Discuss Joiner's (closely related to Schneidman's) model of the psychological factors that are involved in the cause of suicide. Mention the common elements of suicide

Answer:

For Joiner, social factors can set the stage for thoughts or motivations of suicide, but psychological events lie at the core of suicidal behavior. Emotional stress and hopelessness are central features of many individuals who actually attempt suicide. Joiner, and others, consider the common elements of suicidal psychology to focus on an attempt to escape from unbearable psychological pain, often the pain associated with prolonged frustration of basic psychological needs. Most important are the needs for affiliation and competence. People who view themselves as having failed in these domainsâ€"those who are low in belongingness or high in burdensomenessâ€"will experience intense negative emotional states, such as shame, guilt, anger, and grief. Suicide then becomes a somewhat logical route to escape this on-going pain caused by these psychological states. Of particular association with the act of suicide are the belief and experience of being socially isolated and being a burden to others.