Introduction
Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (JITS) is a theory that tries to explain the likelihood and incidence of suicide by analyzing the event based on the presence and prevalence of three main factors. These include the feeling of burdensomeness combined with that a low sense of belonging and social alienation (Knapp, 2020). Finally, JITS postulates that the desire to end one’s life must correspond with the ability to do so, either by exposure to pain and violence, by dulling one’s senses of self-preservation utilizing alcohol, drugs, or both.
Discussion
This theory can inform my work as a researcher and a specialist by providing two metrics, using which the likelihood of a patient committing suicide can be estimated. Evidence of substance abuse can be utilized as an amplifying factor in the analysis. The limitations of the theory, however, lie in that they do not assign strength values to either factor and do not account for the interaction between them and other elements that lie outside of its scope (Knapp, 2020). These include the genetic predisposition for suicide, present in a small percentage of the population, that makes up a larger part of potential suicide victims.
The study by Christensen et al. (2018) evaluates the validity of the theory as well as its capability to predict and explain suicide in large cohorts. The paper largely proves the theory’s merits but also highlights several inconsistencies. The interaction between the three factors was not perceived as significant in the age group between 20 to 40 (Christensen et al., 2018). The factors do not always form a coherent mutually-reinforcing system, and individual predisposition towards either plays a more important role than the combination thereof.
Conclusion
However, these conclusions fall within the limitation of the study, as it is difficult to measure the strength of said factors due to the inherent flaws in the self-reporting nature of the instruments utilized for primary data collection. Recommendations for further study on the theory include a focus on genetic research as a means of adding to the already existing body of knowledge on suicide and prevention.
References
Christensen, H., Batterham, P. J., Soubelet, A., & Mackinnon, A. J. (2018). A test of the interpersonal theory of suicide in a large community-based cohort. Journal of Affective Disorders, 144(3), 225-234.
Knapp, S. J. (2020). Suicide prevention: An ethically and scientifically informed approach. American Psychological Association.