Lifetime abstention of sexual intercourse and health in middle-aged and older adults: Results from wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions - Chou, Kee-Lee; Ng, Isabella S. F.; Yu, Kar-Ming (Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2014)
This study aimed to examine the association of lifetime abstention of sexual intercourse with lifetime Axis I and II psychiatric disorders, attempted suicide, past-year Axis I psychiatric disorder, past-year medical condition, past-year obesity, health-related quality of life, and health service use in middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in the 2004–2005 Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Analyses were performed for the subsample aged 40 years and older (males = 14,427; female = 19,860). Lifetime abstinence from sexual intercourse, sociodemographic variables, prevalence of lifetime Axis I and II DSM-IV psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia, and attempted suicide, past-year Axis I psychiatric disorders, 14 medical conditions, obesity, health-related quality of life, and health service use were obtained. The prevalence of lifetime abstinence from sexual intercourse was 0.90 % (0.88 % for males; 1.00 % for females). The adjusted risks of any lifetime and past-year Axis I disorder, any lifetime and past-year substance-use disorders, lifetime alcohol-use disorder, lifetime and past-year alcohol-abuse disorder, lifetime nicotine dependence, lifetime drug-use disorder, and lifetime drug-abuse disorder were significantly lower for who abstained from sexual intercourse than for those who did not. However, those who abstained from sexual intercourse were more likely to have a diagnosis of obesity and lifetime avoidant and dependent personality disorders. The unadjusted risk of dysthymic disorder was also significantly greater for those who abstained from sexual intercourse. Results indicate that the effect of lifetime absence of sexual intercourse on psychiatric disorders is mixed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: lifetime abstinence; sexual intercourse; psychiatric disorders; attempted suicide; medical condition; health-related quality of life; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Status; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Obesity; Personality Disorders; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Sexual Abstinence; Substance-Related Disorders; United States; Epidemiology; Health; Sexual Abstinence; Sexual Intercourse (Human); Attempted Suicide; Mental Disorders; Quality of Life

Suicidality patterns and sexual orientation-related factors among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths - D'Augelli, Anthony R.; Hershberger, Scott L.; Pilkington, Neil W. (Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2001)
Three hundred fifty lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths aged 14–21 yrs were questioned about suicidal thoughts and behaviors, families' reactions to youths' sexual orientation, and suicidality among relatives and friends. Results confirmed an association between sexual orientation and suicidality. Nearly half (42%) had sometimes or often thought of suicide; one third (33%) reported at least one suicide attempt. Many related suicidal ideation and suicide attempts to their sexual orientation. Most attempts followed awareness of same-sex feelings and preceded disclosure of sexual orientation to others. One quarter said a family member had made a suicide attempt, and nearly three quarters said a close friend had attempted suicide. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidal thoughts & behavior; lesbian & gay & bisexual youths; family reactions; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adult; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Parent-Child Relations; Sexual Behavior; Social Support; Suicide; Thinking; Psychosocial Factors; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Bisexuality; Family Relations; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Different relational models underlie prototypical left and right positions on social issues - Simpson, Ain; Laham, Simon M. (European Journal of Social Psychology, 2015)
Social issues are important dividing lines in the 'culture wars' between the political left and right. Despite much research into social issue stance and ideology, little research has explored these with Relational Models Theory (RMT). RMT proposes four distinct models that people use to construe social relations, each entailing distinct moral considerations. In two studies, participants read summaries of the models, rated how relevant each was to their positions on several social issues (e.g., capital punishment), and expressed issue positions. In Study 1, Communal Sharing and Equality Matching construals predicted prototypical liberal positions across a range of issues; Authority Ranking and Market Pricing construals predicted prototypical conservative positions. By using multilevel modelling in Study 2, individual differences in average Communal Sharing and Authority Ranking construals predicted prototypical liberal and conservative positions, respectively, independent of several factors known to predict social issue stance. In issue‐specific analyses (e.g., focusing on euthanasia), all models showed effects independent of self‐reported ideology, while for certain issues (same‐sex marriage, animal testing, gun control, and flag burning), issue construal using different models predicted opposing positions, implicating relational models in moral disagreement. This paper provides novel tests of Relationship Regulation Theory and suggests that RMT is relevant in understanding political ideology, social issue stance, and moral judgement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: social issues; culture wars; Relational Models Theory; prototypical liberal; political ideology; Models; Social Issues; Liberalism; Ideology

Racial and sexual identity-related maltreatment among minority YMSM: Prevalence, perceptions, and the association with emotional distress - Hightow-Weidman, Lisa B.; Phillips, Gregory II; Jones, Karen C.; Outlaw, Angulique Y.; Fields, Sheldon D.; Smith, Justin C. (AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 2011)
Bullying is a form of violence characterized as an aggressive behavior that is unprovoked and intended to cause harm. Prior studies have found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth experience high levels of bullying related to their sexuality and this harassment can lead to engagement in risk behaviors, depression, and suicide. Ethnic/racial minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM) may experience dual levels of stigma and maltreatment due to both their sexuality and their race. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence and perceptions of racial and sexual identity-based abuse among a sample of minority YMSM, and whether this maltreatment plays a role in the emotional distress of these youth. We found that overall 36% and 85% of participants experienced racial and sexuality-related bullying, respectively. There was a significant association between experiencing a high level of sexuality-related bullying and depressive symptomatology (p = 0.03), having attempted suicide (p = 0.03), and reporting parental abuse (p = 0.05). We found no association between racial bullying and suicide attempts. In a multivariable logistic regression model, experiencing any racial bullying and high sexuality-related bullying were significant predictors of having a CES-D score ≥16; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.83 and 2.29, respectively. These findings contribute to the existing literature regarding the negative experiences and daily stressors facing LGBT youth with regard to both their minority status and LGBT identities. Future interventions for racial/ethnic minority YMSM should provide assistance to achieve a positive view of self that encompasses both their racial and sexual identities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: emotional distress; sexuality; racial and ethnic minorities; bullying; young men who have sex with men; depressive symptomatology; attempted suicide; parental abuse; stigma; racial perceptions; sexual identity perceptions; Racial and Ethnic Groups; Racial and Ethnic Attitudes; Sexual Attitudes; Sexual Orientation; Bullying; Attempted Suicide; Child Abuse; Distress; Major Depression; Minority Groups; Stigma; Symptoms; Same Sex Intercourse

