Where Risks and Protective Factors Operate Differently: Homeless Sexual Minority Youth and Suicide Attempts

Abstract

Using a sample of 628 homeless youth and young adults from eight US cities, this study examines whether the relationship between having been in custody of social services and suicide attempts, and the relationship between engaging in survival sex and suicide attempts differ based on sexual orientation. Findings suggest that being in custody of social services is associated with a significant increase in likelihood of suicide attempts for heterosexual youth, it does not, however, significantly change the already increased risk of suicide attempts for sexual minority youth. Engaging in survival sex appears to be associated with increased risks of suicide attempts for both heterosexual and sexual minority youth, but the increase in likelihood is much stronger for heterosexual youth than for sexual minority youth. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Exploring gender and sexual minority status among street-involved youth

“…Studies find higher rates of mental health problems and drug and alcohol abuse among sexual minority street youth compared to heterosexual street youth (Cochran et al, 2002;Kipke, Montgomery, Simon, Unger, & Johnson, 1997;Leslie, Stein, & Rotheram-Borus, 2002;Noell & Ochs, 2001;Walls, Potter, & Van Leeuwen 2009;Whitbeck et al, 2004). Other studies find that sexual minority street youth engage in more survival sex, report more sexually transmitted infections and report more risk factors for contracting HIV (Gangamma et al, 2008;Rew, Whittaker, Taylor-Seehafer, & Smith, 2005;Van Leeuwen et al, 2006).…”

An Ecological Systems Comparison Between Homeless Sexual Minority Youths and Homeless Heterosexual Youths

“…Both homeless and sexual minority youths are often viewed as vulnerable and stigmatized populations. Sexual minority youths are overrepresented among homeless youths and homeless sexual minority youths face higher risk of mental health problems, substance use, and sexual risk behavior compared to their heterosexual homeless counterparts (Cochran, Stewart, Ginzler, & Cauce, 2002; Gattis, 2009, Gangamma, Slesnick, Toviessi & Serovich, 2008; Tyler, Whitbeck, Hoyt, & Cauce, 2004, Frederick, Ross, Bruno, & Erickson, 2011; Salomsen-Sautel et al 2008; Marshall, Shannon, Kerr, Zhang, & Wood; Rew, Whittaker, Seehafer, & Smith; Walls, Potter, & Van Leeuwen, 2009). In the United States, a report issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (Ray, 2006) estimated that between 20-40% of all homeless youths self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered (GLBT).…”

The Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Girls in Juvenile Justice Systems

“…While much research is still needed regarding the experiences of LGBT youth involved in juvenile justice systems, the serious consequences of homophobia and heterosexism on LGBT youth have been well documented, particularly in the areas of abuse and victimization experiences (e.g., Birkett, Espelage, & Koenig, 2009; Bontempo & D’Augelli, 2002; Corliss, Cochran, Mays, Greenland, & Seeman, 2009; Fishbein, 2000; Grossman, D’Augelli, & Salter, 2006; Hunter, 1990; Pilkington & D’Augelli, 1995; Russell & Joyner, 2001), and negative mental health outcomes, including suicide attempts (e.g., Balsam, Beauchaine, Mickey, & Rothblum, 2005; Birkett et al, 2009; Bontempo & D’Augelli, 2002; Corliss et al, 2009; D’Augelli, 2002; D’Augelli & Hershberger, 1993; Diamond & Lucas, 2004; Gibson, 1989; Russell & Joyner, 2001; Salomonsen-Sautel et al, 2008; Scourfield, Roen, & McDermott, 2008; Thompson & Light, 2011; Walls, Laser, Nickels, & Wisneski, 2010; Walls, Potter, & van Leeuwen, 2009). Research has also highlighted the higher incidence of drug and alcohol use (Birkett et al, 2009; Bontempo & D’Augelli, 2002; Garofalo, Deleon, Osmer, Doll, & Harper, 2006; Russell & Joyner, 2001; Salomonsen-Sautel et al, 2008) and running away and homelessness (Garofalo et al, 2006; Salomonsen-Sautel et al, 2008; Walls et al, 2010; Walls et al, 2009), two behaviors thought to be closely associated with the negative societal reactions LGBT youth encounter on a regular basis. On a positive note, there are indicators that as society becomes more accepting about varying sexual orientations, youth are having more positive experiences than in the past when coming out to others about their sexual identity (Eccles, Sayegh, Fortenberry, & Zimet, 2003).…”