Factors Related to Suicide in LGBT Populations

Skerrett, Delaney Michael; Kõlves, Kairi; Leo, Diego De

doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000423

Cited by 42 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Our study identified two relational risk factors that are associated with greater suicide risk among all subgroups of sexual minorities in our sample. Building on the limited literature base (McDermott et al., ; Skerrett et al., ), we found that shame is one risk factor associated with greater suicide risk. This finding supports social constructionists framing of suicidality among sexual minorities, which focuses on the pressures and tensions of heterosexism and heternormativity in identity development and well‐being among sexual minorities (Cover, ; McDermott & Roen, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

“…Although shame is strongly associated with psychological distress among sexual minorities (Mereish & Poteat, ), there is a dearth of literature examining the association between shame and suicide risk among sexual minorities. One study found that shame was one of the key factors associated with completed suicide among sexual minorities (Skerrett, Kõlves, & De Leo, ), and a qualitative study found that self‐destructive behaviors, including suicidality, functioned as a method to avoid shame related to heterosexist experiences (McDermott, Roen, & Scourfield, ). These studies underscore the possibility of shame as a mechanism through which minority stress may increase suicide risk; however, the mediating effects of shame on these associations have yet to be tested.…”

Section: Theoretical Models Explaining Suicide Risk Among Sexual Minomentioning

confidence: 99%

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Minority Stress and Relational Mechanisms of Suicide among Sexual Minorities: Subgroup Differences in the Associations Between Heterosexist Victimization, Shame, Rejection Sensitivity, and Suicide Risk

Mereish

Peters

Yen

2018

Suicide & Life Threat Behav

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Despite sexual orientation disparities in suicide, there is limited research examining factors associated with suicide risk among sexual minorities while considering subgroup differences within this group. This study identified differences between sexual minorities at risk for suicide and those not at risk. The study also examined heterosexist victimization, as one form of minority stress, and two relational mechanisms (i.e., shame and rejection sensitivity) as risk factors for suicidality. We examined a moderated-mediation model, in which we tested gender and sexual orientation differences in the mediating effects of the relational mechanisms on the association between heterosexist victimization and suicide risk. Participants were recruited online and completed an online survey. The sample included 719 sexual minority adults. Of the sample, 27.7% were at risk for suicide. Suicide risk varied by age, gender, sexual orientation, income, education, and relationship status. Heterosexist victimization, shame, and rejection sensitivity were significant risk factors for suicide. Shame and rejection sensitivity were mediators of the association between heterosexist victimization and suicide risk for subgroups of sexual minorities, mostly lesbian and gay individuals and to some extent bisexual individuals. The findings underscore minority stress, shame, and rejection sensitivity as key intervention points.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Section: Theoretical Models Explaining Suicide Risk Among Sexual Minomentioning

confidence: 99%

Minority Stress and Relational Mechanisms of Suicide among Sexual Minorities: Subgroup Differences in the Associations Between Heterosexist Victimization, Shame, Rejection Sensitivity, and Suicide Risk

Mereish

Peters

Yen

2018

Suicide & Life Threat Behav

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“…In much previous research, all sexual minorities are combined in one group due to small sample sizes (Bouris et al, 2016; Espelage et al, 2008; Hughes et al, 2010; Hughes et al, 2014; Skerrett et al, 2016). By using a large, nationally representative sample, we were able to investigate the relationship between specific subgroups of SMY and alcohol use.…”

Section: 0 Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Victimization as a mediator of alcohol use disparities between sexual minority subgroups and sexual majority youth using the 2015 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Phillips

Turner

Salamanca

et al. 2017

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

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Background Alcohol use among underage youth is a significant public health concern. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol is the “drug of choice” among adolescents, meaning more youth use and abuse alcohol than any other substance. Prevalence of alcohol use is disproportionately higher among sexual minority youth (SMY) than among their heterosexual peers. We examined sexual identity and sexual behavior disparities in alcohol use, and the mediational role of bullying in a sample of high school students. Methods Data from the 2015 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to assess the association between sexual minority status (identity and behavior) and alcohol use with weighted logistic regression. Due to well-documented differences between males and females, we stratified models by gender. Physical and cyberbullying were examined as mediators of the relationship between sexual minority status and alcohol use. Results We detected associations between certain subgroups of sexual minority youth and alcohol use across all four drinking variables (ever drank alcohol, age at first drink, current alcohol use, and binge drinking). Most of these associations were found among bisexual-identified youth and students with both male and female sexual partners; these individuals had up to twice the odds of engaging in alcohol use behaviors when compared with sexual majority students. Associations were strongest among females. Bullying mediated sexual minority status and alcohol use only among bisexual females. Conclusions As disparities in alcohol use differ by gender, sexual identity, and sexual behavior, interventions should be targeted accordingly.

