Product Description
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. (20060130)

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 14 reviews)

Great book if you have recently lost a loved one to suicide by Lily S (LA California)

5 Stars
May 06, 2009
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.

Useful contribution by mco35 (New Zealand)

4 Stars
September 29, 2008
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.

A unique blend of professional detachment and personal passion. by Headbang8 (Bogenhausen, Munich)

5 Stars
September 07, 2008
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.

Very thought provoking, took guts to write by Pat (Minneapolis, MN)

5 Stars
June 16, 2007
It is an interesting subject to broach, much less write about. I was intrested in his observations and conclusions, and I found it very thought provoking and pretty much as I would have guessed, for the most part. Well written and something that people shy away from talking about, but very necessary, as there are too few who endores euthanasia when we totally accept it in animals, and consider it 'humane'. Why not us?? However, some people are just in a place whereby they cannot go on any longer, for whatever the reasons, and it should not be considered a 'sin' in the least, it should be understood. To me the sin is to call it that.

A mixed bag by Donald J. Collins (Archer, FL United States)

3 Stars
February 24, 2007
Much of this book is an apology for a proposed model for suicide which is, at best, a stretch. The early secions are repetitive and and an attempt to summon evidence in support of the model. In many cases, correlations are confused with causality. The middle section which reviews current evidence on genetics,and neurobioloby is well worth reading. The last sections which deal with prevention and therapy are weak and mostly a re-hash of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy tenets. Overall, I was disappointed.

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