Bisexuality and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): A narrative synthesis of associated variables and a meta-analysis of risk

Understanding the self in nonsuicidal self-injury: A conceptual review and framework for future research

“…Relatedly, although beyond the scope of this review it is critical to note that gender minority status (e.g., identifying as transsexual or non-binary) and sexual minority status (e.g. identifying as gay or bisexual) are both associated with increased risk of engaging in NSSI (Arcelus, Claes, Witcomb, Marshall, & Bouman, 2016;Dunlop, Hartley, Oladokun, & Taylor, 2020;Smith, Wang, Carter, Fox, & Hooley, 2020). These findings again highlight the importance of considering identity with regard to self-injurious behaviors.…”

Self‐injury in young bisexual people: A microlongitudinal investigation (SIBL) of thwarted belongingness and self‐esteem on non‐suicidal self‐injury

“…For example, between-person relationships may be indicative of a more static trait-like effect, while within-person effects may suggest more state-like processes at play. While previous studies have examined NSSI and bisexuality cross-sectionally (Dunlop et al, 2020), providing information about between-person effects, to date there has been no research investigating this longitudinally that we are aware of. It is therefore unclear if the relationship that self-esteem and thwarted belongingness have with NSSI in this population is best characterized as between-person effects, within-person effects, or both.…”

“…It is vitally important that psychological processes that underlie NSSI for bisexual people are investigated, given the clear difference in risk of NSSI for this group (Dunlop et al, 2020) and lack of bisexual-focused research (Taylor, 2018). Better understanding of the psychological processes that contribute to the experience of NSSI in young bisexual people may help us understand the heightened risk this population experience and develop more targeted interventions.…”

“…Hickson et al (2017) found that younger gay and bisexual men were at significantly greater risk for self‐injury compared to older men. A recent meta‐analysis indicates that bisexual people have up to six times the odds of engaging in NSSI compared to heterosexual people, and up to four‐and‐a‐half times the odds when compared to gay men (Dunlop et al, 2020). Mental health variables (depression and anxiety symptoms, and emotional regulation) alongside life experiences such as bullying and feelings of thwarted belonging were associated with NSSI (Dunlop et al, 2020).…”

“…A recent meta‐analysis indicates that bisexual people have up to six times the odds of engaging in NSSI compared to heterosexual people, and up to four‐and‐a‐half times the odds when compared to gay men (Dunlop et al, 2020). Mental health variables (depression and anxiety symptoms, and emotional regulation) alongside life experiences such as bullying and feelings of thwarted belonging were associated with NSSI (Dunlop et al, 2020). Results of the Dunlop et al (2020) review demonstrate that NSSI among bisexual people warrants urgent empirical examination to investigate psychological mechanisms that might explain this relationship.…”