Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory
Veronica Moreno
Professor, Jacobson
Iona College
Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory
Joiner’s theory was developed by Thomas Joiner, and it tries to explain the reason why people commit suicide. The theory has three factors that lead people to suicide behaviors and attempts. According to Joiner, the combination of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness causes the wish to commit suicide among people (Simlot, McFarland & Lester, 2013). The need for people to belong is fundamental in a person’s life and lack of belonging or association can lead to a person committing suicide. Feeling unwanted or socially disconnected is an emotional state that can lead someone to depression due to lack …show more content…
It is a common misconception that people resort to suicide because of immorality and not as a psychological reflex (Simlot, McFarland, & Lester, 2013). The theory uses solid research to give information on suicide and one effortlessly understands Joiner’s line of thought. His arguments are substantial and not biased making his theory a reliable source of reference for psychologists, parents, and friends in understanding people who exhibit suicide tendencies. An understanding of the theory has given me a better insight and understanding into what drives people to suicide. I previously considered suicide as a desperate move from weak people, but following an understanding of Joiner’s theory, I now understand that suicide is as a result of psychological disorders. The knowledge gives a different scope of looking at people who struggle with suicide tendencies. I now understand that it is not purely a desperate reaction and if noted in its early stages, family and friends can be able to counsel and talk a person out of a suicide …show more content…
(2010). Belongingness as a protective factor against loneliness and potential depression in a multi-cultural middle school. The counseling psychologist 38(5) 626–651.
Gunn, J., Lester, D., Haines, J., & Williams, C. (2012). Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in suicide notes (33rd ed., pp. 178-151). Crisis Vol. 33(3):178–181.
Hill, R. & Pettit, J. (2012). Suicidal Ideation and Sexual Orientation in College Students: The role of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and perceived rejection due to sexual orientation The American association of suicidology. DOI: 10.1111/j.1943-278X.2012.00113.x.
Monteith, L., Menefee, D., Pettit, J., Leopoulos, W., & Vincent, J. (2013). Examining the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide in an inpatient veteran sample. The American association of suicidology. DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12027
Orden, K., Witte, T., James, L., Castro, Y., Gordon, K., & Brathwaite, S. et al. (2008). Suicidal ideation in college students varies across semesters: The Mediating role of belongingness The American Association of Suicidology.
Simlot, R., McFarland, K., & Lester, D. (2013). Testing Joiner 's theory of suicide in jail Inmates; An exploratory study. Psychological reports: Sociocultural issues in psychology 112, 1,
Veronica Moreno
Professor, Jacobson
Iona College
Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory
Joiner’s theory was developed by Thomas Joiner, and it tries to explain the reason why people commit suicide. The theory has three factors that lead people to suicide behaviors and attempts. According to Joiner, the combination of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness causes the wish to commit suicide among people (Simlot, McFarland & Lester, 2013). The need for people to belong is fundamental in a person’s life and lack of belonging or association can lead to a person committing suicide. Feeling unwanted or socially disconnected is an emotional state that can lead someone to depression due to lack …show more content…
It is a common misconception that people resort to suicide because of immorality and not as a psychological reflex (Simlot, McFarland, & Lester, 2013). The theory uses solid research to give information on suicide and one effortlessly understands Joiner’s line of thought. His arguments are substantial and not biased making his theory a reliable source of reference for psychologists, parents, and friends in understanding people who exhibit suicide tendencies. An understanding of the theory has given me a better insight and understanding into what drives people to suicide. I previously considered suicide as a desperate move from weak people, but following an understanding of Joiner’s theory, I now understand that suicide is as a result of psychological disorders. The knowledge gives a different scope of looking at people who struggle with suicide tendencies. I now understand that it is not purely a desperate reaction and if noted in its early stages, family and friends can be able to counsel and talk a person out of a suicide …show more content…
(2010). Belongingness as a protective factor against loneliness and potential depression in a multi-cultural middle school. The counseling psychologist 38(5) 626–651.
Gunn, J., Lester, D., Haines, J., & Williams, C. (2012). Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in suicide notes (33rd ed., pp. 178-151). Crisis Vol. 33(3):178–181.
Hill, R. & Pettit, J. (2012). Suicidal Ideation and Sexual Orientation in College Students: The role of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and perceived rejection due to sexual orientation The American association of suicidology. DOI: 10.1111/j.1943-278X.2012.00113.x.
Monteith, L., Menefee, D., Pettit, J., Leopoulos, W., & Vincent, J. (2013). Examining the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide in an inpatient veteran sample. The American association of suicidology. DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12027
Orden, K., Witte, T., James, L., Castro, Y., Gordon, K., & Brathwaite, S. et al. (2008). Suicidal ideation in college students varies across semesters: The Mediating role of belongingness The American Association of Suicidology.
Simlot, R., McFarland, K., & Lester, D. (2013). Testing Joiner 's theory of suicide in jail Inmates; An exploratory study. Psychological reports: Sociocultural issues in psychology 112, 1,