Suicidality Patterns and Sexual Orientation-Related Factors Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths

• Published in: Suicide & life-threatening behavior Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 250 - 264
• Main Authors: D'Augelli, Anthony R., Hershberger, Scott L., Pilkington, Neil W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2001; Guilford
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior - psychology; Adolescents; Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Behavior Patterns; Biological and medical sciences; Bisexuality - psychology; Children & youth; Family Relationship; Female; Gays & lesbians; High School Students; Homosexuality; Homosexuality, Female - psychology; Homosexuality, Male - psychology; Humans; Lesbianism; Male; Medical sciences; Mental health; Parent-Child Relations; Peer Relationship; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Self Disclosure (Individuals); Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexual Orientation; Sexuality; Social Support; Suicide; Suicide - psychology; Suicide Tendencies; Suicides & suicide attempts; Thinking; Young Adults; Human; Social environment; Homosexuality; Sex; Social network; Bisexuality; Suicide; Suicide attempt; Adolescent; Young adult; Risk factor; Family environment; Suicide ideation
• ISSN: 0363-0234; 1943-278X
• DOI: 10.1521/suli.31.3.250.24246

Three hundred fifty lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths aged 14 to 21 years were questioned about suicidal thoughts and behaviors, families' reactions to youths' sexual orientation, and suicidality among relatives and friends. Results confirmed an association between sexual orientation and suicidality. Nearly half (42%) had sometimes or often thought of suicide; one third (33%) reported at least one suicide attempt. Many related suicidal ideation and suicide attempts to their sexual orientation. Most attempts followed awareness of same‐sex feelings and preceded disclosure of sexual orientation to others. One quarter said a family member had made a suicide attempt, and nearly three quarters said a close friend had attempted suicide.