Clinical applications of the interpersonal‐psychological theory of attempted and completed suicide

Abstract

This article reviews the interpersonal-psychological theory of attempted and completed suicide and describes its applications in suicide risk assessment, crisis intervention, and skills-based psychotherapies. Three components are necessary, but not sufficient, for an individual to die by suicide: (1) the acquired capability to enact lethal self-injury, (2) a sense that one is a burden on others, and (3) the sense that one does not belong to a valued social group. We suggest that therapeutic interventions should focus on ascertaining the presence of these components and work to amend the cognitive distortions, negative interpersonal response styles, and ineffective coping behaviors that serve to maintain suicidal urges.

Which Nicotine Products Are Gateways to Regular Use?

“…Rather than determining which product was used first chronologically, future research may better understand paths to regular tobacco use by determining if use of this nicotine/tobacco product makes it easier for an individual to try or use the next nicotine/tobacco product. Borrowing from the psychological literature, 33 we define this as acquired capability for tobacco use.…”

Thwarted Belongingness Mediates the Relationship Between Fear of Negative Evaluation and Suicidal Ideation

“…For example, clinicians may challenge distorted cognitions regarding previous situations where they felt disconnected with others and help patients identify more helpful thoughts (e.g., “No one cares about me,” to “My sister calls regularly and cares about me;” Stellrecht et al, 2006). Clinicians may also encourage patients to identify and incorporate activities that increase the patient’s sense of interpersonal connection with others (Stellrecht et al, 2006). Moreover, patients presenting with symptoms of social anxiety may avoid social activities as a result of fears of negative evaluation in social situations.…”

Ecological Momentary Assessment and Intervention in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: A Novel Approach to Treatment

“…; DSM-5) diagnosis (Shaffer & Jacobson, 2009). Although long-term outcome research in the area of NSSI is limited, those who engage in NSSI appear to be at increased risk for lasting physical injury (Briere & Gil, 1998;Stanley, Gameroff, Michalsen, & Mann, 2001;Stellrecht et al, 2006), increased emergency room use (Olfson et al, 2005), and suicide (Brown, Comtois, & Linehan, 2002;Dulit, Ryer, Leon, & Brodsky, 1994;Joiner, 2005;Nock, Joiner, Gordon, Lloyd-Richardson, & Prinstein, 2006).…”