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 behaviour. ...
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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 behaviour. 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 behaviour; 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.
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Seller's Description:
Very good in very good dust jacket. Ex-library. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. With dust jacket. 276 p. Audience: General/trade. LCCN 2005051347 Type of material Book Personal name Joiner, Thomas E. Main title Why people die by suicide / Thomas Joiner. Published/Created Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 2005. Description 276 p.; 22 cm. ISBN 0674019016 (alk. paper) LC classification HV6545. J65 2005 LC Subjects Suicide. Suicide victims--Psychology. Suicide victims--Family relationships. Children of suicide victims. Notes Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-266) and index. Dewey class no. 616.85/8445 National bib agency no. 013337823 Other system no. (OCoLC)ocm61130864
