Citation

Hunt QA, Marrow QJ, McGuire JK. Arch. Suicide Res. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2019.1610677

PMID

31062669

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop understanding around the experience of suicide in transgender youth.

METHOD: Qualitative analysis with 85 interviews with transgender youth about their histories with suicidality. Participants were recruited from community clinics in three counties (United States, Canada, and Ireland) between 2010 and 2014.

RESULTS: Factors that precipitated participants' suicide attempts included rejection based on gender identity and gender dysphoria. Participants demonstrated resilience by attempting to connect with loved ones for support, and through self-awareness of mental states, including by regulating behaviors they perceived to adversely affect their mental health.

CONCLUSION: Transgender youth may fear seeking health care due to health professionals' lack of understanding of transgender issues and fear of further victimization. Reframing suicidality as a rational decision-making process in response to stress may further understanding of why people attempt suicide and provide new avenues for intervention.

Language: en

Keywords

non-suicidal self-injury; self-harm; suicide; transgender; youth