Thomas Joiner is an esteemed academic psychologist and one of the world's leading experts on suicide. His work and research has had a profound impact on thinking and methods regarding suicidal behavior and related disorders.

Professor Joiner is the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Florida State University, where he oversees the Laboratory for the Study of the Psychology and Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, Suicide, and Related Conditions. He received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.

Professor Joiner developed the interpersonal theory of suicide, which explains suicide by combining certain factors that combine 'desire' and 'ability. Suicide occurs when a desire to commit suicide comes from feeling a lack of belonging and being a burden to others. This combines with the ability to overcome the fear of pain and death to carry out the act.

He is the author of several notable books, including Why People Die By Suicide and Mindlessness: The Corruption of Mindfulness in a Culture of Narcissism. Joiner has also authored hundreds of journal articles and book chapters and is editor-in-chief of the journal Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.