Manitoba study: Those who go to church less than 1/2 as likely to attempt suicide
1/18/2009 at 3:09 PM
This study is likely to be controversial in some circles.
The U of M has released results from a study comparing those that *do* go to church and those that *don't*
Their findings...
People that attended church at least once per year had decreased rates of suicidal attempts.
They speculate about the reasons behind the results coming out the way they did.
Two answers seem to be more predominant...
The first being that those going to church are less isolated.
The other being that suicide is considered to not be an option in many religions.
In line with the first answer, it would be interesting to see similar studies relating to other groups/organizations that give their participants a sense of belonging.
While I do not go to church myself and consider myself to be a generally happy person, I would have a hard time arguing with churchgoers being happy people on the average (exceptions to every rule of course).
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/liveit/article/542902
thoughts?