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Thomas Joiner

b. 1965

American psychologist

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About Thomas Joiner

Born 1965. Thomas Joiner is an American psychologist and researcher, known for Interpersonal theory of suicide.

Thomas Joiner is an American academic psychologist and leading expert on suicide. He is the Robert O. Lawton Professor of Psychology at Florida State University, where he operates his Laboratory for the Study of the Psychology and Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, Suicide, and Related Conditions. He is author of Why People Die by Suicide (Harvard University Press 2005) and Myths about Suicide (Harvard University Press 2010), and the current editor-in-chief of Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.

In Why People Die by Suicide, Joiner posits the interpersonal theory of suicide, a three-part explanation of suicide which focuses on ability and desire. The desire to die by suicide comes from a sense of disconnection from others and lack of belonging, combined with a belief that one is a burden on others. The ability to die by suicide comes from a gradual desensitization to violence and a decreased fear of pain, combined with technical competence in one or more suicide methods. Under this model, a combination of desire and ability will precede most serious suicide attempts.

Joiner holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.

In 2023, Joiner appeared on the history-centered podcast, Out of the Box with Jonathan Russo.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Known for
Interpersonal theory of suicide
Education
University of Texas at Austin, Princeton University
Employers
Florida State University
Awards
Guggenheim Fellowship; Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award; APA Distinguished Scientific Award for an Early Career Contribution to Psychology
Also known as
Thomas E Joiner, Thomas E. Joiner, Thomas Ellis Joiner Jr., Thomas Ellis Joiner, Thomas Joiner Jr., T. E. Joiner
moreT. Ellis Joiner, Joiner TE

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Thomas Joiner's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Thomas Joiner?

American psychologist

When was Thomas Joiner born?

Thomas Joiner was born on 7 June 1965 in Atlanta.

What is Thomas Joiner's occupation?

Thomas Joiner is a psychologist and researcher.

What is Thomas Joiner known for?

Thomas Joiner is known for Interpersonal theory of suicide.

What nationality is Thomas Joiner?

Thomas Joiner is American.

Sources & further reading

Β· Wikipedia: Thomas Joiner

Β· Wikidata: Q7791362

Β· DBpedia: Thomas Joiner

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas Joiner. https://biography.guide/thomas-joiner/

MLA: "Thomas Joiner." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-joiner/.

Chicago: "Thomas Joiner." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-joiner/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 Β· Spot an error? Report a correction.

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