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Integrating Minority Stress Theory and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide among Sexual Minority Youth Who Engage Crisis Services
Author(s) -
Fulginiti Anthony,
Goldbach Jeremy T.,
Mamey Mary Rose,
Rusow Joshua,
Srivastava Ankur,
Rhoades Harmony,
Schrager Sheree M.,
Bond David W.,
Marshal Michael P.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1111/sltb.12623
Subject(s) - sexual minority , psychology , suicidal ideation , minority stress , interpersonal communication , population , poison control , clinical psychology , suicide prevention , social psychology , sexual orientation , medicine , medical emergency , environmental health
Objective The present study sought to integrate minority stress theory (MST) and the interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) to better understand high rates of suicide among sexual minority youth (SMY). To date, the ITS and MST have largely advanced independently from one another even though the research base for each theory contains gaps that the other theory may help fill. Method Using data from a national sample of 564 SMY (aged 12–24) recruited from an LGBTQ youth‐focused suicide crisis prevention provider, we examined structural equation models to understand how perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness mediate the relationship between minority stress and suicidal ideation and attempt. Results Sexual minority stress was significantly associated with both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness in models predicting suicidal ideation and attempt. Moreover, minority stress had a direct effect on suicide attempt and an indirect effect on both suicidal ideation and suicide attempt through burdensomeness. Conclusions Given that minority stress is associated with greater thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicide attempts, there should be greater demand for continuing education centered on sexual minority populations and population‐specific services. Identifying burdensomeness as a minority stress–suicide mechanism highlights the potential gains of piloting recently developed burdensomeness interventions among SMY.