In his new theory of suicidal behavior, Thomas Joiner proposes three factors that mark those most at risk of death: the feeling of being a burden on loved ones; the sense of isolation; and, perhaps chillingly, the learned ability to hurt oneself.  He tests the theory against diverse facts taken from clinical anecdotes, history, literature, popular culture, anthropology, epidemiology, genetics, and neurobiology--facts about suicide rates among men and women; white and African-American men; anorexics, athletes, prostitutes, and physicians; members of cults, sports fans, and citizens of nations in crisis.

7 objectives 
- to review basic facts about the epidemiology and risk factors for death by suicide. 
- to learn about a new theory of suicidal behavior. 
- to learn about anecdotal, clinical, and scientific evidence that evaluates this new theory. 
- to learn about approaches to suicide risk assessment. 
- to learn about developments in the treatment of suicidal behavior. 
- to learn about developments in suicide prevention. 
- to understand the experience of people who are bereaved by suicide.