Klonsky and May's three-step theory of suicide is a theoretical approach that seeks to understand the process that leads a person to contemplate, plan, and ultimately commit suicide. Developed by Thomas E. Joiner in collaboration with other researchers, this theory provides a conceptual framework for understanding the causes and risk factors associated with suicide.
Background and contextualization of the theory
Suicide is a complex phenomenon that has captured the attention of researchers, clinicians, and mental health professionals for centuries. Throughout history, attempts have been made to understand the motivations and circumstances that can lead a person to end their own life. Klonsky and May's three-step theory of suicide emerges as a contemporary and multidimensional approach to this phenomenon.
The three steps
According to Klonsky and May's theory, the process that leads to suicide develops in three different phases or steps. These steps are:
- Step 1: Desirability to die
- Step 2: Capacity to harm oneself
- Step 3: Weakened social connections
Detailed analysis of the steps
Step 1: Desirability of dying
The first step in the suicidal process, according to the theory of Klonsky and May, involves the presence of a desire to die in the person. This stage refers to the idea that death is considered a viable and desirable option to end the emotional or psychological pain that the person experiences. The desirability of dying can manifest itself through recurring thoughts about death, the idea that life is not worth living, or the feeling of being a burden to others.
It is important to note that the desirability of dying Dying does not always imply an active desire to commit suicide, but it is a crucial factor in the suicidal process. People who experience this stage may not have devised a concrete plan to take their own life, but they do consider the possibility of death as a way out of their suffering.
Step 2: Capacity to harm oneself
The second step in the three-step theory of suicide refers to the person's ability to harm themselves. This step involves overcoming the natural inhibition that most people have toward self-preservation. The capacity to harm oneself may be the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior.
Some of the factors that may influence a person's capacity person to harm oneself include impulsivity, pain tolerance, familiarity with lethal methods, exposure to the suicide of others, access to lethal means, and the ability to withstand extreme emotional suffering. When a person manages to overcome these barriers, the risk of carrying out a suicidal act increases.
Step 3: Weakened social connections
The third and final step in Klonsky and May focuses on the person's weakened social connections. Social relationships play a crucial role in suicide prevention, as they provide emotional, affective and instrumental support to individuals going through moments of crisis or vulnerability. When a person's social connections are weakened or impaired, their risk of isolation and hopelessness increases, factors that can contribute to the development of suicidal ideation.
Weakened social connections can manifest through a lack of strong support networks, unresolved interpersonal conflicts, social isolation, the perception of being a burden to others and the stigmatization of mental health problems. These factors can create an environment conducive to the person considering suicide as a solution to their problems and suffering.
Clinical and preventive implications
The three-step theory of suicide by Klonsky and May has important implications at both a clinical and preventive level. By understanding the processes and factors involved in the development of suicidal thinking, mental health professionals can improve the identification of people at risk and design more effective interventions to prevent suicide.
It is essential address each of the three steps in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary manner. Assessment of suicide risk should include exploration of the desirability of dying, the capacity to harm oneself, and the quality of the person's social connections. Suicide prevention programs should focus on strengthening social support networks, promoting emotional resilience, and providing healthy alternatives to manage psychological distress.
In summary, Klonsky's three-step theory of suicide and May offers a comprehensive and systematic view of the process that leads a person to consider and carry out suicide. By analyzing the interactions between the desirability of dying, the capacity to harm oneself, and weakened social connections, this theory provides a solid theoretical framework for understanding and addressing the complexity of suicide in contemporary society.