Theories

In addition to identifying specific risk factors, many different  theories provide potential explanations for why people experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Below are brief descriptions of the leading theories, as well as links to more comprehensive descriptions:

Baumeister’s theory suggests that extreme fixation on one’s inadequacies (“aversive self-awareness”) can lead to overwhelming negative affect. Suicide, in turn, can be viewed as a way to escape aversive self-awareness and its effects.

Abramson and Alloy’s theory emphasizes the role of hopelessness in the development and maintenance of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Diathesis-stress models of suicide assert that certain factors or traits increase vulnerability for suicide; suicidal behaviors occur when individuals with these risk factors encounter stressful events. In other words, it is the combination of vulnerability and stress that leads to suicide and related behaviors.

Joiner’s theory suggests that suicide is associated with the co-occurrence of: perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and the acquired ability to harm oneself.

Linehan’s theory posits that suicidal behaviors are related to difficulty regulating one’s emotions. Self-harm can be seen as an ineffective attempt to regulate emotions.

Wenzel and Beck’s theory suggests that specific unhelpful patterns of thinking are associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Klonsky and May’s theory asserts that suicidal thoughts become suicidal actions when the combination of pain (typically psychological in nature) and hopelessness outweighs connectedness, AND an individual has the acquired the capability to attempt suicide.

Biological theories of suicide identify certain biological vulnerabilities that, when combined with stress, can lead to suicide

Durkheim’s theory emphasizes the role of social factors in suicide. Specifically, Durkeim asserted that lack of social integration or belongingness contributes to suicide.

Schneidman’s theory suggests that suicide occurs when psychache— defined as "the hurt, anguish, soreness, aching, psychological pain in the mind”— becomes unbearable.