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“…However, a recent study reported higher odds of any lifetime mood disorder in sexual minority women who experienced discrimination compared with those who did not (3). The factors contributing to mood disorders in LGBT people may include a lack of acceptance by family and self that is reflected in internalized homophobia, shame, negative feelings about one's own sexuality/ gender, and uneasiness with one's own appearance (5).…”

Section: A Brief Discussion On Mood Disorders In the Lgbt Populationmentioning

confidence: 98%

A Brief Discussion on Mood Disorders in the LGBT Population

Husain-Krautter¹

2017

AJP Residents' Journal

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The LGBT community is a vulnerable population that faces higher rates of mood disorders, anxiety, alcohol, and substance use disorders (1). There is also a higher prevalence of suicide, with the rate of suicide attempts among LGBT youths being as high as four times that of a control heterosexual population in at least one study (2). Additionally, the LGBT population is at higher risk of being victims of aggression and physical and sexual abuse (3). Mood disorders comprise all types of depression and bipolar disorders, and when compared with the heterosexual population, one study found that "the risk for depression and anxiety disorders (over a period of 12 months or a lifetime) were at least 1.5 times higher in lesbian, gay and bisexual people" (4). However, a recent study reported higher odds of any lifetime mood disorder in sexual minority women who experienced discrimination compared with those who did not (3). The factors contributing to mood disorders in LGBT people may include a lack of acceptance by family and self that is reflected in internalized homophobia, shame, negative feelings about one's own sexuality/ gender, and uneasiness with one's own appearance (5).LGBT youths typically disclose their sexual preference 2 years earlier than control peers and generally during a developmental period defined by strong peer influence and reactions, making them more susceptible to victimization with subsequent consequences, especially regarding mental health (6). The case report below demonstrates the importance of identification of the underlying problem when treating LGBT youths and young adults, in addition to formal assessment and evidence-based treatment of symptoms.CASE "Mr. J," a 21-year-old Caucasian man, was admitted to our inpatient psychiatric facility on a 24-hour emergency detention for suicidal behavior. On the day prior to admission, he had an argument with his mother and ran out on the highway in front of a tractor trailer that just missed hitting him; he then attempted to step in front of another truck that slammed on its brakes just in time. He ran into the woods and was eventually located by a police helicopter. He was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation but refused to give any information. He ran away from the hospital, and the police found him by a river. The patient had an extensive history of psychiatric hospitalization, suicide attempts, self-injurious behavior, and substance use since his late teenage years. During the initial intake interview at our facility, he was hyperverbal but avoided most questions, although he expressed that he suffered from anxiety and panic attacks and that only benzodiazepines had helped him. When questioned about manic symptoms, he was vague and in general admitted to reckless behavior. When asked about the multiple linear scars on all his limbs, he stated that they occurred while he was sleeping and that he had no recollection or knowledge of them until after he woke up. Collateral information was obtained from his outpatient provider, who mentioned that...

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Factors Related to Suicide in LGBT Populations

Abstract: Specific predictive factors for suicide in LGBT populations in Australia were identified, including significantly poorer mental health outcomes and more violence across an array of measures.

Cited by 42 publications

References 30 publications

Minority Stress and Relational Mechanisms of Suicide among Sexual Minorities: Subgroup Differences in the Associations Between Heterosexist Victimization, Shame, Rejection Sensitivity, and Suicide Risk

Minority Stress and Relational Mechanisms of Suicide among Sexual Minorities: Subgroup Differences in the Associations Between Heterosexist Victimization, Shame, Rejection Sensitivity, and Suicide Risk

Victimization as a mediator of alcohol use disparities between sexual minority subgroups and sexual majority youth using the 2015 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey

A Brief Discussion on Mood Disorders in the LGBT Population

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