Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

Psychologists have spent years attempting to conceptualize what causes individuals to become suicidal and ultimately understand why individuals choose to die by suicide. Dr. Thomas Joiner (2005) developed the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in an attempt to summarize and build upon previous models. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide is built upon three factors: perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and the acquired ability to enact lethal self-injury. Joiner theorized that perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness together create the desire for suicide, and the ability to enact lethal self-injury adds the final piece that moves the desire toward action (i.e., a suicide attempt). The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide is uniquely applied to suicide-bereaved adolescents. Adolescents demonstrate hesitancy to disclose suicidality, and adolescents who are suicide-bereaved may carry specific factors that further challenge the likelihood of disclosure and necessary treatment (Fox et al., 2022). In order to address suicidality in this population, clinicians must increase belonging and connection while simultaneously reducing the perception of burden. This can be done through collaboration with the adolescent and addressing both factors through preexisting strengths or connections.

Faculty Mentor

Melinda Moore, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Theresa Botts, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Michael McClellan, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS