Past and future suicide attempt rates among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) young people were compared with those of heterosexual young people. A sample of Norwegian students (N = 2.924; grades 7-12) was followed in 3 data collection waves. Risk factors included previous suicide attempt,depressed mood, eating problems, conduct problems, early sexual debut, number of sexual partners, pubertal timing, self-concept, alcohol and drug use, atypical gender roles, loneliness, peer relations, social support, parental attachment, parental monitoring, and suicidal behavior among family and friends. When homosexual attraction, homosexual identity, and same-sex sexual behavior were entered to predict suicide attempt, only same-sex sexual behavior was significantly predictive. The increased odds could not be attributed to GLB students' greater exposure to risk factors for suicide attempt.

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Studies of young people's experiences of parental influence on their educational choice in different family contexts are lacking. This study explores such experiences among youth in Norway, where educational choice is normatively construed as an autonomous decision. The article draws on data from a survey of 2,029 youths that includes open-ended qualitative descriptions of experiences of difficult decisions. The analyses show no differences in experiences of parental influences related to class. Minority students experience their parents as positive/supportive to the same degree as majority students but as more strongly influencing the decision-making process. Nevertheless, minority and majority youth express having made their own choice to the same extent. Negative and strong parental opinions sometimes complicate the choosing process and threaten young people's sense of autonomy. In the case of youths' indecision and need for guidance, parental involvement may be a precondition for a young person's ability to make an autonomous decision.

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