Thomas Joiner's 'Why People Die By Suicide'

Suicide along with suicidal behavior has become very prevalent within our ever changing society. The United States estimates that nearly 30,000 people a year either attempt or completed the act of suicide. Studies from the World Health Organization indicate that suicide is one of the number one leading causes of our burden in the country. And is predicted to escalate as a tremendous global issue in years to come.

Thomas Joiner, a psychology professor used his life experiences to argue in his book “ Why People Die By Suicide”. The basis of this book revolves around the traumatic loss of Joiners father who had committed suicide. Forcing Joiner to question his own life and what posses one to participate in the act of suicide. Through this Joiner developed his Interpersonal-Psychological theory to illustrate the “why?” behind suicide. The theory explains that before one commits the act of suicide one must have been presented with the desire to do so. Joiner argues against this theory saying multiple factors lead into suicide. He uses terms throughout his book known as

His theory lacks concrete evidence; necessary to link suicidal ideation with the action of actual suicide. All studies taken, in the articles above used Joiners Interpersonal Psychological theory to assess specific aspects of their studies. Only components of the theory, without embodying everything the Joiners Theory entails. Joiners book “Why People Die By Suicide” never accounts for the people who have never had the desire to die and have not participated in previous self-harm activity, but still have committed suicide in their lives. He just explains how in order for one to commit suicide, one must have had feelings throughout their lives leading to the event. Some individuals do not intend on wanting to die, but rather are unstable and use suicide as a release of pent of