An unresolved journey: Religious discourse and same-sex attracted and gender questioning young people - Gahan, Luke; Jones, Tiffany; Hillier, Lynne (Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, 2014)
Most religious same-sex attracted and gender questioning (SSAGQ) young people discover their sense of self within contexts in which homonegative truths dominate. Historically this group only had the choice of repressing their identities, hiding them, or leaving their faiths. However, religious change and marriage and education rights movements are contributing to more homopositive discourses. This research analyzed quantitative and qualitative data on the experiences of a subgroup of SSAGQ young people who mentioned religion within an anonymous online survey of 3,134 SSAGQ Australians aged 14-21. Comparisons are made between this 2010 study and the results of a 2004 study. The subgroup members were more likely to be socially isolated and at greater risk of self-harm and suicide ideation. They also had particularly negative experiences at school. However, compared to previous years, the religious sub-group members had higher expectations of how they should be treated. Unlike in the past, they saw fewer contradictions in keeping their faith and being gay (or otherwise), and they expected to marry and have children. With religious leaders such as the Catholic Pope Francis I recently pushing for greater integration of gays, we argue that future research should consider the influence of media statements on religious SSAGQ young people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: religious discourse; same sex attracted; gender questioning; faith; human rights; Human Rights; Human Sex Differences; Religion; Faith; Questioning

Emotional distress among LGBT youth: The influence of perceived discrimination based on sexual orientation - Almeida, Joanna; Johnson, Renee M.; Corliss, Heather L.; Molnar, Beth E.; Azrael, Deborah (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2009)
The authors evaluated emotional distress among 9th–12th grade students, and examined whether the association between being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgendered (i.e., 'LGBT') and emotional distress was mediated by perceptions of having been treated badly or discriminated against because others thought they were gay or lesbian. Data come from a school-based survey in Boston, Massachusetts (n = 1,032); 10% were LGBT, 58% were female, and ages ranged from 13 to 19 years. About 45% were Black, 31% were Hispanic, and 14% were White. LGBT youth scored significantly higher on the scale of depressive symptomatology. They were also more likely than heterosexual, non-transgendered youth to report suicidal ideation (30% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001) and self-harm (21% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001). Mediation analyses showed that perceived discrimination accounted for increased depressive symptomatology among LGBT males and females, and accounted for an elevated risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation among LGBT males. Perceived discrimination is a likely contributor to emotional distress among LGBT youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: emotional distress; lesbianism; gay; bisexuality; transgendered youth; perceived discrimination; sexual orientation; Adolescent; Attitude; Bisexuality; Depressive Disorder; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Prejudice; Sexual Behavior; Social Perception; Students; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transsexualism; Discrimination; Distress; Emotional States; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Sexual Orientation; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Transsexualism

The health and health care of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents - Coker, Tumaini R.; Austin, S. Bryn; Schuster, Mark A. (Annual Review of Public Health, 2010)
Adolescents face a variety of challenges in their transition to adulthood; lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents face these typical challenges as well as additional challenges that are related to the social stigma of their sexual orientation. For some lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents, this stigma may induce psychosocial stress, leading to increased health risk behaviors and poorer health outcomes. In this article, we review data on the health and health care of LGB adolescents. We examine health indicators and health risks for LGB youth, including substance use, eating disorders, suicidality, risky sexual behaviors, violence exposure and victimization, and homelessness. We also examine health care provision and utilization for LGB youth. Lastly, we discuss ways in which researchers and clinicians can improve LGB adolescent health and health care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: health care; lesbianism; gay; bisexual adolescents; social stigma; sexual orientation; health risk behavior; Adolescent; Adolescent Health Services; Bisexuality; Crime Victims; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Health Status; Homeless Persons; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide; Violence; Bisexuality; Health Behavior; Health Care Services; Lesbianism; Risk Assessment; Risk Taking; Sexual Orientation; Stigma; Health Risk Behavior

Self-perception in a clinical sample of gender variant children - Balleur-van Rijn, Anouk; Steensma, Thomas D.; Kreukels, Baudewijntje P. C.; Cohen-Kettenis, Peggy T. (Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2013)
Background: Gender variance (GV) in childhood has a negative impact on the self-concept of children in the general population and can lead to mental health problems and even suicidal ideation in adulthood. This study explored the self-concept of clinically referred gender variant children and examined potential risk factors. Method: The Self-Perception Profile for Children was administered to 147 children, who were referred to a gender identity clinic. Their parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Gender Identity Questionnaire to assess the degree of GV. Results: The referred children were at risk of developing a negative self-concept; more specifically gender variant girls had low scores on ‘global self-worth’, ‘physical appearance’ and ‘behavioural conduct’ compared to Dutch norms for girls. Gender variant boys had low scores on ‘global self-worth’, ‘scholastic competence’, ‘athletic competence’ and ‘physical appearance’ compared to Dutch norms for boys. Within the group of referred children, sex differences, but no age effects, were found. The referred girls felt more competent than the referred boys on ‘athletic competence’ and ‘scholastic functioning’. For both boys and girls poor peer relations had a significant negative relationship with self-concept and more GV was related to a lower global self-worth. Conclusions: Clinically referred gender variant children seemed vulnerable to developing a negative self-concept. Poor peer relations and extreme GV might be mediating variables. Interventions might focus on enhancing acceptance of the environment and improving social skills of gender variant children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: self perception; gender variant children; self concept; risk factors; mental health problems; Child; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Parents; Self Concept; Social Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transgender Persons; Human Sex Differences; Mental Disorders; Risk Factors; Self-Concept; Self-Perception

Inpatient medical–surgical suicidal behavior: A 12-year case–control study - Shekunov, Julia; Geske, Jennifer R.; Bostwick, J. Michael (General Hospital Psychiatry, 2013)
Objective: To describe a medical center's 12-year experience with medically or surgically hospitalized suicide attempters, with the goal of extending the limited literature on this sentinel event. Patients and Methods: Eight Mayo Clinic Rochester patients' self-inflicting injuries serious enough to trigger mandatory reporting while hospitalized on a medical/surgical unit from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2010 were matched with four same-sex and same-age controls, admitted to the same unit within 2 months. Cases were identified from Sentinel Event Tracking System and Minnesota Adverse Events Statute records. Data were analyzed with conditional logistic regression. Results: Eight of 777,404 medical/surgical inpatients admitted during 12 years attempted suicide, with significantly more non-Caucasian patients among cases than controls (P = .020). Of 8 attempts, 1 was fatal. More cases than controls had undergone inpatient psychiatric evaluation prior to attempt (P = .020), and elevated risk of attempt was significantly associated with increased number of prior attempts (0.049). Near their attempts, each attempter had an identifiable stressor including inadequately controlled pain in 3, agitation and anxiety in 2 each, and acute delirium, insomnia and psychosocial difficulties in 1 each. Conclusion: First, this study's findings underscore the rarity of reported inpatient medical/surgical suicidal behavior. In this sample, suicide attempters were distinct from nonattempters by the increased likelihood of prior suicide attempts as well as inpatient psychiatric consultations before their attempts. When patients have these characteristics, medical teams should take particular notice and initiate heightened watchfulness for suicidal behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: surgically hospitalized; suicidal behavior; self-inflicting injuries; psychosocial difficulties; Anxiety; Case-Control Studies; Delirium; Hospital Units; Inpatients; Length of Stay; Logistic Models; Pain; Referral and Consultation; Risk Factors; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicide, Attempted; Psychosocial Factors; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicide; Hospitalized Patients; Surgery

