Christian Psychology
81
Conclusion
As predicted, European abortion rates and suicide rates
were positively correlated with each other. The predic-
tion was made on the basis of common elements. Both
have been traditionally regarded as morally wrong by
Christianity, are associated with depression, and may
be not joyous occasions. As predicted, abortion and
suicide rates were inversely related to three measures
of happiness. It is here maintained that suicide and
abortion are manifestations of the ultimate of existential
vacuum. The present authors suggest, in an admittedly
speculative fashion, that a vicious circle may exist in
which existential vacuum may be an important back-
ground cause of suicide and abortion and which may
intensity the existential vacuum.
The negative correlations of the happiness-related
variables with abortion and suicide suggest that abor-
tion and suicide rates could be viewed as barometers of
the psychological health of a nation. More relevant to
the present study is our suggestion that these two rates
are barometers of the health of a nation’s Christianity.
The association of abortion and suicide in Christian
countries can be viewed as analogous to the field of
medicine in which people in poor health ordinarily have
more than one problem, e.g., e.g., kidney and cardio-
vascular disease.
Kimberly Tangen
received her Ph.D. in clinical psy-
chology from Alliant International University, Fresno.
She works for the California Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation. She has published on professional
issues and attitudes toward animals. Correspondence
concerning this article should be addressed to Kimberly
Tangen, 1175 Shaw Ave., #104, PMV 122, Clovis, CA
93612. Email:
Donald I. Templer
received his Ph.D. in clinical
psychology from the University of Kentucky. He is a
retired Professor of Psychology at Alliant International
University, Fresno. He has over 250 publications and
3,500 citations. He is best known for his death anxiety
research. His Death Anxiety Scale has been translated
into over 20 different languages. Correspondence
concerning this article should be addressed to Donald I.
Templer, 257 W. Los Altos, Fresno, CA 93704. Email:
.
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TANGEN AND TEMPLER
