Suicide and Spirituality? A Call for Research into University Chaplaincy

Abstract

This article intends to provide foundational information to facilitate research into the contributions of university chaplains to suicide prevention. Firstly, concepts in suicidology are clarified, and a suicide prevention framework is detailed. Secondly, five ways of conceiving the relationship between spirituality and religion are presented. The primary aim is to elucidate the final position, known as the spiritual dimension, which underscores why university chaplains are capable of assisting all students. Key components of spirituality are also described. Thirdly, the connection between suicide and spirituality is explored.