Attachment-based family therapy interventions - Diamond, Gary M. (Psychotherapy, 2014)
Attachment-Based Family Therapy is a treatment model designed specifically for depressed and suicidal adolescents. The primary goal of the treatment is to promote developmentally appropriate adolescent–parent attachment. Three core interventions are discussed: relational reframes; focusing on primary emotions and unmet attachment needs; and facilitating corrective attachment episodes. For each intervention, the theoretical/clinical rationale is presented followed by a brief illustration and relevant research findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: attachment; depression; family therapy; suicide; adolescent–parent attachment; Adolescent; Communication; Depressive Disorder; Emotions; Family Conflict; Family Therapy; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Male; Object Attachment; Parent-Child Relations; Reactive Attachment Disorder; Self Concept; Self Disclosure; Social Support; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Attachment Behavior; Family Therapy; Parent Child Relations; Major Depression; Suicide

Suicide risk and sexual orientation: A critical review - Plöderl, Martin; Wagenmakers, Eric-Jan; Tremblay, Pierre; Ramsay, Richard; Kralovec, Karl; Fartacek, Clemens; Fartacek, Reinhold (Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2013)
Many studies have reported higher rates of suicide attempts among sexual minority individuals compared with their heterosexual counterparts. For suicides, however, it has been argued that there is no sexual orientation risk difference, based on the results of psychological autopsy studies. The purpose of this article was to clarify the reasons for the seemingly discrepant findings for suicide attempts and suicides. First, we reviewed studies that investigated if the increased suicide attempt risk of sexual minorities resulted from biased self-reports or less rigorous assessments of suicide attempts. Second, we reanalyzed the only two available case–control autopsy studies and challenge their original 'no difference' conclusion by pointing out problems with the interpretation of significance tests and by applying Bayesian statistics and meta-analytical procedures. Third, we reviewed register based and clinical studies on the association of suicides and sexual orientation. We conclude that studies of both suicide attempts and suicides do, in fact, point to an increased suicide risk among sexual minorities, thus solving the discrepancy. We also discuss methodological challenges inherent in research on sexual minorities and potential ethical issues. The arguments in this article are necessary to judge the weight of the evidence and how the evidence might be translated into practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide risk; sexual orientation; heterosexual counterparts; psychological autopsy; suicide attempts; Bayes Theorem; Female; Humans; Male; Risk; Risk Factors; Sexuality; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Heterosexuality; Psychological Autopsy; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Risk Factors

The relationship between gender-based victimization and suicide attempts in transgender people - Goldblum, Peter; Testa, Rylan J.; Pflum, Samantha; Hendricks, Michael L.; Bradford, Judith; Bongar, Bruce (Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2012)
This article presents empirical research findings from a subsample of 290 transgender participants in the Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Survey (THIS) who reported whether or not they had experienced hostility or insensitivity related to their gender identity or expression during high school, termed in-school gender-based victimization (GBV). The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of in-school GBV on rates of suicide attempts among transgender people. Of the 290 respondents, 44.8% reported they had experienced in-school GBV, and 28.5% reported a history of suicide attempt. Among those who had attempted, 32.5% reported having made one attempt, 28.6% reported a history of two attempts, and 39.0% reported having made three or more attempts. Participants who reported experiencing GBV were approximately four times more likely to have attempted suicide than those who did not. Among the subgroups of 147 trans women and 81 trans men, GBV was associated both with history of suicide attempt, and with a higher number of suicide attempts over the life span. Implications for policy and clinical interventions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: bullying; gender nonconforming; gender-based victimization; suicide attempt; transgender; Attempted Suicide; Gender Identity; Victimization; Bullying; Transgender; Gender Nonconforming

Review of Queer youth suicide, culture and identity: Unliveable lives? - Fulcher, Karyn (Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2013)
Reviews the book, Queer Youth Suicide, Culture and Identity: Unliveable Lives by Rob Cover (2012). The book presents a unique approach to conceptualizing the issue of queer youth suicide by examining both the representation of the issue in popular media and the discursive frameworks through which suicidal queer young people are typically understood. By questioning the representation of queer youth as inherently vulnerable on the basis of their sexuality alone as well as the discourse of risk on which current knowledge of suicide is based, the author provides a novel interpretation of the available research and widely publicized instances of queer young people who have taken their own lives and makes a persuasive argument for a change in how we as a society deal with this phenomenon. The book offers a balanced analysis of media representations of queer young people and suicide, pointing out the gaps and shortcomings as well as the strengths in current understanding of the issue. One of the strengths of the book is the inclusion of several case studies of queer youth suicide. Although it would have been good to see the inclusion of queer young women through the examples used, this book is a worthwhile read and a valuable tool for anyone who engages with queer young people in any way. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: queer youth; suicide; cultural identity; popular media; Ethnic Identity; Homosexuality; Popular Culture; Suicide; Cultural Identity; Mass Media

The endocrinologist’s office—Puberty suppression: Saving children from a natural disaster? - Sadjadi, Sahar (Journal of Medical Humanities, 2013)
In the past few years, the introduction and rapid acceptance of puberty suppression has transformed the clinical treatment of children diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder. This essay analyzes the narratives used by some advocates of this treatment, particularly the elements of saving children from the looming disaster of puberty and from future abject lives of violence and suicide as transgender adults. It briefly addresses the potential implications of this account for the well being of the children brought under clinical purview. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: puberty suppression; natural disaster; gender identity disorder; endocrinology; childhood development; treatment outcomes; Adolescent; Child; Endocrinology; Gender Identity; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Physicians' Offices; Puberty; Sexual Maturation; Suicide; Transsexualism; Violence; Treatment Outcomes; Gender Dysphoria; Childhood Development; Endocrinology; Puberty

