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Citlak A. Suicide Among Monotheistic Religions: Between Sacrifice, Honour and Power. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3709-3738. [PMID: 37768474 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01919-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses the problem of suicide in monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), focusing on their early existence and considering the original contribution of Christianity. The first part presents the main theses of E. Durkheim on altruistic suicide and the concept of honour. This provides an opportunity to examine the problem of suicide in monotheistic religions from a more comprehensive perspective and recognise a certain specificity of suicide that was absent in altrusitic suicide. The analysis of the problem in relation to the concept of honour is also a valuable starting point for complementary psychological theories. The second part of the article is a more detailed discussion of suicide in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The results provide a better understanding of the origins and nature of suicide in monotheistic religions whilst opening up a discussion on the possibility of suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadeusz Citlak
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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2
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Ben-Shlomo S, Kabizon-Perry O. On the Way to Adulthood: Factors Contributing to the Life Satisfaction of Young Israeli Modern Orthodox Women. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3364-3381. [PMID: 37191744 PMCID: PMC10187507 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Drawing on ecological theory, the current study examined the associations of religious versus secular environments, relationship with the mother, and personal characteristics (religious coping strategies; self-mastery; sexual self-concept) with the life satisfaction of Israeli Young Modern Orthodox women and a comparison group of secular women. A sample of 362 women aged 18-29 completed quantitative questionnaires. High levels of sexual self-concept and self-mastery, positive religious coping strategies, and supportive relationship with the mother were associated with higher life satisfaction. Supportive relationships with mothers moderated the association between religious coping strategies and life satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Ben-Shlomo
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Oneg Kabizon-Perry
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Melo CDF, Vasconcelos Filho JED, Costa IM, Cavalcante AKS, Silva SMMD, Freitas Filho RAD. Assessment and Associations between Quality of Life and Risk of Suicide. PSICO-USF 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-82712022270105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract This study aimed to verify the extent to which the levels of quality of life are related to and influence suicide risk indices. A descriptive, correlational, quantitative research was performed. A non-probabilistic sample was used which was composed of 11,863 Brazilian participants all over 18 years old, who responded to the Risk Assessment Suicide Scale (RASS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), and whose data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, the Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results identify negative, moderate and significant correlations between the constructs, and that the domains of quality of life influence 47.8% of the variations in the suicide risk indices, confirming that the psychological domain is the most relevant within the explanatory model created. The conclusion is that there is a the need for public policies to improve the quality of life and prevent suicide.
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Zeng YY, Long A, Chiang CY, Chiu NM, Sun FK. Exploring the meaning of life from the perspective of patients with depression: A phenomenological study. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2021; 35:427-433. [PMID: 34561055 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the perceptions of meaning of life for patients with depression. A qualitative phenomenology approach was used. Patients with depression (n = 20) were recruited until data saturation occurred. Findings revealed four themes all related to their value of: (1) accepting depression; (2) appreciating work (paid and non-paid); (3) embodying love and taking on responsibilities; (4) receiving spiritual comfort. Healthcare professionals could facilitate patients with depression to explore their meaning of life while enduring and transforming the emotional pain that accompanies depression, hence, perhaps, decreasing their suicidal ideations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yun Zeng
- Minimally Vascular and Endovascular Intervention Cencer, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan, No. 66, Sec. 2, Changhe Rd., Annan Dist., Tainan City 709, Taiwan
| | - Ann Long
- School of Nursing, Ulster University, 41, North Parade, Ormeau Road, Belfast BT 72GH, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chun-Ying Chiang
- Department of Nursing, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan.
| | - Nien-Mu Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No.1 23, Dapi Rd., Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Fan-Ko Sun
- Department of Nursing, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan.
