Abstract
Suicide-related behavior (SRB) is a mental health disparity experienced by the alternative sexuality community. We assessed mental health, relationship orientation, marginalized identities (i.e., sexual orientation minority, gender minority, racial minority, ethnic minority, and lower education), and preferences in information processing (PIP) as factors differentiating lifetime SRB groups. An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 2018. Members of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF; n = 334) took part. Bivariate analyses identified the following SRB risk factors: female and transgender/gender non-binary identity, sexual orientation minority identity, lower education, suicide attempt/death exposure, Need for Affect (NFA) Avoidance, depression, and anxiety. Monogamous relationship orientation was a protective factor. Multi-nomial regression revealed the following: (1) monogamous relationship orientation was a protective factor for suicidal ideation and attempt; (2) lower education was a risk factor for suicide attempt; (3) anxiety was a risk factor for suicide attempt; and (4) depression was a risk factor for suicidal ideation. A two-way interaction showed that elevated NFA Approach buffered the negative impacts of depression. Relationship orientation, several marginalized identities (i.e., based on gender, sexual orientation, and educational level), and PIP all contributed uniquely to SRB. Further study is necessary to understand the role of relationship orientation with suicide. Health education and suicide prevention efforts with NCSF should be tailored to account for marginalized identity, mental health, and NFA factors.
Highlights
Given the conflicting multiple minority versus empowerment and equitable health views, we explore whether non-monogamous relationship orientations are negatively or positively associated with Suicide-related behavior (SRB)
Concerning mental health main effects, increases in anxiety were associated with increased odds of suicide attempt group status (B = 0.68, seB = 0.25, Wald χ2 (1) = 7.42, p = 0.006, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.21–3.22)
As recent evidence suggests suicide deaths may not vary by key factors in our study [77], it appears critical to extend the present line of inquiry to suicide deaths
Summary
The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) was formed in 1997 in order to create “a political, legal, and social environment in the U.S that advances equal rights for consenting adults. The aim of the organization is to advance the rights of, and advocate for consenting adults in the bondage, discipline, domination/submission, and sadomasochism (BDSM) lifestyle, and non-monogamy communities (heretofore referred to as alternative sexuality community). As part of their advocacy efforts, NCSF has supported research to understand and promote health among members of the alternative sexuality community. A full review of sexual orientation, gender identity, and romantic relationship orientation definitions is beyond the scope of the present paper, we recommend referral to the publicly available sexual and gender diversity glossaries for those unfamiliar with this area [10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
