Ep. 6 – Dr. Thomas Joiner: Inside The Mind, Outside The Narrative: Rethinking What Drives Murder-Suicide

In this episode of Unspoken Grief, hosts Michael Vinton and Tina Chevalier welcome psychologist and researcher Dr. Thomas Joiner, whose work is widely cited in survivor communities and who authored The Perversion of Virtue, a book the hosts frequently reference in presentations about murder-suicide. Joiner explains how his research led him to conclude most murder-suicides are planned and rooted in a distorted, “virtuous” rationale tied to four perverted virtues—justice, mercy, duty, and glory—illustrating examples including Columbine and the influence of Timothy McVeigh. The group discusses stigma faced by survivors, language challenges around “perpetrator,” why families may not see their loved one as suicidal, the value of psychological autopsies, and how suicide prevention strategies like means safety and effective CBT may also prevent murder-suicide. 988 Lifeline number: https://988lifeline.org/  At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be complex. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.   Didi Hirsch Mental Services: didihirsch.org   Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support    Dr Thomas Joiner: Email:                joiner@psy.fsu.edu Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199334552?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WTDG24DTBD8N6ZD1RAEB&bestFormat=true Website: Thomas Joiner | Department of Psychology Georgia Commission on Family Violence   Michael Vinton Email:                info@impactedsurvivors.com  Website:    www.michaelvinton.com                   http://www.impactedsurvivors.org Podcast:    Unspoken Grief  IG:            @therealmichaelvinton FB:            Michael Vinton Linkedin:   m/ichael-vinton-6702a373 IDMB:                Michael Vinton (III) Headshot: Headshot 1                  Headshot 2   Tina Chevalier Email:                Tina@impactedsurvivors.com  Website:    www.impactedsurvivors.org  Podcast:   Unspoken Grief IG:            @impactedsurvivorsofms FB:            Facebook Headshot; Headshot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.