The relation between sexual orientation and suicide attempts in Austria - Plöderl, Martin; Kralovec, Karl; Fartacek, Reinhold (Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2010)
Previous studies indicate that homosexual or bisexual individuals are at a higher risk of attempting suicide compared to heterosexuals. To overcome biases in these studies, more rigorous definitions of 'suicide attempts' and the assessment of multiple dimensions of sexual orientation are needed. In addition, studies from the German speaking region are sparse, especially those not recruiting participants from the gay or lesbian communities. We solicited self-reported suicide attempts among 1,382 Austrian adults recruited through structured snowball sampling from students’ social networks. Suicide attempts were more frequently reported by those participants with homosexual or bisexual fantasies,partner preference,behavior,and self-identification, compared to their heterosexually classified counterparts. This was true for any dimension of sexual orientation and for suicide attempts with intent to die or suicide attempts that required medical treatment. Our Austrian study confirmed existing evidence that homosexual and bisexual individuals are at an increased risk for attempting suicide. This should be considered in suicide preventive efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; suicide attempts; Austria; homosexuality; bisexuality; social networks; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Austria; Bisexuality; Educational Status; Female; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Sexual Behavior; Suicide, Attempted; Young Adult; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Sexual Orientation; Social Networks

Effects of different steps in gender reassignment therapy on psychopathology: A prospective study of persons with a gender identity disorder - Heylens, Gunter; Verroken, Charlotte; De Cock, Sanne; T'Sjoen, Guy; De Cuypere, Griet (Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2014)
Abstract Introduction At the start of gender reassignment therapy, persons with a gender identity disorder (GID) may deal with various forms of psychopathology. Until now, a limited number of publications focus on the effect of the different phases of treatment on this comorbidity and other psychosocial factors. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate how gender reassignment therapy affects psychopathology and other psychosocial factors. Methods This is a prospective study that assessed 57 individuals with GID by using the Symptom Checklist‐90 (SCL‐90) at three different points of time: at presentation, after the start of hormonal treatment, and after sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Questionnaires on psychosocial variables were used to evaluate the evolution between the presentation and the postoperative period. The data were statistically analyzed by using SPSS 19.0, with significance levels set at P < 0.05. Main Outcome Measures The psychopathological parameters include overall psychoneurotic distress, anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, somatization, paranoid ideation/psychoticism, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, and sleeping problems. The psychosocial parameters consist of relationship, living situation, employment, sexual contacts, social contacts, substance abuse, and suicide attempt. Results A difference in SCL‐90 overall psychoneurotic distress was observed at the different points of assessments (P = 0.003), with the most prominent decrease occurring after the initiation of hormone therapy (P < 0.001). Significant decreases were found in the subscales such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, and hostility. Furthermore, the SCL‐90 scores resembled those of a general population after hormone therapy was initiated. Analysis of the psychosocial variables showed no significant differences between pre‐ and postoperative assessments. Conclusions A marked reduction in psychopathology occurs during the process of sex reassignment therapy, especially after the initiation of hormone therapy. Heylens G, Verroken C, De Cock S, T'Sjoen G, and De Cuypere G. Reassignment therapy on psychopathology: A prospective study of persons with a gender identity disorder. J Sex Med 2014;11:119–126. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gender reassignment therapy; psychopathology; gender identity disorders; Anxiety; Depression; Female; Gender Identity; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Sex Reassignment Procedures; Sexual Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transsexualism; Drug Therapy; Gender Identity; Psychopathology; Gender Dysphoria

A tool for the culturally competent assessment of suicide: The Cultural Assessment of Risk for Suicide (CARS) Measure - Chu, Joyce; Floyd, Rebecca; Diep, Hy; Pardo, Seth; Goldblum, Peter; Bongar, Bruce (Psychological Assessment, 2013)
Despite important differences in suicide presentation and risk among ethnic and sexual minority groups, cultural variations have typically been left out of systematic risk assessment paradigms. A new self-report instrument for the culturally competent assessment of suicide, the Cultural Assessment of Risk for Suicide (CARS) measure, was administered to a diverse sample of 950 adults from the general population. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a 39-item, 8-factor structure subsumed under and consistent with the Cultural Theory and Model of Suicide (Chu, Goldblum, Floyd, & Bongar, 2010), which characterizes the vast majority of cultural variation in suicide risk among ethnic and sexual minority groups. Psychometric properties showed that the CARS total and subscale scores demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity with scores on other suicide-related measures (the Suicide Ideation Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory suicide item, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale), and an ability to discriminate between participants with versus without history of suicide attempts. Regression analyses indicated that the CARS measure can be used with a general population, providing information predictive of suicidal behavior beyond that of minority status alone. Minorities, however, reported experiencing the CARS cultural risk factors to a greater extent than nonminorities, though effect sizes were small. Overall, results show that the CARS items are reliable, and the instrument identifies cultural suicide risk factors not previously attended to in suicide assessment. The CARS is the first to operationalize a systematic model that accounts for cultural competency across multiple cultural identities in suicide risk assessment efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: assessment; culture; diversity; measurement; suicide; Cultural Assessment of Risk for Suicide Measure; self-report; psychometrics; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cultural Competency; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Psychometrics; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Suicide; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Young Adult; Psychometrics; Racial and Ethnic Groups; Suicide; Minority Groups; Self-Report; Risk Assessment

Gender-related victimization, perceived social support, and predictors of depression among transgender Australians - Boza, Crystal; Perry, Kathryn Nicholson (International Journal of Transgenderism, 2014)
ABSTRACT. This study examined mental health outcomes, gender-related victimization, perceived social support, and predictors of depression among 243 transgender Australians (n = 83 assigned female at birth, n = 160 assigned male at birth). Overall, 69% reported at least 1 instance of victimization, 59% endorsed depressive symptoms, and 44% reported a previous suicide attempt. Social support emerged as the most significant predictor of depressive symptoms (p >.05), whereby persons endorsing higher levels of overall perceived social support tended to endorse lower levels of depressive symptoms. Second to social support, persons who endorsed having had some form of gender affirmative surgery were significantly more likely to present with lower symptoms of depression. Contrary to expectations, victimization did not reach significance as an independent risk factor of depression (p =.053). The pervasiveness of victimization, depression, and attempted suicide represents a major health concern and highlights the need to facilitate culturally sensitive health care provision. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: transgender; hormones; social support; victimization; depression; mental health; discrimination; Major Depression; Mental Health; Social Support; Victimization; Transgender; Discrimination; Hormones; Prediction

