Exposure to Suicidal Behavior and Social Support Among Sexual- and Gender-Minority Youth

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examine reports of exposure to suicidal behavior by youth sexual and gender identity. We explore how exposure is related to depressed mood in the context of high social support while accounting for cumulative adversity.METHODS: Data from a large national sample of youth aged 14 to 15 years in the United States (N = 3979) were collected online in 2018-2019.RESULTS: Sexual-and gender-minority youth were more likely to know someone close to them who attempted suicide, relative to cisgender heterosexual youth. Cisgender heterosexual youth were buffered from recent depressed mood when they endorsed having high social support in the context of exposure to suicidal behavior; less social support did not provide such a buffer. For cisgender sexual-minority male and female youth, exposure to suicidal behavior was related to recent depressed mood regardless of the level of social support. For gender-minority youth assigned female at birth, the combination of exposure and high social support was significantly associated with elevated depressed mood. Cumulative adversity accounted for some but not all of these relationships, indicating the influential role of exposure to suicidal behavior on depressed mood for some youth.CONCLUSIONS: These findings illustrate the complexities of social support and raise questions about its potential to magnify stress rather than serve as a buffer for some youth. Although findings need to be replicated, suicide prevention efforts should carefully consider how to promote resilience among these suicide-exposed sexual-and gender-minority youth who may themselves be at risk for suicidal ideation and behavior.

Exposure to Self-Directed Violence: Understanding Intention to Help and Helping Behaviors among Adolescents and Emerging Adults

“…Older participants (ages 18-23) reported greater exposure, as did participants who listed their race as white, sexual and gender minority participants, and those living in low-income households. These findings are similar to other studies that showed greater exposure among sexual and gender minority youth and among older youth [4,37,50]. Previous research on the risk for SDV finds some differences between younger and older adolescents on factors that increase risk for suicide [51].…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for youth with a history of exposure to self-directed violence.

“…Further research could better unpack how social connections and outreach to others are being used and how that variation might explain varied impacts of support and outreach. These findings are consistent with research findings indicating that the role of social connections is complex (Mitchell et al, 2021).…”

Overlap Between Exposure to Suicidal Behavior and Indirect Interpersonal Violence: Evidence for a More Integrated Approach to Violence Research

“…For example, given the complex cluster of social and economic problems that are often linked with interpersonal violence and suicide, such as poverty and marginalized social identity status, a diverse range of individual-, family-, and community-based interventions may be needed which can be informed by research. Consistent with previous studies (Banyard et al, 2021; Mitchell et al, 2021), the current research found adolescents from low-income families (a marker of low resourced communities) and those who identified as SGM were more likely to report both interpersonal violence and suicidal behavior exposure. Findings provide more evidence for our existing knowledge base about the health disparities faced by these marginalized communities.…”