Testing Joiner's Theory of Suicide in Jail Inmates: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Thomas Joiner has proposed an interpersonal theory of suicide in which thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and an acquired capability to commit self-harm predict suicidal behavior. In an exploratory study, a questionnaire was administered to 38 jail inmates to test the applicability of this theory to these inmates. Only thwarted belongingness was associated with past suicidal behavior and the inmates' own prediction of the likelihood of future suicidal behavior.