@article{ART003267464},
author={Hong, Se Na and Kyung-Wha Hong},
title={A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt},
journal={Journal of Counseling and Gospel },
issn={1739-0745},
year={2025},
volume={33},
number={3},
pages={189-220}
TY - JOUR
AU - Hong, Se Na
AU - Kyung-Wha Hong
TI - A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt
JO - Journal of Counseling and Gospel
PY - 2025
VL - 33
IS - 3
PB - Korean Evangelical Counseling Society
SP - 189
EP - 220
SN - 1739-0745
AB - This study explored the post-suicide-attempt faith experiences of Christians and the meanings they attributed to those experiences. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), five participants were interviewed in depth. The analysis identified five themes: doubt toward prior faith, a direct and profound encounter with God, ambivalent experiences in relationships, changes in thinking and coping patterns, and renewed commitment and sense of calling. The findings revealed that post-attempt faith experiences were powerful and ineffable, deserving respect as deeply existential events. Faith functioned as a strong force that removed suicide as an option for life. The discourse “those who commit suicide go to hell” inhibited some participants but deepened guilt and stigma for others, highlighting the need for pastoral and counseling sensitivity. Faith also served as a transformative turning point, enabling participants to reframe their shattered reality and view life anew. Yet human existence remains fluid, especially for those who have faced suicidal crises. Thus continuous counseling and therapeutic support, together with spiritual awakening, are essential for stable and holistic recovery.
KW - Christian counseling;faith experience;suicide attempt;recovery;Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
DO -
UR -
ER -
Hong, Se Na and Kyung-Wha Hong. (2025). A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt. Journal of Counseling and Gospel , 33(3), 189-220.
Hong, Se Na and Kyung-Wha Hong. 2025, "A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt", Journal of Counseling and Gospel , vol.33, no.3 pp.189-220.
Hong, Se Na, Kyung-Wha Hong "A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt" Journal of Counseling and Gospel 33.3 pp.189-220 (2025) : 189.
Hong, Se Na, Kyung-Wha Hong. A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt. 2025; 33(3), 189-220.
Hong, Se Na and Kyung-Wha Hong. "A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt" Journal of Counseling and Gospel 33, no.3 (2025) : 189-220.
Hong, Se Na; Kyung-Wha Hong. A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt. Journal of Counseling and Gospel , 33(3), 189-220.
Hong, Se Na; Kyung-Wha Hong. A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt. Journal of Counseling and Gospel . 2025; 33(3) 189-220.
Hong, Se Na, Kyung-Wha Hong. A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt. 2025; 33(3), 189-220.
Hong, Se Na and Kyung-Wha Hong. "A Phenomenological Interpretation of Christian Faith Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt" Journal of Counseling and Gospel 33, no.3 (2025) : 189-220.