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Costanza A, Chytas V, Mazzola V, Piguet V, Desmeules J, Bondolfi G, Cedraschi C. The Role of Demoralization and Meaning in Life (DEMIL) in Influencing Suicidal Ideation Among Patients Affected by Chronic Pain: Protocol of a Single-Center, Observational, Case-Control Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e24882. [PMID: 33144275 PMCID: PMC7728536 DOI: 10.2196/24882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation (SI) and suicidal behavior (SB), including a 20%-40% prevalence rate of SI, a prevalence between 5% and 14% of suicide attempts, and a doubled risk of death by suicide in patients with chronic pain compared to controls. In most studies, associations between chronic pain and suicidality are robust, even after adjusting for the effect of sociodemographics and psychiatric comorbidity, and particularly for depressive conditions. A number of specific conditions that can modulate suicidality risk in patients with chronic pain have been investigated, but there is a need for their more specific characterization. Numerous recent studies have shown that demoralization and meaning in life (MiL) constructs affect suicidality as risk and protective factors, respectively. These constructs have been mainly investigated in patients with somatic illness and in community-dwelling individuals who may present with SI or SB independently of a psychiatric diagnosis of depression. However, a paucity of studies investigated them in suicidal patients affected by chronic pain. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this project is to investigate the relationship between demoralization and MiL on SI risk in patients with chronic pain. The secondary objectives are (1) to test whether demoralization can occur independently of depression in patients with chronic pain and SI, (2) to examine whether the expected association between demoralization and SI may be explained by a sole dimension of demoralization: hopelessness, (3) to examine whether the presence of MiL, but not the search for MiL, is associated with less SI, and (4) to explore whether previously described MiL profiles (ie, high presence-high search, high presence-low search, moderate presence-moderate search, low presence-low search, and low presence-high search) emerge in our cohort. METHODS This project is a single-center, observational, case-control study-the Demoralization and Meaning in Life (DEMiL) study-conducted by the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, the Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, and the Service of Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention at the Geneva University Hospitals. Self- and hetero-administered questionnaires were conducted among patients and controls, matched by age and gender. The Ethics Committee of the Canton of Geneva approved the scientific utilization of collected data (project No. 2017-02138; decision dated January 25, 2018). Data have been analyzed with SPSS, version 23.0, software (IBM Corp). RESULTS From March 1, 2018, to November 30, 2019, 70 patients and 70 controls were enrolled. Statistical analyses are still in progress and are expected to be finalized in November 2020. To date, we did not observe any unfavorable event for which a causal relationship with the collection of health-related personal data could be ruled out. Results of this study are expected to form the basis for possible prevention and psychotherapeutic interventions oriented toward demoralization and MiL constructs for suicidal patients with chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS The interest in exploring demoralization and MiL in chronic pain patients with SI arises from the common clinical observation that experiencing chronic pain often requires a revision of one's life goals and expectations. Hence, the impact of chronic pain is not limited to patients' biopsychosocial functioning, but it affects the existential domain as well. The major clinical implications in suicidal patients with chronic pain consist in trying to (1) delineate a more precise and individualized suicide risk profile, (2) improve detection and prevention strategies by investigating SI also in individuals who do not present with a clinically diagnosed depression, and (3) enhance the panel of interventions by broadening supportive or psychotherapeutic actions, taking into consideration the existential condition of a person who suffers and strives to deal with his or her suffering. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/24882.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Santi Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Vasileios Chytas
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Viridiana Mazzola
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Service of Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Piguet
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jules Desmeules
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Guido Bondolfi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Service of Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christine Cedraschi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Horowitz M, Milevsky A. Interpersonal Processes in Homogeneous Group Therapy with Orthodox Jewish Men in Israel: Case Example and Clinical Application. Int J Group Psychother 2020; 70:509-539. [PMID: 38449165 DOI: 10.1080/00207284.2020.1805619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This article addresses some of the group psychotherapy process issues involved in treating an ethno-religiously homogeneous population of Orthodox Jewish men using a case-study approach. The single-gender group, which consisted of two coleaders from the same community, occurred in a mental health clinic in Jerusalem, Israel. Eight community members attended the weekly 1.5-hour psychodynamic group meetings for a period of 5 years. Examples from those encounters illustrate three important concerns when working with a homogeneous religious group: (a) contagion and amplification of resistance to discussing taboo subjects based on religious principles; (b) indirect communication and the use of first-person plural pronouns and cliches; and (c) the shame and loneliness associated with nonconformity to religious and cultural expectations. Suggestions for clinical practice are provided based on the case study and existing literature about homogeneous groups in group psychotherapy and the treatment of Orthodox Jews.
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Janů A, Malinakova K, Kosarkova A, Tavel P. Associations of childhood trauma experiences with religious and spiritual struggles. J Health Psychol 2020; 27:292-304. [PMID: 32830557 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320950793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood trauma is associated with many interpersonal and psychosocial problems in adulthood. The aim of this study was to explore the associations with a spiritual area of personality, namely religious and spiritual struggles (R/S struggles). A nationally representative sample of 1,000 Czech respondents aged 15 years and older participated in the survey. All types of CT were associated with an increased level of all six types of R/S struggles, with the highest values for demonic struggles. Thus, the findings of this study might be important for clinical practice and pastoral care as well as a further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Janů
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Malinakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Kosarkova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Campos J, Bredemeier J, Trentini C. Meaning in Life as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Intrinsic Religiosity and Depression Symptoms. TRENDS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s43076-020-00036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Wilchek-Aviad Y, Cohen-Louck K. Testing the Effectiveness of a Salutogenic Model for Reducing Suicidal Tendencies in a Population of Elderly and Young Adults. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 84:1081-1099. [PMID: 32460669 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820919186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with the elderly having the highest suicide rates. This study tests the effectiveness of a salutogenic model in normative elderly people compared with young adults in protecting against risk behaviors and suicidal tendencies, based on two variables: locus of control and meaning in life (mediating variable between locus of control and suicidal tendency). Participants were 191 people aged 65 to 100 years and 200 young adults aged 18 to 28 years old. Participants completed questionnaires on locus of control and purpose in life and were assessed for suicidal tendencies. Findings reveal a negative effect of age on locus of control, purpose in life, and a negative correlation between purpose in life and internal locus of control and suicidal tendency. Purpose in life mediates between internal locus of control and suicidal tendency in both populations. The salutogenic model has significant implications and can be used to reduce suicidal tendencies.