Compulsive sexual behavior and psychopathology among treatment-seeking men in São Paulo, Brazil - de Tubino Scanavino, Marco; Ventuneac, Ana; Abdo, Carmita Helena Najjar; Tavares, Hermano; Amaral, Maria Luiza Sant'Ana do; Messina, Bruna; dos Reis, Sirlene Caramello; Branco Martins, João Paulo Lian; Parsons, Jeffrey T. (Psychiatry Research, 2013)
This study examined compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and psychopathology in a treatment-seeking sample of men in São Paulo, Brazil. Eighty-six men (26% gay, 17% bisexual, 57% heterosexual) who met diagnostic criteria for excessive sexual drive and sexual addiction completed assessments consisting of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders—Clinical Version (segment for Impulse Control Disorder), Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS), and questions about problematic CSB. The average SCS score for our sample was above the cut-off score reported in other studies, and 72% of the sample presented at least one Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. There were no differences among gay, bisexual, and heterosexual men on SCS scores and psychiatric conditions, but gay and bisexual men were more likely than heterosexual men to report casual sex and sex with multiple casual partners as problematic behaviors. SCS scores were associated with psychiatric co-morbidities, mood disorder, and suicide risk, but diagnosis of a mood disorder predicted higher SCS scores in a regression analysis. The study provides important data on the mental health needs of men with CSB in São Paulo, Brazil. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: compulsive sexual behavior; psychopathology; treatment-seeking; sexual addiction; mental health needs; human males; Health Care Seeking Behavior; Health Service Needs; Psychopathology; Sexual Addiction; Human Males; Psychosexual Behavior

Transgender therapy, social justice, and the northern context: Challenges and opportunities - Neufeld, Angela C. (Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2014)
Gender remains one of the most persistent and all-encompassing binary systems of classifying people. As a result, transgender individuals experience widespread prejudice and discrimination and experience higher rates of mental disorders and suicide. With a case study as illustration, the value of social justice in transgender therapy is explored. Attention is paid to how social justice practices support therapists in being mindful of the intersection of identities and to why such practices are critical in supporting the mental health of transgender clients in northern Canada. Recommendations for social-justice-informed transgender therapy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: social justice; transgender therapy; Psychotherapy; Social Justice; Transgender

Associations between sexual abuse and negative health consequences among high-risk men who have sex with men - Rusow, Joshua A.; Fletcher, Jesse B.; Le, Hung; Reback, Cathy J. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services: The Quarterly Journal of Community & Clinical Practice, 2014)
This study evaluated whether a history of sexual abuse could differentiate negative health consequences among men who have sex with men (MSM; N = 148) enrolled in a risk counseling program. More than half (51.4%) reported an experience of sexual abuse. A history of sexual abuse was associated with increased psychological distress, increased rates of alcohol (AOR = 2.91; p <.01) and/or drug abuse (AOR = 2; p <.01) treatment, increased risk of housing instability (AOR = 2.13; p <.05), and increased risk for suicidality (AOR = 4.3; p <.001). Findings demonstrate that screening for sexual abuse may be useful in determining the service needs of high-risk MSM. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental health; sexual abuse; negative health consequences; high-risk men who have sex with men; risk counseling program; At Risk Populations; Health; Male Homosexuality; Mental Health; Sexual Abuse; Counseling; Consequence

Risk and resilience during transgender identity development: The effects of awareness and engagement with other transgender people on affect - Testa, Rylan J.; Jimenez, Crystal L.; Rankin, Susan (Sue) (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 2014)
Research examining risk and resilience among transgender individuals suggests that connection to a transgender community may be protective. Utilizing archival survey data of 3,087 adult transgender participants collected in 2005–06, this study further evaluated how awareness and engagement with other transgender people influences risk and resilience during early gender identity development. As hypothesized, among male-to-female and female-to-male respondents, both prior awareness and prior engagement with other transgender people were independently related to less fearfulness, less suicidality, and more comfort. These relationships were not significant among male-to-different-gender or female-to-different-gender participants. Implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: transgender identity; risk factors; resilience; identity development; awareness; affect; social engagement; Gender Identity; Identity Formation; Resilience (Psychological); Risk Factors; Transgender; Awareness; Emotions; Social Interaction

Social Work Practice With Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescents - Morrow, Deana F. (Families in Society, 2004)
The author addresses social work practice with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth. Identity development, including disclosure and the emergence of sexuality are discussed, along with family and school issues. Particular emphasis is given to a number of risk factors that GLBT youth encounter: emotional distress, isolation, internalized homophobia/transphobia, depression, substance abuse, suicide, violence/victimization, family conflict, school performance, and sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Guidelines for social work practice with GLBT youth are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: social work; gay youth; lesbianism; bisexualism; transgender; adolescent development; identity development; sexuality; homosexuality; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Social Casework; Adolescent Development; Identity Formation; Sexuality; Transsexualism

Managing uncertainty: A grounded theory of stigma in transgender health care encounters - Poteat, Tonia; German, Danielle; Kerrigan, Deanna (Social Science & Medicine, 2013)
A growing body of literature supports stigma and discrimination as fundamental causes of health disparities. Stigma and discrimination experienced by transgender people have been associated with increased risk for depression, suicide, and HIV. Transgender stigma and discrimination experienced in health care influence transgender people’s health care access and utilization. Thus, understanding how stigma and discrimination manifest and function in health care encounters is critical to addressing health disparities for transgender people. A qualitative, grounded theory approach was taken to this study of stigma in health care interactions. Between January and July 2011, fifty-five transgender people and twelve medical providers participated in one-time in-depth interviews about stigma, discrimination, and health care interactions between providers and transgender patients. Due to the social and institutional stigma against transgender people, their care is excluded from medical training. Therefore, providers approach medical encounters with transgender patients with ambivalence and uncertainty. Transgender people anticipate that providers will not know how to meet their needs. This uncertainty and ambivalence in the medical encounter upsets the normal balance of power in provider-patient relationships. Interpersonal stigma functions to reinforce the power and authority of the medical provider during these interactions. Functional theories of stigma posit that we hold stigmatizing attitudes because they serve specific psychological functions. However, these theories ignore how hierarchies of power in social relationships serve to maintain and reinforce inequalities. The findings of this study suggest that interpersonal stigma also functions to reinforce medical power and authority in the face of provider uncertainty. Within functional theories of stigma, it is important to acknowledge the role of power and to understand how stigmatizing attitudes function to maintain systems of inequality that contribute to health disparities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: managing uncertainty; grounded theory; stigma; transgender health care; risk factors; health disparities; Adult; Aged; Attitude of Health Personnel; Attitude to Health; Female; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physician-Patient Relations; Power (Psychology); Psychological Theory; Qualitative Research; Stereotyping; Transgender Persons; Uncertainty; Young Adult; Health Care Services; Risk Factors; Uncertainty; Health Disparities; Transgender; Grounded Theory; Stigma

