Family‐of‐origin rejection on suicidal ideation among a sexual minority sample

Abstract

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States.Among sexual minority populations, suicide risk is elevated; this can be explained by minority stress. One such source of minority stress is family-of-origin rejection, a known risk factor for suicide among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents; however, less is known about this association among sexual minority adults. While navigating the intersection of minority stress theory and the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study sought to evaluate the impact of family-oforigin rejection distress on suicidal ideation among a sample of adults with marginalized sexual orientations. Recruited for two larger studies, 325 LGB participants (64.3% cisgender, 35.7% transgender or nonbinary) completed an online survey concerning minority stressors, depressive symptoms, and suicide. Using cross-sectional mediation analysis, family-of-origin rejection distress was indirectly associated with suicidal thoughts through depressive symptoms. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Sexual orientation and gynecologic medical care: A cross‐sectional study with Brazilian women

“…Family-of-origin rejection is a source of minority stress and a known risk factor for suicide among lesbians. 22 In the present study, a percentage of LB women had difficulties in discussing their sexual orientation at home. In addition, other authors showed that LB women receive less support from their parents than heterosexual women.…”

“…Depression was more commonly observed in LB women than in their heterosexual counterparts. According to VanBergen and Love, 22 among sexual minority populations, depression and suicide risks are high; this finding can be explained by minority stress. Family‐of‐origin rejection is a source of minority stress and a known risk factor for suicide among lesbians 22 .…”

“…According to VanBergen and Love, 22 among sexual minority populations, depression and suicide risks are high; this finding can be explained by minority stress. Family‐of‐origin rejection is a source of minority stress and a known risk factor for suicide among lesbians 22 . In the present study, a high percentage of LB women had difficulties in discussing their sexual orientation at home.…”

Attachment‐based family therapy for sexual and gender minority young adults and their nonaccepting parents

“…Indeed, research has shown that parental criticism, invalidation, and rejection of their child's sexual orientation or gender identity is associated with a number of negative psychological and health outcomes. These include internalized homophobia, expectations for future gay‐related rejection by others (Pachankis et al, 2008), increased risk for depression and suicidal ideation (Haas et al, 2010; Ryan et al, 2009; VanBergen & Love, 2022), and higher levels of drug and alcohol consumption (D’Amico & Julien, 2012; Padilla et al, 2010; Rothman et al, 2012). In contrast, parental support of their child's sexual orientation or gender identity is associated with greater self‐esteem and perceived social support, and has been found to buffer against psychopathology (D’augelli, 2002; Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006; Elizur & Ziv, 2001; Evans et al, 2004; Feinstein et al, 2014; Floyd et al, 1999; Grossman et al, 2005; Haas et al, 2010; Hershberger & D’Augelli, 1995; Needham & Austin, 2010; Ryan et al, 2010; Savin‐Williams, 1989; Shilo & Savaya, 2011).…”

“…While in many countries societal attitudes toward same‐sex oriented and gender minority (SGM) people have become increasingly more accepting (Luhur et al, 2019; Pew Research Center, 2020), many LGBTQ+ young adults, including in Israel, still report that their parents are rejecting or not accepting of their identity, even years after disclosure (Grossman et al, 2005; Samarova et al, 2014; VanBergen & Love, 2022). Such parental rejection can manifest in a variety of ways, including hurtful homo(trans)phobic comments, invalidation (e.g., “you are just confused”), explicit disapproval (e.g., “being gay is immoral and prohibited by the Bible”), guilt induction (e.g., “You are ruining our family”), and coercion/control (“Don't bring your girlfriend home for the holidays”).…”