The integrated motivational–volitional model of suicidal behaviour

Abstract

Suicide is a major public health concern accounting for 800 000 deaths globally each year. Although there have been many advances in understanding suicide risk in recent decades, our ability to predict suicide is no better now than it was 50 years ago. There are many potential explanations for this lack of progress, but the absence, until recently, of comprehensive theoretical models that predict the emergence of suicidal ideation distinct from the transition between suicidal ideation and suicide attempts/suicide is key to this lack of progress. The current article presents the integrated motivational–volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behaviour, one such theoretical model. We propose that defeat and entrapment drive the emergence of suicidal ideation and that a group of factors, entitled volitional moderators (VMs), govern the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behaviour. According to the IMV model, VMs include access to the means of suicide, exposure to suicidal behaviour, capability for suicide (fearlessness about death and increased physical pain tolerance), planning, impulsivity, mental imagery and past suicidal behaviour. In this article, we describe the theoretical origins of the IMV model, the key premises underpinning the model, empirical tests of the model and future research directions.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Evolutionary thanatology: impacts of the dead on the living in humans and other animals'.

Suicide Crisis Syndrome: A review of supporting evidence for a new suicide‐specific diagnosis

“…The inclusion of entrapment in the SCS is consistent with several previous models of suicide, including the cry of pain model (Williams & Pollock, ) and the motivational–volitional theory (O'Connor & Kirtley, ). Entrapment is also central to other theories of suicidal behavior (Baumeister, ; Johnson, Tarrier, & Gooding, ).…”

Perceptions of Past Parenting and Adult Attachment as Vulnerability Factors for Suicidal Ideation in the Context of the Integrated Motivational–Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior

“…To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between perceptions of past parenting, attachment, and suicidal ideation from the viewpoint of the Integrated Motivational–Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior (O’Connor, ; O’Connor & Kirtley, ). Our findings suggest that perceptions of past parenting and dimensions of attachment may be related to suicidal ideation via the core psychological variables of suicide risk proposed by the IMV model, that is, defeat and entrapment.…”

“…Adam’s () model focuses on the developmental aspects of the psychological vulnerability for suicide risk rather than explaining the transition from suicidal ideation to attempting suicide/dying by suicide. However, the Integrated Motivational–Volitional (IMV) Model of Suicidal Behavior (O’Connor, ; O’Connor et al, ; O’Connor & Kirtley, ), a contemporary model of suicidal behavior, addresses this gap (Figure ).…”

“…The Integrated Motivational–Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior (O’Connor, ; O’Connor & Kirtley, ). [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]…”

Contact and communication with patients experiencing suicidal ideation: A qualitative study of nurses’ perspectives

“…Theoretical insights indicate that SI is often underpinned by loneliness, social isolation and interpersonal trauma. These insights emphasize that the sensitive development of interpersonal relationships is of crucial importance for patients experiencing SI (O’Connor, & Kirtly, ; Van Orden et al, ). More specifically, studies highlight that the involvement of professionals in timely, ongoing and supportive contact with individuals experiencing SI is a fundamental component of suicide prevention (Fleischmann et al, ; Inagaki et al, ; Luoma, Marti, & Pearson, ).…”