The interpersonal theory of suicide.
2010/01/01 by Kimberly A. Van Orden, Tracy K. Witte, Kelly C. Cukrowicz +3 · 5,209 citations
Medicine · Psychology · #Belongingness #Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development #Cognitive psychology #Empirical research #Human factors and ergonomics #Interpersonal communication #Medical emergency #Medicine #Poison control #Psychological Theory #Psychology #Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments #Social psychology #Suicidal behavior #Suicidal ideation #Suicide and Self-Harm Studies #Suicide prevention
paper · open access · doi:10.1037/a0018697
published in Psychological Review 117(2), 575-600 (American Psychological Association)
openalex publication_date 2010/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06
Abstract
Suicidal behavior is a major problem worldwide and, at the same time, has received relatively little empirical attention. This relative lack of empirical attention may be due in part to a relative absence of theory development regarding suicidal behavior. The current article presents the interpersonal theory of suicidal behavior. We propose that the most dangerous form of suicidal desire is caused by the simultaneous presence of two interpersonal constructs-thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (and hopelessness about these states)-and further that the capability to engage in suicidal behavior is separate from the desire to engage in suicidal behavior. According to the theory, the capability for suicidal behavior emerges, via habituation and opponent processes, in response to repeated exposure to physically painful and/or fear-inducing experiences. In the current article, the theory's hypotheses are more precisely delineated than in previous presentations (Joiner, 2005), with the aim of inviting scientific inquiry and potential falsification of the theory's hypotheses.
Citations
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