A review of the theoretical foundations of suicide and strategies to prevent it

The purpose of this study is to investigate the theoretical foundations of suicide and strategies to prevent it. Suicide is a complex issue, which has occurred in human societies from the past to the present. The phenomenon of suicide in the world as an increasing problem, has become particularly important. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that some 850,000 suicide deaths occurred worldwide in 2000. It is estimated that in 2020, approximately 1.5 million people will commit suicide. Although there are different factors and levels for suicide, but the most important of them are poverty, divorce, family disputes, psychological problems, lack of religious beliefs, and so on. This research, which has been carried out by a scientific-promotional method and by studying research, has examined the theoretical foundations of suicide and strategies to prevent it. Findings show that countries with religious beliefs have lower suicide rates than secular countries. Evidence also shows that by knowing the causes of suicide and preventive measures, it can be prevented.