Joiner (2005)'s interpersonal theory of suicide has been one of the most popular and influential theories in the last decade of suicide research, with many papers that test the theory’s theses...Show moreJoiner (2005)'s interpersonal theory of suicide has been one of the most popular and influential theories in the last decade of suicide research, with many papers that test the theory’s theses applauding its usability. However, some authors have argued that the popularity of the interpersonal theory is not deserved and that the academic discourse surrounding it does not challenge the theory enough. This paper seeks to test the applicability of the interpersonal theory of suicide using the Human Relations Area Files (HRAF), which contains data on small-scale societies across the world. The interpersonal theory will be critically tested, evaluating where the theory fits and where it does not. This study seeks to add to the critical discourse surrounding the interpersonal theory of suicide and generate interest for the HRAF database as a setting for suicide research.Show less
Homicide followed by suicide is a rare yet serious event of interpersonal violence. While observed globally, extensive research on this topic has primarily focused on large-scale, developed...Show moreHomicide followed by suicide is a rare yet serious event of interpersonal violence. While observed globally, extensive research on this topic has primarily focused on large-scale, developed countries. Little attention has been given to studying homicide-suicide incidents in a diverse array of small-scale subsistence societies and comparing those to homicide-suicides in industrialized countries. Aiming to obtain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, this study compares the incidences and patterns of homicide-suicides in industrial/post-industrial societies to those in subsistence societies. The findings reveal that homicide-suicides commonly involve intimate partners in both types of societies, with male perpetrators targeting female victims. Regardless, the results also display cross-national differences, particularly regarding age, motives, and the use of firearms in the offense. This paper indicates that both significant similarities and distinctions are present in homicide-suicides across societies worldwide. Cross-cultural differences may explain the observed variations of homicide-suicide patterns and characteristics internationally.Show less
This sociological and ethnographical study tests the relevance of the suicide typologies of Durkheim in light of the ethnographic record, looking into the HRAF dataset to explore causes of suicide....Show moreThis sociological and ethnographical study tests the relevance of the suicide typologies of Durkheim in light of the ethnographic record, looking into the HRAF dataset to explore causes of suicide. Durkheim theories regarding suicide are one of the most prominent suicide theories in sociology. Including four typologies of suicide based on social integration and regulation provided with emotion descriptions. This research have found that a significant segment of the HRAF dataset could be seen through Durkheim’s typologies, finding mixed typologies of great importance in the theory. It highlights the shortcomings of Durkheim’s sociological research and finds causes of suicide which could best be understood through psychology. This research did not find a significant difference between high and low regulative/integrative causes of suicide. Nor did it find significant differences in suicide causes per subsistence strategy. This study tries to contribute to the understanding of suicide from a sociological perspective.Show less
The prevalence rate of suicide worldwide has made it a public health issue. Much research has been conducted to understand this complex behaviour, leading to the development of various suicide...Show moreThe prevalence rate of suicide worldwide has made it a public health issue. Much research has been conducted to understand this complex behaviour, leading to the development of various suicide models. However, non-Western populations are often overlooked in research on suicidality. To address this gap, the study uses a coded dataset comprising 473 ethnographic text accounts from 53 small-scale, non-industrial cultures. This research explores the role of perceived burdensomeness–a construct of Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide–on the lethality of suicide attempts. Two research objectives are pursued: 1) the effect of the desire to make others better off on the lethality of suicide attempts, and 2) other possible motives as alternative explanations to lethality. The generalisability of this model will also be assessed. Results offer partial support for the IPTS model, as associations between burdensomeness and lethality are not as expected. The results further suggest possible roles of different motives and intent on lethality, encouraging further exploration of the determinants of lethality.Show less
This paper tests two prominent Western theories on suicide against ethnographic records of suicide in small-scale societies. To answer why people commit suicide multiple theories have been created,...Show moreThis paper tests two prominent Western theories on suicide against ethnographic records of suicide in small-scale societies. To answer why people commit suicide multiple theories have been created, however, most of these theories are from Western researchers based on large Western societies. Testing if the interpersonal theory of suicide, and the inclusive fitness model apply to these smaller societies might show the generalisability of these Western theories. This research uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods on the Human Relation Area Files related to suicide. The study demonstrates that the interpersonal theory of suicide and the inclusive fitness model are not very well equipped to explain suicide in these smaller-scale societies. This is substantiated by a lack of presence for variables central to the theories/models and little information about age and sex.Show less
