Abstract
Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people's increased risk of self-harm, suicidal attempts and suicide compared with heterosexual youth is well established. The current study sought to examine whether these findings also apply to the trans (T) population and which factors act as additional risk or protective factors. In a national cross-sectional survey, 3713 LGBT adolescents, aged 11-19 years, reported on their own history of self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, as well as their experiences of school and homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. Logistic regressions tested the association between risk and protective factors on self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. A high proportion of the sample reported self-harm (65.3%), suicidal ideation (73.8%) and suicide attempts (25.7%). Demographic risk factors included identifying as female, non-binary or trans and being from a low-income background. Bullying and online bullying were associated with an increased risk for each outcome, and positive school experience was associated with a reduced risk for each outcome. Consistent with minority stress theory, the study found high rates of mental health problems within LGBT youth. Interventions focused on improving young people's experiences in schools appear useful targets to help improve mental health outcomes.
Highlights
The increased risk of self-harm, suicide attempts and suicide among lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people compared with heterosexual youth is well-established,[1] yet we still know very little about which factors contribute additional risk or protection
The present study aimed to examine risk and protective factors for mental health problems among a large sample of young people self-identifying as LGBT in the UK
We found extremely high rates of self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among trans youth compared with their non-trans peers, consistent with previous studies of trans people.[4]
Summary
The increased risk of self-harm, suicide attempts and suicide among lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people compared with heterosexual youth is well-established,[1] yet we still know very little about which factors contribute additional risk or protection. Most studies have focused only on lesbian and gay youth.[2,3] The few studies of trans people’s experiences report higher rates of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and suicide compared with cisgender people.[4] One UK survey of trans adults reported lifetime suicidal ideation of 84% and attempted suicide of 48%.5. Gay and bisexual (LGB) young people’s increased risk of self-harm, suicidal attempts and suicide compared with heterosexual youth is well established. The current study sought to examine whether these findings apply to the trans (T) population and which factors act as additional risk or protective factors
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