The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposes that suicidal behavior is driven by two key interpersonal constructs: thwarted belongingness (feeling disconnected from others) and perceived burdensomeness (feeling like a burden to others). These constructs, when combined, create the most dangerous form of suicidal desire. The theory also distinguishes between the desire to engage in suicidal behavior and the capability to do so, which develops through repeated exposure to physically painful or fear-inducing experiences. The theory is structured to allow for scientific testing and falsification of its hypotheses. Suicidal behavior is a major global health issue, with millions of deaths and attempted suicides annually. However, the field has lacked a comprehensive theory to explain the causes and prevention of suicide. The interpersonal theory aims to address this gap by integrating empirical findings and theoretical perspectives. It emphasizes the role of social factors in suicidal behavior, such as family conflict, social isolation, and unemployment, which are associated with increased risk for suicide. The theory is grounded in the idea that individuals who die by suicide often experience unmet social needs, such as the need to belong, and feel like a burden to others. These experiences can lead to a desire for death, which may be acted upon if the individual also has the capability to engage in suicidal behavior. The theory also highlights the importance of social support and the role of psychological and emotional factors in suicidal behavior. The interpersonal theory of suicide is supported by empirical research showing that factors such as mental disorders, previous suicide attempts, social isolation, family conflict, unemployment, and physical illness are associated with increased risk for suicide. The theory also accounts for the fact that only a small subset of individuals who think about suicide will attempt or die by suicide. The theory proposes that the desire for suicide is driven by the simultaneous presence of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, while the capability to engage in suicidal behavior is developed through repeated exposure to painful or fear-inducing experiences. The theory is structured to allow for the testing of its hypotheses and to provide a framework for understanding the etiology of suicide. It also emphasizes the importance of social factors in suicidal behavior and the need for interventions that address these factors.The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposes that suicidal behavior is driven by two key interpersonal constructs: thwarted belongingness (feeling disconnected from others) and perceived burdensomeness (feeling like a burden to others). These constructs, when combined, create the most dangerous form of suicidal desire. The theory also distinguishes between the desire to engage in suicidal behavior and the capability to do so, which develops through repeated exposure to physically painful or fear-inducing experiences. The theory is structured to allow for scientific testing and falsification of its hypotheses. Suicidal behavior is a major global health issue, with millions of deaths and attempted suicides annually. However, the field has lacked a comprehensive theory to explain the causes and prevention of suicide. The interpersonal theory aims to address this gap by integrating empirical findings and theoretical perspectives. It emphasizes the role of social factors in suicidal behavior, such as family conflict, social isolation, and unemployment, which are associated with increased risk for suicide. The theory is grounded in the idea that individuals who die by suicide often experience unmet social needs, such as the need to belong, and feel like a burden to others. These experiences can lead to a desire for death, which may be acted upon if the individual also has the capability to engage in suicidal behavior. The theory also highlights the importance of social support and the role of psychological and emotional factors in suicidal behavior. The interpersonal theory of suicide is supported by empirical research showing that factors such as mental disorders, previous suicide attempts, social isolation, family conflict, unemployment, and physical illness are associated with increased risk for suicide. The theory also accounts for the fact that only a small subset of individuals who think about suicide will attempt or die by suicide. The theory proposes that the desire for suicide is driven by the simultaneous presence of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, while the capability to engage in suicidal behavior is developed through repeated exposure to painful or fear-inducing experiences. The theory is structured to allow for the testing of its hypotheses and to provide a framework for understanding the etiology of suicide. It also emphasizes the importance of social factors in suicidal behavior and the need for interventions that address these factors.