Coded messages - Oatley, Keith (PsycCRITIQUES, 2014)
Reviews the film, The Imitation Game directed by Morten Tyldum (2014). This film is about the life of Alan Turing. Turing was the inventor of computers, and founder of artificial intelligence. Those who know about Turing may recognize that the film’s title, The Imitation Game, comes from the world’s first paper on computationally based artificial intelligence, written by Turing in 1950. Turing thought that at some point in the future a computer could be programmed to be sufficiently intelligent that the person who received its answers to questions wouldn’t be able to distinguish it from a human being. It hasn’t happened yet, but it’s likely that it will. The film chooses a more cinematically tractable aspect of Turing’s life: his role in decrypting German radio messages during World War II. His first major accomplishment was breaking the German naval Enigma code, which had been thought to be impenetrable. In 1951, Turing was charged with breaking the law prohibiting homosexual acts. He was convicted and subjected to chemical castration by injection of female hormones. He died in 1953, at the age of 41, perhaps by suicide. Turing’s arrest and interrogation by the police in 1951 propels the film toward a tragic ending. The contribution Turing made, to Britain and to Western democracy, makes his case especially egregious. In the reviewer's opinion this film is moving and worthwhile, though one might be misled by some of its invented elements. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: Alan Turing; artificial intelligence; code breaking; history; World War II; homosexuality; Artificial Intelligence; Films; History; Computer Science; Homosexuality; Male Homosexuality

Health Risks and Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Adolescents Position Statement (Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 2011)
The overall goal in pediatric care for all youth, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ), is to promote normal adolescent development, social and emotional well-being, and physical health and reduce any associated physical and mental health risks. Research shows that LGBTQ adolescents experience higher levels of isolation, runaway behavior, homelessness, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, suicide, violent victimization, substance abuse, pregnancy, and school or job failure than do heterosexual and gender conforming youth. The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners promotes optimal health for all children through leadership, practice, advocacy, education, and research, believes that in order to fully address the needs of all youth, pediatric health care providers should be supportive of LGBTQ youth and provide an open and safe health care environment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: health risks; lesbian; gay; bisexual; transgender; adolescents; NAPNAP position statement; pediatric health needs; Adolescent Development; Health Service Needs; Pediatrics; Professional Organizations; Sexual Orientation; Bisexuality; Emotional Development; Lesbianism; Mental Health; Physical Health; Well Being; Risk Assessment; Transgender; Health Risk Behavior

Adolescent suicide in New York City: Plenty of room for new research - Ganz, Debora; Sher, Leo (International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2012)
The act of adolescent suicide continues to threaten adolescent populations in New York City (NYC). Consistent positive correlations have been found between a plethora of risk factors present in NYC adolescent populations and suicidal ideations and behaviors. Psychiatric conditions that may contribute to the rate of adolescent suicide in NYC include depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and schizophrenia. Unique factors that have been found to contribute to increased rates of completed suicides in NYC include the phenomena of railway suicides and suicide tourism. Homelessness and income inequality in NYC have also been consistently correlated with increased suicidality; with one study finding suicide attempts reported by a significant percentage of new admissions to homeless shelters. Adolescent populations in NYC that have been identified as particularly vulnerable to suicidality include runaway youth, homosexual youth, victimized adolescents and adolescents with a recent history of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Longitudinal studies in NYC have found that physical and sexual abuse is highly predictive of adolescent suicidality, with variations by ethnic group. Currently, there is a disturbing lack of sufficient research on adolescent suicide in NYC, specifically regarding causal factors, the effects of television on suicide, comorbid suicidality and drug abuse, and cultural factors contributing to suicide. This dearth of literature may be related to the ethical problems inherent in suicide research, self reports and/or post mortem analyses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: adolescent suicide; New York City; risk factors; suicidal ideation; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide

Sociodemographic factors contribute to mental health disparities and access to services among young men who have sex with men in New York city - Storholm, Erik David; Siconolfi, Daniel E.; Halkitis, Perry N.; Moeller, Robert W.; Eddy, Jessica A.; Bare, Michael G. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 2013)
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) may be at increased risk for mental health problems including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality. The overriding goal of the current investigation was to examine mental health and mental health services in a diverse sample of YMSM. We analyzed cross-sectional data from a cohort study of 598 YMSM, including sociodemographics, mental health, and mental health care. We then tested for bivariate associations and used multivariable modeling to predict depression, PTSD, suicidality, and mental health care utilization. Lower socioeconomic status, unstable housing, and school nonenrollment predicted depression and PTSD scores, while unstable housing and school nonenrollment predicted recent suicide attempt(s). These recent suicide attempt(s) also predicted current utilization of counseling or treatment, any history of psychiatric hospitalization, and any history of psychiatric diagnosis. Black and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) men were less likely to have ever accessed mental health counseling or treatment. There were significant class-based differences with regard to mental health outcomes but not mental health services. Further, recent crises (i.e., suicide attempt, hospitalization) were strong predictors of accessing mental health services. Improving the mental health of YMSM requires addressing the underlying structural factors that influence mental health outcomes and service access. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: socio demographic factors; mental health disparities; access to service; at risk populations; men who have sex with men; At Risk Populations; Demographic Characteristics; Mental Health; Health Disparities; Same Sex Intercourse

Sexual minority youth victimization and social support: The intersection of sexuality, gender, race, and victimization - Button, Deeanna M.; O'Connell, Daniel J.; Gealt, Roberta (Journal of Homosexuality, 2012)
In comparison to heterosexual youth, sexual minority youth are more likely to experience victimization. Multiple studies have connected anti-gay prejudice and anti-gay victimization to negative outcomes. Research shows that social support may protect sexual minorities from the harmful effects of anti-gay victimization. However, rates of victimization and the negative outcomes linked to sexual identity within the sexual minority community have been relatively unexplored. Using data from three years of statewide data from heterosexual and sexual minority adolescents in grades 9–12, this study examines victimization, substance use, suicidality, and access to social support by sexuality. Results indicate that sexual minority youth are at increased risk for victimization, substance use, suicidality, and social isolation compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Results also indicate that there is very little bivariate difference within the sexual minority community. Multivariate results indicate differences among sexual minorities’ experiences with victimization and substance use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual minority; youth victimization; social support; sexuality; gender; race; Adolescent; Child; Continental Population Groups; Crime Victims; Delaware; Female; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Minority Groups; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Social Isolation; Social Support; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Attempted; Gender Identity; Minority Groups; Sexuality; Social Support; Victimization; Race (Anthropological); Sexual Minority Groups

