An examination of theory-based suicidal ideation risk factors in college students with multiple marginalized identities.

Abstract

Social marginalization increases the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) among individuals with diverse identities, yet research examining the effects of marginalization has focused on one identity. Emerging adulthood is a critical period of identity development and the age group with the highest rates of SI. Considering the challenges of living in potentially heterosexist, cissexist, racist, and sizeist environments, we tested whether possessing multiple marginalized identities was associated with severity of SI through factors proposed in the interpersonal–psychological theory (IPT) and the three-step theory (3ST) of suicide and if mediation paths were moderated by sex. A sample of 265 college students completed a cross-sectional online survey assessing SI and constructs related to IPT and 3ST. The number of marginalized identities was generated by adding minoritized sexual orientation, race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White, body mass index >25 kg/m2, sexual attraction to same sex but identified as heterosexual, and gender-fluid identity. In IPT multiple mediation analyses, possessing more marginalized identities was associated with SI severity through burdensomeness and hopelessness, but not belonging. Indirect paths through burdensomeness and belonging were moderated by sex. For 3ST, possessing more marginalized identities was associated with SI severity through hopelessness and psychological pain, but not social connection or meaning in life. Future research should consider intersecting social identities and test mechanisms by which multiply marginalized college students develop resilience to SI risk factors, such as support within their marginalized groups, to inform suicide assessment and intervention efforts on college campuses.

A multisystem model for understanding stress and adaptation in ethnically and racially diverse youth

“…Intersectional theory purports that individuals with multiple marginalized identities are more susceptible to higher levels of stress and poor adaptation due in part to their limited access to socioeconomic resources and social capital (Crenshaw, 1989). Consistent with this premise, other theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence suggests that certain constitutional factors (skin tone, temperament) and social positions (gender, race-ethnicity, immigrant status, and sexual identity) increase an individual's risk to chronic stress exposure and poor adaptation (García Coll et al, 1996;Shepherd et al, 2023). For instance, Lewis (2023) proposed a theoretical model illustrating that Black women are more vulnerable to poor health outcomes and psychosocial well-being given their frequent encounters with racism and sexism.…”

Beyond “not my type”: A quantitative examination of intraminority stigma among gay men who use dating apps.

“…Among gay men, intraminority stress refers to the unique status-based, competitive pressures that influence interactions between gay men and other men who rely on other men to satisfy social and sexual needs (Pachankis et al, 2020). These within-group pressures are often discriminatory in nature, rooted in stigmatizing social structures and stereotypes that actively exclude diversity based on race/ethnicity, body size and shape, gender expression, socioeconomic status (SES), and other status-relevant social attributes (Antebi-Gruszka et al, 2024; Shepherd, Denning, et al, 2023; Shepherd, Kelly, et al, 2023; Shepherd, Maki, et al, 2023). According to intraminority gay community stress theory (Pachankis et al, 2020), intraminority stress increases gay men’s susceptibility to mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety (Mahon et al, 2021; Pachankis et al, 2020).…”

Adding cultural variables to improve assessments and interventions with suicidal persons of color.

“…Members of the LGBTQ+ community have higher rates of suicide than their heterosexual peers, although only a few studies have looked at the interactions between sexual orientation and race/ethnicity. It is possible that having multiple marginalized identities may contribute to suicide risk (Shepherd et al, 2023). However, these risk factors may interact in complex ways that are poorly understood.…”