Thomas Joiner

Thomas Joiner is the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Florida State University and Director of the FSU Psychology Clinic, affiliated with the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Education:

• University of Texas, Austin (1993)

Dr. Joiner's research centers on suicide prevention and the interpersonal theory of suicide, with emphasis on suicidal behavior in military and first-responder populations. His work investigates eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and acute suicidal affective disturbance (ASAD), integrating interpersonal, cognitive, and neurobiological perspectives to understand depression and related conditions.

His recent publications reveal consistent focus on suicide risk factors across diverse populations, including military personnel, firefighters, and youth with bipolar disorder. Key themes include stressful life events, rumination mechanisms, occupational suicide rates, and theoretical advancements like ASAD, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches spanning clinical, epidemiological, and neurobiological domains.

Scientific Awards:

• Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professorship

Dr. Joiner actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, currently recruiting for Fall 2026 and offering Directed Individual Study opportunities. His research is supported by grants funding the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors, which serves as a training ground for doctoral students and provides community mental health services through the FSU Psychology Clinic.

He directs the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors, which conducts cutting-edge research on suicide prevention across military, occupational, and clinical settings. Current projects examine lethal means safety, ASAD, and suicide epidemiology, with interdisciplinary collaborations spanning psychology, neuroscience, and public health.