Sexual violence and suicide risk in the transgender population: the mediating role of proximal stressors

Abstract

ABSTRACT The transgender population is at increased risk for mental and physical health disorders. Previous research indicates these disparities exist as a result of exposure to disproportionately more adverse life events, including multiple forms of violence, and hostile and unaccepting social environments. Minority stress theory posits that exposure to unique types of stressors (i.e. distal stressors and proximal stressors), in addition to the stress experienced by the general population, result in poor health outcomes. A consequence of exposure to these stressors is a high rate of suicide. The current study sought to examine the mediating role of proximal stressors (e.g. internalised stress related to gender identity) on the relationship between sexual violence and suicide risk in a transgender sample. Participants included 155 transgender individuals who completed measures related to experiences of traumatic events, gender minority stress, and suicide risk. The association between experiences of sexual violence and suicide risk was significant (F[1,153] = 33.86, p < .001, R2 = 0.18). Proximal stressors were found to partially mediate the relationship between sexual violence and suicide risk (t[2, 152] = 3.49, p = .006). These findings demonstrate a need for increased resources in sexual violence prevention and competent care for survivors of sexual assault in the transgender community.