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Suicidality Patterns and Sexual Orientation‐Related Factors Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths
Author(s) -
D'Augelli Anthony R.,
Hershberger Scott L.,
Pilkington Neil W.
Publication year - 2001
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 - 10.1521/suli.31.3.250.24246
Subject(s) - sexual orientation , lesbian , psychology , suicidal ideation , feeling , suicide prevention , homosexuality , heterosexuality , poison control , suicide attempt , orientation (vector space) , clinical psychology , social psychology , medicine , medical emergency , psychoanalysis , geometry , mathematics
Three hundred fifty lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths aged 14 to 21 years were questioned about suicidal thoughts and behaviors, families' reactions to youths' sexual orientation, and suicidality among relatives and friends. Results confirmed an association between sexual orientation and suicidality. Nearly half (42%) had sometimes or often thought of suicide; one third (33%) reported at least one suicide attempt. Many related suicidal ideation and suicide attempts to their sexual orientation. Most attempts followed awareness of same‐sex feelings and preceded disclosure of sexual orientation to others. One quarter said a family member had made a suicide attempt, and nearly three quarters said a close friend had attempted suicide.