Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of Born-Again Christian suicide survivors (BCSS) in the Philippines through the lenses of Viktor Frankl’s Meaning-Making Theory and Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the researcher examined five BCSS and how they reconstruct meaning, reframe maladaptive cognitions, and renegotiate faith following suicidal crises. Participants were Born-Again Christian individuals who had previously experienced suicidal attempts and were able to reflect on their recovery journey. The research uncovered eight major themes: Suffering Reframed as God Sustained Purpose; Overwhelming Emotional Collapse; Faith-Mediated Cognitive Reorientation; Inner Agency Anchored in Meaning and Responsibility; Recovery Shaped by Relational Safety and Judgment; Faith as Transformative Meaning Realignment; Faith Practices as Meaning Regulating Anchors; and Suffering as Faith-Deepening Process. The study illuminated that recovery among BCSS is not simply the absence of suicidal ideation, but a holistic journey of meaning reconstruction, cognitive reorientation, relational negotiation, and faith transformation. These findings demonstrate that suffering, when integrated with faith and adaptive cognitive processes, can serve as a catalyst for resilience, spiritual maturity, and renewed purpose in life.
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