State of the Science in Practice: Interventions Based on the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

In this review, we summarize existing interventions for each of the four key constructs within the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide: perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, hopelessness specifically regarding the two states, and suicidal capability. In doing so, we discuss interventions that have proven to be effective as well as those that have had less success. We further identify specific characteristics of these interventions that may contribute to positive outcomes and provide examples of how we have applied these therapeutic techniques with individual patients. Although continued efforts to create and evaluate interventions that target the core components of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide are needed, we find the relatively large number of interventions and techniques that have demonstrated efficacy since the theory's publication, both empirically and anecdotally, to be encouraging and to provide evidence of hope for suicidal patients.