Table 1.

Key premises of the IMV model of suicidal behaviour.

	premise
1	Vulnerability factors combined with stressful life events (including early life adversity) provide the backdrop for the development of suicidal ideation.
2	The presence of pre-motivational vulnerability factors (e.g. socially prescribed perfectionism) increases the sensitivity to signals of defeat.
3	Defeat/humiliation and entrapment are the key drivers for the emergence of suicidal ideation.
4	Entrapment is the bridge between defeat and suicidal ideation.
5	Volitional-phase factors govern the transition from ideation/intent to suicidal behaviour.
6	Individuals with a suicide attempt or self-harm history will exhibit higher levels of motivational and volitional-phase variables than those without a history.
7	Distress is higher in those who engage in repeated suicidal behaviour and over time, and intention is translated into behaviour with increasing rapidity.