A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Suicide Proneness Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community Members

Abstract

Internalized homophobia is common among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons; moreover, it can be associated with suicide proneness, among other mental health concerns. The present paper hypothesized cognitions concerning perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, as mediating pathways of the association of internalized homophobia and suicide proneness in a community sample of LGB persons. Further, prior hate crime victimization experiences, suicide attempt history, level of depressive symptoms, and gender were tested as moderators of the above mediation pathway. Participants consisted of 336 LGB community members from an urban primary care clinic. Results indicated that perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, mediated the relationship between internalized homophobia and suicide proneness Further, the following moderation patterns were observed: both gender (significant for males only) and depressive symptoms (significant for those with mild-to-severe levels of depressive symptoms) moderated the perceived burdensomeness pathway. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.