Student award paper: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual suicidal behavior: testing a constructivist model - Mcbee-Strayer, Sandra M.; Rogers, James R. (Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2002)
Surveyed 162, (aged 18-64 yrs) self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals recruited from LGB-related social organizations or contacted through networking procedures with regard to suicidal behaviors, suicide risk factors, and reasons for living. Approximately 41% of the respondents indicated a serious consideration of suicide including the identification of a specific suicide plan or a past suicide attempt with significant intent to die. Forty-six percent of the sample indicated at least some degree of chance of attempting suicide in the future. Grounded in the existential-constructivist theory of suicide (Rogers, 2001), empirically and theoretically identified suicide risk factors were found as a group to predict suicidal ideation and attempts, with abuse-related items independently predicting both suicidal ideation and attempts. Items related to self-identity issues and social acceptance were predictive of suicidal ideation, while substance abuse was predictive of suicidal ideation and attempts for males only. The established factor structure of the Reasons for Living Inventory (Linehan et al., 1983) was not supported in the current data, suggesting that it may not be an appropriate measure of reasons for living with LGB individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidal behavior; homosexuals; bisexuals; constructivist model; risk factors; reasons for living; Adult; Bisexuality; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Psychological; Ohio; Psychological Tests; Regression Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Stress, Psychological; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Bisexuality; Constructivism; Homosexuality; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Quality of Life; Suicide

‘How very dare you!’ Shame, insult and contemporary representations of queer subjectivities - Johnson, Katherine (Subjectivity, 2012)
The affective turn in social and cultural studies has reorientated the study of queer subjectivity to the conditions of a history marked by shame and insult. Using textual sources from comedy sketch shows, The Catherine Tate Show and Little Britain, this article presents a psychosocial reading of ‘shame’ and ‘insult’ in contemporary representations of gay male sexuality. This article illustrates how humour and comedy are used to regulate social norms and air contemporary anxieties about the changing social values in relation to sexuality in the UK context. The analysis is located within a critical reflection on the transformative politics of the Gay Shame movement as an alternative movement to Gay Pride. The article concludes by considering the distinction between a cultural ‘coming out’ of shame and the affective consequences that ‘shame’ can have in individual narratives of sexual identity formation and suicidal distress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: shame; insult; contemporary representations; queer; subjectivity; humor; social norms; sexual identity; Gender Identity; Humor; Male Homosexuality; Shame; Subjectivity; Social Norms

Sexual attraction and trajectories of mental health and substance use during the transition from adolescence to adulthood - Needham, Belinda L. (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2012)
Previous research suggests that sexual minority youth have poorer health-related outcomes than their heterosexual peers. The purpose of this study is to determine whether sexual orientation disparities in mental health and substance use increase, decrease, or remain the same during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Data are from Waves 1–4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 8,322; 55% female). Respondents were in grades 7–12 at Wave 1 and aged 24–32 at Wave 4. Latent growth curve modeling is used to compare the mental health and substance use trajectories of youth who consistently report heterosexual attraction versus those who consistently report lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) attraction, those who report a transition to LGB attraction, and those who report a transition to heterosexual attraction. Among women and men, sexual orientation disparities in depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts persist, but do not increase, during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The same pattern is observed for disparities in smoking, heavy drinking, and marijuana use among women. Among men, disparities in substance use are only observed between those who report consistent heterosexual attraction and those who transition to heterosexual attraction. Disparities between these groups persist over time for heavy drinking and marijuana use but decrease over time for smoking. While this study finds evidence of numerous disparities in mental health and substance use outcomes during adolescence and young adulthood, particularly among young women, there is no indication that these disparities get larger over time. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual attraction; mental health; drug usage; adolescent development; Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety; Attitude to Health; Comorbidity; Depression; Female; Health Status; Health Surveys; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental Health; Psychosexual Development; Sex Distribution; Sexual Partners; Sexuality; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Young Adult; Adolescent Development; Drug Usage; Mental Health; Sexual Attraction

Suicide Attempts among Norwegian Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youths: General and Specific Risk Factors - Hegna, Kristinn; Wichstrøm, Lars (Acta Sociologica, 2007)
The aim of the study was to identify the specific factors that affect the risk of attempted suicide in Norwegian gay, lesbian and bisexual (GLB) youths beyond the effect of general risk factors presumed to be of importance irrespective of sexual orientation. The national non-probability sample included 407 GLB youths aged between 16 and 25 years of age, among whom 26 per cent of both genders reported a previous suicide attempt. General risk factors for attempted suicide among GLB youths were: lack of parental contact, internalizing problems (depression/anxiety), low self-esteem, regular smoking and victimization. The following risk factors specific for GLB youths increased the risk of attempted suicide even when controlling for general risk factors: currently being in a steady heterosexual relationship, early heterosexual debut (<16), young age of coming out (<15), infrequent contact with heterosexual friends and openness to all heterosexual friends. For practitioners engaged in social work among young people in general or GLB youths in particular, these results show that while coming out is a vital aspect of sexual identity formation that enhances psychological well-being and should be celebrated, in another sense it is a serious stressor with potentially negative consequences unless a strong social support network is there to be relied upon. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide attempts; Norwegian gay; lesbian; bisexual youths; risk factors; sexual orientation; social support network; Attempted Suicide; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Sexual Orientation; Social Support; Bisexuality; Risk Factors

The relationship of cumulative stressors, chronic illness and abuse to the self‐reported suicide risk of Black and Hispanic sexual minority youth - Craig, Shelley L.; McInroy, Lauren (Journal of Community Psychology, 2013)
Sexual minority youth [SMY] are a population who experience considerable stress related to their sexual identities. Previous investigations have identified individual risk factors that contribute to suicide among SMY, yet little research has focused on cumulative stressors that may exacerbate negative outcomes for multiethnic sexual minority youth [MSMY]. This study used hierarchical logistic regression to explore the relationship between cumulative risks and their relationship to self-reported suicide risk for MSMY. The community-based clinical sample (n = 137) reported high co-occurrence of risks, with an average of 9. Overall, MSMY with a higher number of cumulative risk factors were twice as likely to express self-reported suicide risk. Specifically, experiencing chronic illness and physical or sexual abuse resulted in threefold higher odds of self-reported suicide risk among MSMY. These findings address a gap in the literature about the relationship of cumulative and specific stressors to the self-reported suicide risk for an understudied, vulnerable population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: cumulative stressors; chronic illness; sexual abuse; suicide risk; Black & Hispanic; multiethnic sexual minority youth; self report; sexual identity; Attempted Suicide; Chronic Illness; Gender Identity; Sexual Abuse; Social Stress; At Risk Populations; Blacks; Minority Groups; Self-Report; Stress Reactions; Latinos/Latinas; Sexual Minority Groups

