Religion and the Stigma of Suicide: A Quantitative Analysis Using Nationwide Survey Data from Hungary

Objective: To examine the effect of religion on negative attitudes and beliefs about suicide. Methods: We use data from a large nationwide survey conducted in Hungary covering more than 3000 individuals. Suicide-related stigmas are captured with three Likert-type measures that we combine into an overall indicator. Religion is measured by denomination (Catholic vs. Protestant) church attendance (at least weekly never or less weekly). employ logistic regression SPSS statistical software. Results: People attending religious services frequently have greater odds stigmatizing self-killing those reporting no infrequent attendance. Compared to Protestants, Catholics significantly condemning The two also work tandem, modifying impact In particular, while strongly increases among Catholics, it has practically Protestants. Discussion Conclusions: results presented keeping our expectations suggest social climate stigmatizes suicide without providing for people strong community network pressures individuals toward conforming fundamental moral principles can be especially harmful mental health.