Predictors of Sexual Minority Youth’s Reported Suicide Attempts and Mental Health

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth (LGBY) report higher rates of mental health concerns compared to heterosexual youth due to minority stressors. This study examined the interpersonal and intrapersonal variables that predict psychological distress and self-reported suicide attempts in a sample of 61 LGBY in the Mid-South, which is a highly overlooked regional area for LGBY research. Youth who lost friends when coming out were 29 times more likely to report suicide attempts, and those who experienced psychological maltreatment from caregivers were 9.5 times more likely to report a suicide attempt. Internalized heterosexism, feelings of guilt or shame, and psychological maltreatment from caregivers were significant predictors of depression and anxiety symptoms. This study highlights the importance of creating affirming spaces for LGBY, particularly in areas of the country that experience greater political oppression of sexual minorities, such as the Mid-South.

General and LGBTQ-specific factors associated with mental health and suicide risk among LGBTQ students

“…Lower social support was associated with suicide risk and self-harm in multivariate analyses and with all four outcomes in univariate analyses. This is in line with a UK study which found lower social support was associated with engaging in self-harm among trans participants (Davey, Arcelus, Meyer, & Bouman, 2016) and US research which found that losing friends when youth came out as LGB was significantly associated with suicide attempts (Puckett et al, 2017). This suggests that social support may be a protective factor for…”

“…given that young adults may be at earlier stages of their identity development when they are more likely to be relying on friends and family for support (Puckett et al, 2017). However it could be due to other factors such as greater exposure to suicide risk and self-harm and help seeking in one's LGBTQ friends.…”

Suicidal behaviour among sexual-minority youth: a review of the role of acceptance and support

“…In line with these findings, family support was also shown to be significantly protective against suicide attempts or other forms of suicidal behaviours. [46][47][48][49] On the contrary, not having enough friends and feeling lonely correlates positively with suicide ideation and attempts. 44,45 Stress and lack of social support mediated about one third of the relationship between same-sex attraction and suicidal tendencies.…”

Peer Victimization and Mental Health Outcomes for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Youth: A Latent Class Analysis

“…Increased bullying may also indicate a loss of friends or peer support for a newly out LGBQ student, thus increasing minority stress 10 . For example, youth were 29 times more likely to endorse a suicide attempt if they lost friends when coming out and 9.5 times more likely when they endorsed poor psychological treatment from caregivers 31 . The trauma literature in childhood is moving towards an increased focus on the significance of emotional violence (such as emotional or psychological abuse, bullying) in families and peer groups on mental health outcomes 32 .…”