ABSTRACT
Research has found psychological dimensions of religiosity/spirituality (R/S) beneficial against non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), whereas the effect of R/S social aspects is less studied. Using data from the SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey (2012, n = 10,717 ages 18–69; response rate: 27%; non-Sami: 66%; females: 55%), we examined the association of R/S—religious attendance, congregational affiliation, Laestadian family background, religious importance/view of life—with NSSI in the adult Sami and non-Sami population of Arctic Norway. We also applied multivariable-adjusted regression models and mediation analyses to explore how religious participation transmits its effect on NSSI through violence exposure and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Across ethnicities, 3.3 percent (n = 355) reported lifetime NSSI—ranging from 1.2 percent among Laestadians to 7.7 percent in unaffiliated. Regular religious attendance had a significant negative total effect on NSSI (OR = .59). Ninety-five percent of this effect seemed to be due to fewer anxiety and depression symptoms in the attendance group.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).