Religion, Stress, and Suicide Acceptability in South Korea

Using the 2009 Korean General Social Survey (N = 1,422), we examine (1) if religious variables affect suicide acceptability—attitudes and norms regarding the acceptability of suicide; and (2) whether religious variables dampen the otherwise strong effects of stress on suicide acceptability. We find that Protestantism, religious attendance, and religious salience are associated with lower levels of suicide acceptability. Yet, the negative impact of Protestantism is entirely mediated by religious attendance and salience. Moreover, the effects of stress on suicide acceptability are attenuated for those who have higher levels of religious attendance and salience. These results have important implications for understanding suicide acceptability and suicide, especially the Protestant-Catholic differences first recognized by Emile Durkheim.