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The Meaning in Life in Suicidal Patients: The Presence and the Search for Constructs. A Systematic Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55080465. [PMID: 31405240 PMCID: PMC6723920 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55080465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Research on suicidal behavior (SB) has frequently focused more on risk factors than protective factors. Since the historic works of Viktor E. Frankl, who inquired how some Nazi concentration camps prisoners maintained their will to live though confronted with pervasive absurdity, Meaning in Life (MiL) has been interpreted as a potent resiliency factor. MiL then declined along a multitude of theoretical perspectives and was associated with various functioning domains of the individual. Surprising, few studies investigated the role of MiL on SB. We aimed to review and synthetize current literature on possible associations between MiL and SB, which included suicidal ideation (SI), suicidal attempts (SA), and completed suicide, focusing on two MiL constructs (the presence of MiL and search for MiL) from the Michael F. Steger’s recent conceptualization. Material andMethods: A systematic strategy following PRISMA guidelines was used to search for relevant articles in Pubmed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect (January 1980–February 2019) and yielded 172 articles, 37 of which met our inclusion criteria. Results: MiL emerged as a protective factor against SI, SA, and completed suicides, directly or through mediation/moderation models with other SB-related variables. When distinguishing the presence of MiL and the search for MiL, a consensual protective impact was described for the former. Data for the latter were less consistent but rather oriented towards a non-protective impact Conclusions: These findings could have clinical repercussions for SB prevention, in both suicide risk assessment refinement and psychotherapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to examine the dynamic interplay of the two constructs.
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Kuk A, Guszkowska M. Changes and Predictors of the Sense of Meaning in Life in Polish University Students Participating in Psychological Workshops Communication-Forgiveness-Love. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2019; 58:1095-1106. [PMID: 29705828 PMCID: PMC6606651 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0631-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine changes in the sense of meaning in life of university students who participated in psychological workshops "Communication-Forgiveness-Love". The study evaluated 33 university students from first-cycle and second-cycle studies in physical education in the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw. The Reker's Life Attitude Profile-Revised Questionnaire, Social Competencies Questionnaire (KKS) by Matczak, Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (INTE) by Schutte et al. and the Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire GHQ-28 were used. The study found that psychological workshops can be effective in instilling the sense of meaning in life in university students, especially those from first-cycle studies. The workshops can produce more benefits to students with worse mental status and with lower social competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kuk
- The Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Marymoncka 34, 00-968, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Guszkowska
- The Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Marymocka 34, 00-968, Warsaw, Poland
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Locus of control and the meaning of life as a salutogenic model that reduces suicidal tendencies in patients with mental illness. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-018-0122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Chinese Students’ Satisfaction with Life Relative to Psychological Capital and Mediated by Purpose in Life. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-018-9849-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Abstract
Previous studies have found that religion and spirituality (R/S) are related to less suicidal ideation (SI), fewer suicide attempts and fewer suicide deaths and that an absence of social support is associated with SI, suicide attempts, and suicide death. 745 Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant congregants completed an online survey measuring their sense of community (SOC) in their faith community, overall belonging and SI. SOC was weakly related to SI. Congregants attending more than one service per week reported more SI and more importance to feel a SOC. Jewish and Hispanic congregants reported more SI. Unmarried congregants reported lower overall belonging, more SOC and more SI, suggesting that people apportion their sense of connectedness differently. Future studies might examine the relationship of SOC to suicide attempts and deaths and how a faith community might confer SOC differently from a non-religious/non-spiritual community.
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Ne'eman-Haviv V, Wilchek-Aviad Y. Differences in Psychoactive Substance Abuse Between Youths Residing in and Outside Conflict Zones as a Function of Level of Religiosity and Political Commitment. Subst Use Misuse 2017; 52:1247-1255. [PMID: 28714800 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2016.1245344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the unique characteristics of residing in security and political conflict zones on the willingness to use and on the actual abuse of psychoactive substances. The study focuses on the differences between youths residing in and outside conflict zones in Israel. The present study examines the link between the adolescents' level of psychoactive substance abuse and town size as well as the youths' level of ideological commitment and religiosity. 1032 adolescents aged 14-18 participated in the study. 595 (57%) lived in the nonconflict zones and 437 (43%) in conflict zones. The findings reveal that the level of psychoactive substance abuse among youths residing in conflict zones is significantly lower than that found among youths living outside conflict zones. Moreover, although town size and level of religiosity are linked to psychoactive substance abuse, no such link was found with the level of ideological commitment or place of residence (within or outside conflict zones). The study findings underscore the important effect of social supervision and perceived norms in the adolescents' environment with regard to their willingness to use psychoactive substances and to their actual abuse of such substances.
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