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Review
. 2024 Nov;55(6):1158-1171.
doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2024.04.008. Epub 2024 Apr 24.

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide: State of the Science

Morgan Robison  1 , Nikhila S Udupa  2 , Tyler B Rice  2 , Emma Wilson-Lemoine  3 , Thomas E Joiner  2 , Megan L Rogers  4
Affiliations
Review

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide: State of the Science

Morgan Robison et al. Behav Ther. 2024 Nov.

Abstract

In this state-of-the-science review, we summarize the key constructs and concepts within the interpersonal theory of suicide. The state of the scientific evidence regarding the theory is equivocal, and we explore the reasons for and some consequences of that equivocal state. Our particular philosophy of science includes criteria such as explanatory reach and pragmatic utility, among others, in addition to the important criterion of predictive validity. Across criteria, the interpersonal theory fares reasonably well, but it is also true that it struggles somewhat-as does every other theory of suicidality-with stringent versions of predictive validity. We explore in some depth the implications of the theory and its status regarding people who are minoritized. Some implications and future directions for research are also presented.

Keywords: empirical status; interpersonal theory of suicide; philosophy of science.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Adapted from: 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, 575–600. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018697
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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