The integrated motivational–volitional model of suicidal behaviour

O'Connor, R. C. and Kirtley, O. J. (2018) The integrated motivational–volitional model of suicidal behaviour. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 373(1754), 20170268. (doi: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0268) (PMID:30012735) (PMCID:PMC6053985)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: R.C.O.C. received funding support from MQ Research (MQ1PI100009) and US Department of Defense (W81XWH-12-1- 0007). O.J.K. is supported by a fellowship from an FWO Odysseus grant (Myin-Germeys, FWO GOF8416N).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: O'Connor, Professor Rory and Kirtley, Dr Olivia
• Authors: O'Connor, R. C., and Kirtley, O. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• ISSN: 0962-8436
• ISSN (Online): 1471-2970
• Published Online: 16 July 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 373(1754):20170268
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License