Thomas Joiner, Ph.D. is the Bright-Burton Professor of Psychology at Florida State University.
Dr. Joiner synthesizes diverse, interesting observations and empirical findings to reveal a model of suicidal behavior that has clear implications for assessment and treatment. Unique among theories of suicidality, Joiner’s model provides a thorough empirically-grounded explanation of the process by which an individual develops the ability to inflict lethal self-harm.
As Joiner develops his theory, he considers:
the forms of childhood abuse that do versus do not predict later suicidality
why female physicians and prostitutes have markedly elevated suicide rates
the day of the week and season of the year that have the highest suicide rates
demographic groups that have varying rates of suicide and how these rates have been trending during recent years
how suicide rates change during different types of national crises
whether the success or failure of a city’s sports teams can affect suicide rates
Some of the facts will surely surprise you.
In addition, Joiner pinpoints the specific nature of the cognitions that are associated with suicide to a greater degree than previous models, e.g., hopelessness model. He also addresses differences in the cognitions and motives of individuals who engage in self-injurious behavior that is versus is not genuinely suicidal.
Joiner’s well-grounded theory provides a rich conceptual background for his video on the Assessment and Treatment of Suicidal Behavior (also available on Psyc.TV).
Learning Objectives: After viewing the current program, viewers will be able to...
1) describe a comprehensive, empirically-informed model of suicidality.
2) explain the process by which an individual acquires the capacity to inflict lethal self-harm.
This program is appropriate for all mental health clinicians (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors).
CE credit: 2 hours
Dr. Joiner does not receive funding from any corporate or private entities.
