joiner theory of suicide
According to the interpersonal-psychological theory, the desire for death by suicide results from the confluence of two interpersonal states: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. While feelings of burdensomeness and low belongingness may instill a desire for suicide, they are not sufficient to ensure that desire will lead to a suicide attempt. Indeed, in order for this to occur, the theory suggests a third element must be present: the acquired ability for lethal self-injury.
The 3 elements required for suicide are:
- Perceived burdensomeness : Perceived burdensomeness refers to the potentially dangerous perception that the self is so incompetent that one’s existence is a burden on friends, family members, and/or society. The feeling of being a burden on others may lead to the potentially dangerous belief that one’s death is worth more than one’s life
- Lack of Belongingness : Belongingness, feeling accepted by others, is believed to be a fundamental need, something that is essential for an individual’s psychological health and well-being. Increased social connectedness, a construct related to belongingness, has been shown to lower risk for suicide. More specifically, being married, having children, and having more friends are associated with a lower risk of suicidal behavior.
- Acquired capability :Joiner terms this “acquired” capability because it is not an ability with which we are born. Rather, this ability to engage in suicidal behaviors is only acquired through our life experiences. Fear of death is a natural instinct. It is a very powerful force that serves to protect us. According to the theory, one’s fear of death is weakened when one is exposed to physical pain or provocative life experiences as these experiences often lead to fearlessness and pain insensitivity. These experiences could include childhood trauma, witnessing a traumatic event, suffering from a severe illness, or engaging in self-harm behaviors. These behaviors are thought to result in the desensitization to painful stimuli, and increase one’s ability to engage in suicidal behaviors.
8 comments
I have the capability for suicide, or at least I think I do. I guess nobody knows for sure until they do it. But the other 2 circles don’t really apply to me.
I’ve seen a lot of people here who have similar reasons as me, they’ve either lost someone/something very precious, or they’re frustrated & angry about things that have happened. Examples: someone whose husband or wife or child has died and they can’t bear living even though they have other friends & family. Or someone who lost all their money and is deep in debt or unable to support themselves and their family. There are also a lot of people who were raped or abused and the painful trauma makes them want to die. Etc.
So I think there are tons of other reasons, not just feeling alone or worthless. But I totally agree that the key factor is not being afraid to die.
yeh, people do suicide for many reasons such as abuse, losing someone very precious or in debt. i had just read it somewhere that people who have feelings of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomness in addition to the other reasons(abuse or debt or losing someone) or not are significantly more likely to do suicide and among the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, stress, burdensomnes, lack of belongingness , etc ..feelings of burdensomnes and lack of belongingness are the strongest predictors of suicide with the acquired capability.
Hm.
But at number 2, having kids/family/husband/wife doesn’t always mean you’ll feel like you belong.
I personally only have a problem with number 3.
hm. yeh, to feel belongingness, one must have a good relationship. these things only predicts amount of risk. i have been thinking to die for many years but i have not done anything. this only shows i have problem with 3 too
I wish it were further broken down:
a. “I am not afraid to undergo death”
b. “I am not afraid to be dead”
It seems like most center-section people would agree with both of these, and I think they are overcome in different ways.
great idea!
It occurred to me recently that maybe I should try doing death defying things, like sky diving, in order to desensitize myself from self murder. As much as I no longer want to be alive, I’m terrified by the act of killing myself.
good idea!