Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between a series of empirically known risk and protective factors and suicidality among trans people in Sweden.Methods: Participants were self-selected anonymously to a web-based survey conducted in 2014. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between contributing factors and suicide ideation in the past 12 months and lifetime suicide attempts.Results: The analysis included 796 trans individuals, between 15 and 94 years of age, who live in Sweden. A total of 37% of respondents reported that they have seriously considered suicide during the past 12 months and 32% had ever attempted a suicide. Offensive treatment during the past three months and lifetime exposure to trans-related violence were significantly associated with suicidality. Less satisfaction with contacts with friends and acquaintances and with one's own psychological wellbeing were associated with suicide ideation in the past 12 months. Lack of practical support was associated with lifetime suicide attempts.Conclusions: Our findings show that suicidality is directly correlated with trans-related victimization. Preventing targeted victimization is, therefore, a key preventive intervention against this elevated suicidality.
Highlights
Suicide is a major public health concern.[1]
These findings correspond with Clements-Nolle et al.’s findings that verbal and physical gender victimization are associated with suicide attempts.[27]
Our findings show that less satisfaction with contacts with friends and acquaintances is associated with past-year suicide ideation
Summary
Suicide is a major public health concern.[1] In Sweden, suicide is the leading cause of death among men between the ages of 15–44 and the second cause of death for women in the same age group.[2] According to national estimates, 5% of the general population in Sweden had seriously considered suicide in the past year.[3] Suicide attempts are the most important risk factor for completed suicides1; 7%–13% of those who have attempted suicide in the past take their own lives later on.[4]. Suicidality among trans people is associated with high exposure to discrimination, victimization, and violence.[10,11,12] A recent large study concluded that family rejection related to gender identity is another important risk for attempted suicide.[13] Additional risk factors associated with suicidality in the general population, such as depression[14,15] and substance use,[8] are thought to be elevated among trans people. The few studies that explored protective factors against suicide among trans people found that social support is important[16,17,18] and suicidality decreases with reduced transphobia, with legal gender recognition, and with completion of a needed medical transition.[17]
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