Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D.(Cermak Health Services)
Description: This book uses the interpersonal theory, developed in 2005, to understand, assess, and treat suicidal clients. The interpersonal theory includes factors such as acquired capability, perceived burdensomeness, and failed belongingness.
Purpose: According to the authors, "the goal of this volume is to provide a useful and accessible guidebook for clinicians who treat suicidal behavior, with the interpersonal theory of suicide (Joiner, 2005) as a touchstone." To do so, they include "theory-guided best practices for clinical work with suicidal patients, detailed information on a theory-based and empirically informed risk assessment framework, detailed case examples illustrating clinical principles, a concise review of existing research on clinical work with suicidal patients, and reproducible handouts for use in treatment by therapists and clients."
Audience: Although the book is written for clinicians, it would also have value for graduate students in psychology, psychiatry, and social work. Dr. Joiner is a distinguished research professor and director of the University Psychology Clinic at Florida State University. Ms. Van Orden and Ms. Witte are doctoral students at Florida State University, and Dr. Rudd is professor and department chair at Texas Tech University.
Features: The interpersonal theory of suicide from was developed by the lead author in 2005. According to the theory, people who die by suicide have the "acquired capability," "perceived burdensomeness," and "failed belongingness" to commit such an act. This book begins with an introduction to the theory, followed by assessment issues, treatment issues (crisis intervention and psychotherapy), and public policy issues. What makes this book unique is that both treatment and assessment flows directly from the theoretical orientation. The authors have developed questionnaires in order to measure the theoretical constructs. In the public policy and prevention chapter, the authors state that it is very important to have public health campaigns, noting, "68% of people who die by suicide were not seen in a mental health setting during the 12 months preceding their death (Lucoma et al., 2002)." The book includes instructive case vignettes, along with interesting figures and exhibits. Chapter 5, on the therapeutic relationship, emphasizes the importance of "an interpersonal relationship that can facilitate" hope and motivation for therapy and can also satisfy, in part, the basic human needs for belongingness and social competence during a suicidal crisis. In the conclusion, the authors sum up their premise: "It is our hope that clinicians using the interpersonal theory of suicide as map and compass to navigate up and over suicidal crises will find that doing so becomes more manageable — and even more meaningful — as hope is created in the lives of clients."
Assessment: This excellent theory-based book provides practical advice for clinicians on how to assess and treat suicidal clients. It is easy to read and the instructive clinical examples help understanding of the concepts. Dealing with suicidal individuals can be challenging, but this book adds more treatment options. All-in-all, this book would be a wonderful addition to any clinician's library.
