Psychological theories of suicide

Introduction - understanding suicide

Suicide is a deeply complex and challenging subject, but gaining insight into the psychological theories surrounding it can help us develop better ways to prevent and intervene in such situations.

This article explores key psychological theories of suicide, providing insights into why individuals might engage in suicidal behavior.

Durkheim’s social integration theory

One early theory, proposed by Emile Durkheim, suggests that suicide rates can be linked to an individual’s level of social integration and regulation within their community. Durkheim identified four types of suicide, each influenced by different social dimensions:

1. Egoistic suicide: Happens when individuals feel disconnected and isolated from society.
2. Altruistic suicide: Occurs in highly integrated societies, where individuals may sacrifice themselves for the greater good.
3. Anomic suicide: Linked to periods of significant social or economic upheaval, where societal norms are disrupted, leading to feelings of aimlessness.
4. Fatalistic suicide: Results from oppressive regulation, where individuals feel profoundly controlled and oppressed by their circumstances.

Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide

Thomas Joiner’s theory emphasizes the interpersonal and psychological factors that can precede suicidal behavior. Joiner identified three critical components:

1. Perceived burdensomeness: The belief that one’s existence is a burden to others.
2. Thwarted belongingness: A sense of alienation and lack of meaningful social connections.
3. Capability for suicide: Over time, individuals may develop a diminished fear of death and increased tolerance for pain.Joiner suggests that when someone feels like a burden to others and also feels disconnected or isolated, combined with having the ability to act on suicidal thoughts, there is a high risk of them attempting suicide.

Shneidman’s theory of psychache

Edwin Shneidman introduced the concept of “psychache,” which refers to unbearable psychological pain stemming from unmet psychological needs. Suicide, according to Shneidman, can be an attempt to escape this pain. He identified common sources of psychache, such as thwarted love, shattered self-esteem, and fractured relationships. Understanding these sources can be crucial in developing effective intervention strategies, as covered in our suicide prevention course. Shneidman’s approach emphasizes the subjective experience of pain and the individual’s perception of their situation.

The integrated motivational-volitional model (IMV)

The IMV Model, proposed by Rory O’Connor, integrates elements from different theories to provide a comprehensive framework. It outlines three phases in the development of suicidal behavior: background factors and triggering events, the development of a desire for suicide, and the transition from suicidal thoughts to action.

Pre-motivational phase: In this phase, certain background factors and events, like genetics, personality, and life challenges, make a person more prone to having suicidal thoughts.

Motivational phase: In this phase, the desire for suicide starts to form due to feelings of defeat, humiliation, and being trapped. Suicidal thoughts arise when the person feels there’s no way out of their pain.

Volitional phase: In this phase, suicidal thoughts turn into actions. Factors like developing the ability to go through with it, having access to means, and making a plan increase the chance of a suicide attempt.

The IMV Model explains how different factors interact at each stage, helping us understand how suicidal thoughts can lead to actions.

Cognitive theories of suicide

Cognitive theories focus on the thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to suicidal behavior. Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Suicide, for example, emphasizes the role of negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions. Beck identified a cognitive triad of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness that often characterizes suicidal individuals. These individuals may hold pervasive negative beliefs about themselves, their future, and their experiences, leading to a sense of despair. Recognizing these signs early and knowing how to respond is crucial. For practical guidance on immediate responses, such as what to do in the event of an attempt, our first aid for attempted suicide article provides essential information.

In conclusion, these psychological theories offer valuable insight into the complex factors that contribute to suicidal behavior. By understanding these different perspectives, we can work towards more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Works cited

1. Joiner, T. (2005). Why People Die by Suicide. Harvard University Press.
2. Beck, A. T., & Steer, R. A. (1993). Manual for the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Psychological Corporation.
3. Van Orden, K. A., Witte, T. K., Cukrowicz, K. C., Braithwaite, S. R., Selby, E. A., & Joiner, T. E. (2010). The interpersonal theory of suicide. Psychological Review, 117(2), 575-600.
4. Shneidman, E. S. (1993). Suicide as Psychache: A Clinical Approach to Self-Destructive Behavior. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
5. Durkheim, E. (1897). Le Suicide: Étude de Sociologie. Alcan
6. Klonsky, E. D., & May, A. M. (2015). The Three-Step Theory (3ST): A new theory of suicide rooted in the “ideation-to-action” framework. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 8(2), 114-129.
7. Freud, S. (1920). Beyond the Pleasure Principle. International Psycho-Analytical.
8. Mann, J. J., Waternaux, C., Haas, G. L., & Malone, K. M. (1999). Toward a clinical model of suicidal behavior in psychiatric patients. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(2), 181-189.
9. O’Connor, R. C., & Nock, M. K. (2014). The psychology of suicidal behaviour. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(1), 73-85.
10. Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.