Fostering Worth and Belonging: Applying the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to the Workplace

Abstract

Suicide, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is a topic too often ignored in occupational research. Given the negative impact an employee's suicide can have on surviving coworkers and the overall organization, it is essential that employers understand (a) why people die by suicide and (b) how they can mitigate suicide risk. This article introduces the interpersonal theory of suicide, an empirically based explanatory framework for understanding lethal self-injury. Practical recommendations to reduce employees' risk for suicidal behavior are offered with an emphasis on fostering worth and belonging, two key concepts in suicide prevention.

KEYWORDS:

• employee
• interpersonal theory
• protective factors
• suicide prevention
• workplace