The relationship of personality traits, religiosity, and suicidal ideation among protestants in Hong Kong

The objective of this study was to assess the association between personality traits, religiosity, and suicidal ideation among Protestants in Hong Kong. Participants were 213 Protestants who completed self-report measures of personality, suicidal ideation, and religiosity. The results showed that psychoticism and neuroticism were positively correlated with suicidal ideation, while the intrinsic orientation was negatively related. Among these three variables, only neuroticism and intrinsic orientation could significantly predict participants' suicidal ideation in a multiple regression analysis. It was also found that that intrinsic religiosity did not moderate the relationship between neuroticism and suicidal thoughts. Also, differences between men and women were not found in terms of suicidal ideation. In summary, neuroticism was identified to be a risk factor, whereas intrinsic religiosity was a protective factor regarding suicidal ideation. These findings have important practical implications for mental health professionals and to Protestant clergy, parishioners, and pastoral counseling personnel.