Suicidal Behaviors in Homosexual and Bisexual Males

Abstract

A stratified random sample of 750 males in Calgary, Canada, aged 18-27 years, were given questions on sexual activity and orientation. Mental health questions included a measure of suicidality and of acts of deliberate self-harm. A computerized response format, which has been established as a good method for eliciting sensitive personal data, ensured anonymity. Almost 13% of the males were classified as homosexual or bisexual on the basis of being currently homosexually active or by self-identification. Significantly higher rates of previous suicidal ideas and actions were reported by homosexually oriented males than by heterosexual males. Homosexually oriented males accounted for 62.5% of suicide attempters. These findings, which indicate that homosexual and bisexual males are 13.9 times more at risk for a serious suicide attempt, are consonant with previous findings. The predominant reason for the suicidality of these young males may be linked to the process of "coming out," especially for those who currently have high levels of depression. These results underscore the need for qualified services rarely available to homosexually oriented youth.

Confidant support and the mental wellbeing of lesbian and gay young adults: a longitudinal analysis

“…Young people with high levels of hopelessness tend to perceive their social support as low (Biggam & Power, 1997). Research that has been conducted with lesbian, gay and bisexual youth has consistently found a markedly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours among these groups than among heterosexual youth (Bagley & Tremblay, 1997;D'Augelli & Hershberger, 1993;Hershberger & D'Augelli, 1995;Remafedi, French, & Story, 1998;Rotheram-Borus, Hunter, & Rosario, 1994;van Heeringen & Vincke, 2000). The above studies clearly document the relationship between self-esteem, hopelessness and depression as indicators of mental wellbeing and social support.…”

“…The most commonly-used indicators of mental health problems among young lesbians and gay males are levels of depression (Bagley & Tremblay, 1997), self-esteem (Proctor & Groze, 1994) and hopelessness (Tremblay, 1995). Social support is an important correlate of these.…”

Childhood Gender Nonconformity and Harassment as Predictors of Suicidality among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Austrians

“…A question related to aborted suicide attempts was included: ''I was already trying to kill myself but stopped the attempt at the last minute'' (Barber, Marzuk, Leon, & Portera, 1998). In order to weigh the severity of suicidality (Bagley & Tremblay, 1997;Bagley, Wood, & Young, 1994;Meneese & Yutrzenka, 1990), a summary score of current and previous suicidality was calculated as follows: suicide ideation (non-weighted), serious suicide ideation (non-weighted), aborted suicide attempt (multiplied by 2), and suicide attempts (multiplied by 4). Cronbach's alpha was r a = .77 for present and r a = .75 for previous suicidality.…”

Kava drinking associated with suicidal behaviour among young Kanaks using kava in New Caledonia

“…As reported in various other cultural and social settings, [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] same-sex attraction and homosexuality were highly correlated with suicidal behaviour in New Caledonia, especially among Kanak youth, probably related to strong homophobia in the Kanak community. The relationships between suicidal behaviour and early tobacco use, 4,7,8,40 alcohol consumption and cannabis use 3-10 have long been known.…”