Why People Die by Suicide

Why People Die by Suicide

By: Thomas Joiner  

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Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5

In the wake of a suicide, the most troubling questions are invariably the most difficult to answer: How could we have known? What could we have done? And always, unremittingly: Why? Written by a clinical psychologist whose own life has been touched by suicide, this book offers the clearest account ever given of why some people choose to die.

Drawing on extensive clinical and epidemiological evidence, as well as personal experience, Thomas Joiner brings a comprehensive understanding to seemingly incomprehensible behavior. Among the many people who have considered, attempted, or died by suicide, he finds three factors that mark those most at risk of death: the feeling of being a burden on loved ones; the sense of isolation; and, chillingly, the learned ability to hurt oneself. Joiner tests his theory against diverse facts taken from clinical anecdotes, history, literature, popular culture, anthropology, epidemiology, genetics, and neurobiology--facts about suicide rates among men and women; white and African-American men; anorexics, athletes, prostitutes, and physicians; members of cults, sports fans, and citizens of nations in crisis.

The result is the most coherent and persuasive explanation ever given of why and how people overcome life's strongest instinct, self-preservation. Joiner's is a work that makes sense of the bewildering array of statistics and stories surrounding suicidal behavior; at the same time, it offers insight, guidance, and essential information to clinicians, scientists, and health practitioners, and to anyone whose life has been affected by suicide.

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Customer Review: 3 out of 5
not right away- this is pretty academic - I purchased this book after a dear cousin committed suicide. I used the Amazon reviews to make my choice from all of the books on suicide that are out there. I have to say, it really didn't do that much for me emotionally. The book is mostly Joiner's defense of his theory of why suicide happens, and hardly at all about what we the survivors can do to get through it. Of course it's helpful to understand the theory, but I think it would have been more helpful down the road of healing, and not right after the fact, when guidance and coping skills would be of greater comfort.

Customer Review: 5 out of 5
i am a Chaplain and counsel many that are grieving. This book had excelelnt material and I would highly recommend it. - It is excellent reading material. I am a Police Chaplain and refer back to this book many times. EXCELLENT

Customer Review: 5 out of 5
Great book if you have recently lost a loved one to suicide - My boyfriend committed suicide four months ago. I have been tormented by almost every single bad human emotions you can think of. I have purchased almost every single books here on amazon regarding suicide. Obviously, I am desperately in need of finding answers to comfort me, to help me cope with the incredible loss.
This book is amazing. It answered almost all my questions.
If you are a suicide survivor who lost a loved one to suicide, I highly recommend this book. It will comfort you and perhaps you can finally let go of the unnecessary guilt.

Customer Review: 4 out of 5
Useful contribution - Quote:
"The result is the most coherent and persuasive explanation ever given of why and how people overcome life's strongest instinct, self-preservation."

Life's strongest instinct is not self-preservation, it is reproduction by inclusive fitness mechanisms. The individual doesn't matter, it's their genes. Very important this fact is understood if a comprehensive understanding of suicide behaviour is to be achieved. Hopefully this will be made clearer in future books.

Nonetheless, a good resource for psychologists and others to gain a deeper understanding of patient risk factors.

Customer Review: 5 out of 5
A unique blend of professional detachment and personal passion. - An insightful exploration of the phenomenon of death by suicide. It will help both those who have been bereaved by suicide, and those who wish to understand why their loved one might be at risk.

Be aware, though, that the book doesn't seek to give you a detailed practical plan for intervention.

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