Citation

Blosnich J, Bossarte RM. J. Am. Coll. Health 2012; 60(2): 141-149.

Affiliation

Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Department of Psychiatry , University of Rochester , Rochester , New York.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2011.623332

PMID

22316411

PMCID

PMC3340564

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (ie, sexual minority) populations have increased prevalence of both self-injurious and suicidal behaviors, but reasons for these disparities are poorly understood. Objective: To test the association between socially based stressors (eg, victimization, discrimination) and self-injurious behavior, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt. Participants: A national sample of college-attending 18- to 24-year-olds. Methods: Random or census samples from postsecondary educational institutions that administered the National College Health Assessment during the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters. Results: Sexual minorities reported more socially based stressors than heterosexuals. Bisexuals exhibited greatest prevalence of self-injurious and suicidal behaviors. In adjusted models, intimate partner violence was most consistently associated with self-injurious behaviors. Conclusions: Sexual minorities' elevated risks of self-injurious and suicidal behaviors may stem from higher exposure to socially based stressors. Within-group differences among sexual minorities offer insight to specific risk factors that may contribute to elevated self-injurious and suicidal behaviors in sexual minority populations.

Language: en