Theoretical models of suicidal behaviour: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Abstract Background and objectives Suicide mortality has not decreased in recent decades, partly due to the lack of valid predictors. A small number of systematic reviews have been published on the different integrated theoretical models of suicide, although no attempts have been made to bring together the different perspectives into a single integrated model. Methods We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases up to January 2020 to identify studies on integrated theoretical models of suicidal behaviour. Results Eleven articles met the selection criteria and were included in the review. Some of the key risk factors indicated by most of the models are traumatic events, childhood abuse, feelings of defeat and entrapment, emotional dysregulation, and social exclusion. Conclusions Suicidal behaviour remains a complex phenomenon involving multiple factors. The synergistic effect between all the factors involved should be considered.