aggression and Violent
Behavior, 64, 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2021.101586
Lee, A. H., & Brown, E. (2022). Examining the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive
behavioral therapy on children and adolescents’ executive function. Child Abuse &
Neglect, 126, 105516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105516
McKean, A. J. S., Pabbati, C. P., Geske, J. R., & Bostwick, J. M. (2018). Rethinking lethality in
youth suicide attempts: First suicide attempt outcomes in youth ages 10 to 24. Journal of
the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 57(10), 786–791.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2018.04.021
Meza, J. I., Zullo, L., Vargas, S. M., Ougrin, D., & Asarnow, J. R. (2023). Practitioner review:
Common elements in treatments for youth suicide attempts and self‐harm – a practitioner
review based on a review of treatment elements associated with intervention benefits.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13780
8
ANALYSIS PAPER
Ruch, D. A., & Bridge, J. A. (2022). Epidemiology of Suicide and Suicidal Behavior in Youth. In
Youth suicide prevention and intervention best practices and policy (pp. 3–12). essay,
SPRINGER. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-
031-06127-1.
