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Variation in Suicide Risk among Subgroups of Sexual and Gender Minority College Students
Author(s) -
Horwitz Adam G.,
Berona Johnny,
Busby Danielle R.,
Eisenberg Daniel,
Zheng Kai,
Pistorello Jacqueline,
Albucher Ronald,
Coryell William,
Favorite Todd,
Walloch Joseph C.,
King Cheryl A.
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.12637
Subject(s) - sexual minority , lesbian , transgender , suicidal ideation , psychology , clinical psychology , odds ratio , demography , heterosexuality , depression (economics) , homosexuality , suicide prevention , poison control , medicine , environmental health , sociology , psychoanalysis , economics , macroeconomics
Objective Sexual and gender minorities are at elevated risk for suicide, yet few studies have examined differences in risk within many sexual and gender minority subgroups. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in prevalence for suicide risk factors among a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. Method Forty‐one thousand four hundred and twelve college students (62% cis‐female, 37% cis‐male, 1% transgender/genderqueer) completed a wellness screen that included four suicide risk factors (depression, heavy alcohol use, suicide ideation, suicide attempt). Results Gender minority students (i.e., transgender, genderqueer/non‐binary) had significantly higher rates of depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts relative to cisgender peers, although there were no within‐group differences among gender minority students. Adjusted odds ratios for endorsing two or more (2+) suicide risk factors were substantially higher for all sexual minority subgroups relative to heterosexuals. Among sexual minorities, those identifying as pansexual, bisexual, queer, or mostly gay/lesbian had greater odds of endorsing 2+ suicide risk factors relative to students identifying as mostly heterosexual, gay/lesbian, asexual, or ‘other sexual minority’. Pansexual students had 33% greater odds of endorsing 2+ suicide risk factors relative to bisexual students. Conclusions These findings highlight significant variation in suicide risk among sexual minority subgroups and the need for targeted interventions for subgroups at highest risk.