Citation

DeCamp W, Bakken NW. J. Inj. Violence Res. 2016; 8(1): 15-24.

Affiliation

Associate Professor of Sociology, Western Michigan University, Michigan,USA. whitney.decamp@wmich.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences)

DOI

10.5249/jivr.v8i1.545

PMID

26401756

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Researchhas suggested that sexual minority youth are more likely to experience a number of behavioral and health-related risk factors due to their exposure to negative attitudes and beliefs about sexual minorities. Few studies, however, have examined the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among sexual minority youth. With self-cutting and suicidal ideation common in middle and high schools, understanding the antecedents and correlates of such behaviormay help identify troubled students and initiate preventative measures.

METHODS: Bivariate probit regression analyses are performed using data from 7,326 high school students collected via the Delaware Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

RESULTS: Results indicate that bullying victimization, fighting, substance use, sexual behavior, depression, and unhealthy dieting behaviors were generally associated with NSSI and suicidal ideation. Some effects - including those from sexual activity, substance use, and unhealthy dieting behaviors - significantly differed based on gender and orientation.

CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for suicide and NSSI vary by gender and orientation. Both prevention/intervention specialists and researchers should consider the intersection of these risk factors with sexual orientation in their efforts.

Language: en