Developer of the Three-Step Theory of Suicide (3ST) — a parsimonious, empirically-supported model explaining why some people move from suicidal ideation to action.
Dr. E. David Klonsky is a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, where his research examines the nature, causes, and consequences of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). He is best known for developing the Three-Step Theory of Suicide (3ST) — an influential and evidence-informed model that explains suicide risk in terms of psychological pain, hopelessness, and connectedness, with particular emphasis on distinguishing the many people who have suicidal ideation from the smaller number who go on to attempt suicide.
Dr. Klonsky has published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and his research has received consistent CIHR funding. His work on the ideation-to-action distinction has reshaped how the field conceptualizes suicide and how clinicians should assess and intervene with clients at different points in this trajectory. He has also made major contributions to the conceptual and empirical literature on NSSI, helping establish it as a clinically and theoretically distinct phenomenon from suicidal behavior.
