# Suicidal Behavior, Science, & Mixed Martial Arts with Dr. David Klonsky

**URL:** <https://forum.geektherapy.org/t/suicidal-behavior-science-mixed-martial-arts-with-dr-david-klonsky/1019>\
**Category:** Jedi Counsel\
**Created:** [June 17, 2019, 7:01am UTC](https://forum.geektherapy.org/t/suicidal-behavior-science-mixed-martial-arts-with-dr-david-klonsky/1019 "2019-06-17T07:01:18Z")\
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**Author:** ![JediCounsel](https://forum.geektherapy.org/user_avatar/forum.geektherapy.org/jedicounsel/32/139_2.png) [@JediCounsel](https://forum.geektherapy.org/u/JediCounsel)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2019, 7:01am UTC](https://forum.geektherapy.org/t/suicidal-behavior-science-mixed-martial-arts-with-dr-david-klonsky/1019/1 "2019-06-17T07:01:18Z")

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Originally published at: [Suicidal Behavior, Science, & Mixed Martial Arts with Dr. David Klonsky | Jedi Counsel](https://jedi-counsel.com/2019/06/17/suicidal-behavior-science-mixed-martial-arts-with-dr-david-klonsky/)

[Dr. David Klonsky](https://psych.ubc.ca/profile/david-klonsky/) is a clinical psychology professor who conducts research on suicidal behavior, personality, emotion, and assessment. He developed the [three-step theory](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.705.7503&rep=rep1&type=pdf), which is an important and parsimonious theory of suicidal behavior. David also conducted foundational work on the functions of [nonsuicidal self-injury](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.901.4205&rep=rep1&type=pdf). After discussing suicidal behavior research, we shifted the conversation to open science and [criticism of National Institute of Mental Health grant funding priorities](https://twitter.com/KlonskyLab/status/1126096677717385216). Then, we talked about mixed martial arts – both our own experiences and David’s work consulting with athletes competing in combat sports. We concluded with thoughts about why _Buffy the Vampire Slayer_ and _Star Wars_ are so good. This episode was SO much fun to make, and we hope you enjoy listening to it!

**Show Notes**

_Suicide Research_

You can follow Dr. David Klonsky on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/KlonskyLab) and check out his lab’s research on [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=TzyGmy4AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao). For example, I recommend:

[Ideation-to-Action Theories of Suicide: A Conceptual and Empirical Update](https://www2.psych.ubc.ca/~klonsky/publications/ita.pdf)

[The Role of Theory for Understanding and Preventing Suicide (But Not Predicting It): A Commentary on Hjelmeland and Knizek](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/E_David_Klonsky/publication/332432153_The_role_of_theory_for_understanding_and_preventing_suicide_but_not_predicting_it_A_commentary_on_Hjelmeland_and_Knizek/links/5cb89509a6fdcc1d499ee371/The-role-of-theory-for-understanding-and-preventing-suicide-but-not-predicting-it-A-commentary-on-Hjelmeland-and-Knizek.pdf)

On the episode, I mentioned that I wrote a blog post about [the three-step theory](https://kathrynhgordon.com/2019/03/24/science-can-meaningfully-advance-public-discussion-about-suicide/) and how I believe it can advance public discussion about suicide.

_Mixed Martial Arts Media Appearances_

You can also follow David’s MMA [Twitter account](https://twitter.com/KlonskyMMA).

[5 Rounds: Psychology of MMA, Mark Bocek on Bendo vs. Thomson and More – Fight Network](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nu9xpiCHNY)

[Ronda Rousey’s Return at UFC 207 – Fight Network](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XnONYsr054)

[Connor McGregor’s Winning Ways; Mentally Breaking Opponents – Fight Network](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRheEcWZPao)

**Suicide prevention information and resources are available** [**here**](https://kathrynhgordon.com/2018/06/09/suicide-prevention-information-resources/) **and you can learn more about nonsuicidal self-injury** [**here**](https://itriples.org/) **.**