Sexual minority-related victimization as a mediator of mental health disparities in sexual minority youth: A longitudinal analysis - Burton, Chad M.; Marshal, Michael P.; Chisolm, Deena J.; Sucato, Gina S.; Friedman, Mark S. (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2013)
Sexual minority youth (youth who are attracted to the same sex or endorse a gay/lesbian/bisexual identity) report significantly higher rates of depression and suicidality than heterosexual youth. The minority stress hypothesis contends that the stigma and discrimination experienced by sexual minority youth create a hostile social environment that can lead to chronic stress and mental health problems. The present study used longitudinal mediation models to directly test sexual minority- specific victimization as a potential explanatory mechanism of the mental health disparities of sexual minority youth. One hundred ninety-seven adolescents (14–19 years old; 70 % female; 29 % sexual minority) completed measures of sexual minority-specific victimization, depressive symptoms, and suicidality at two time points 6 months apart. Compared to heterosexual youth, sexual minority youth reported higher levels of sexual minority-specific victimization, depressive symptoms, and suicidality. Sexual minority-specific victimization significantly mediated the effect of sexual minority status on depressive symptoms and suicidality. The results support the minority stress hypothesis that targeted harassment and victimization are partly responsible for the higher levels of depressive symptoms and suicidality found in sexual minority youth. This research lends support to public policy initiatives that reduce bullying and hate crimes because reducing victimization can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of sexual minority youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual minority; victimization; mental health problems; heterosexual youth; sex discrimination; social environment; mental health disparities; sexual minority youth; Adolescent; Bisexuality; Bullying; Crime Victims; Depression; Female; Health Status Disparities; Homophobia; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Minority Groups; Minority Health; Models, Psychological; Models, Statistical; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Psychology, Adolescent; Stress, Psychological; Suicidal Ideation; Bisexuality; Sex Discrimination; Social Behavior; Victimization; Health Disparities; Major Depression; Mental Health; Sexual Minority Groups

Suicidality and associated risk factors among lesbian, gay, and bisexual compared to heterosexual Austrian adults - Plöderl, Martin; Fartacek, Reinhold (Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2005)
This is the first study in German-speaking countries to compare the suicidality of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults (n = 358) with matched heterosexual adults (n = 267). The former had significantly elevated incidences of current suicide ideation (28% vs. 13%) and lifetime suicide attempts defined in three ways (14% vs. 1% to 10% vs. 2%), including higher incidences for most suicidality-related risk factors. Increased psychosocial stress and vulnerability is indicated, especially with respect to a lack of family support. Controlling for risk factors in multivariate analysis diminished the association of sexual orientation with current suicide ideation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidality; risk factors; lesbian; gay; bisexual; heterosexual Austrian adults; Adult; Austria; Bisexuality; Female; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Language; Male; Risk Factors; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; Bisexuality; Heterosexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Risk Factors; Countries; Suicidality

Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders and suicide attempts in diverse lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations - Meyer, Ilan H.; Dietrich, Jessica; Schwartz, Sharon (American Journal of Public Health, 2008)
Past studies have reported little about variability in mental disorders among lesbians, gay men, and bisexual individuals. We assessed the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in 388 lesbian, gay, and bisexual Black, Latino, and White individuals. Black lesbians, gay men, and bisexual individuals had lower prevalence of all disorders than did Latino and White individuals; younger cohorts had fewer mood disorders than did older cohorts; bisexual persons had more substance use disorders than did gay men and lesbians; and Latino respondents attempted suicide more often than did White respondents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gay men; mental disorders; bisexuality; prevalence rate; lesbianism; suicide attempts; Blacks; Latinos; Whites; diversity; Adolescent; Adult; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Mental Disorders; Blacks; Diversity; Epidemiology; Racial and Ethnic Differences; Whites; Latinos/Latinas

Sexual orientation and suicide attempt: A longitudinal study of the general Norwegian adolescent population - Wichstrøm, Lars; Hegna, Kristinn (Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2003)
Past and future suicide attempt rates among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) young people were compared with those of heterosexual young people. A sample of Norwegian students (N=2,924; grades 7-12) was followed in 3 data collection waves. Risk factors included previous suicide attempt, depressed mood, eating problems, conduct problems, early sexual debut, number of sexual partners, pubertal timing, self-concept, alcohol and drug use, atypical gender roles, loneliness, peer relations, social support. parental attachment, parental monitoring, and suicidal behavior among family and friends. When homosexual attraction, homosexual identity, and same-sex sexual behavior were entered to predict suicide attempt, only same-sex sexual behavior was significantly predictive. The increased odds could not be attributed to GLB students' greater exposure to risk factors for suicide attempt. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide attempt; sexual orientation; gay; heterosexual; lesbian; bisexual; risk factors; Norway; adolescents; homosexual attraction; homosexual identity; same sex sexual behavior; Adolescent; Conduct Disorder; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Norway; Self Concept; Sexual Behavior; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Risk Factors; Heterosexuality; Interpersonal Attraction; Psychosexual Development

Risk and protective factors for suicidal thoughts among sexual minority youth: Evidence from the add health study - Russell, Stephen T.; Toomey, Russell B. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 2013)
Sexual minority youth are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts compared to heterosexual youth: Directions for prevention and intervention are urgently needed. Few studies have examined a broad range of risk and protective factors that may explain this disparate risk. This study utilized the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine which protective and risk factors for suicidal thoughts behaved distinctly in sexual minority adolescents compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Although many risk factors did not differ for heterosexual and sexual minority adolescents, we found several that were statistically significant for predicting later suicidal thoughts for sexual minorities: personal and friends’ school connections, friendship activities, and maternal caring. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: risk factors; protective factors; suicidal thoughts; sexual minority youth; Protective Factors; Risk Factors; Suicide; Sexual Minority Groups

Perceptions of lesbian, gay and bisexual people of primary healthcare services - Neville, Stephen; Henrickson, Mark (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2006)
Aim: This paper reports a study exploring people's perceptions of disclosure about lesbian, gay and bisexual identity to their primary healthcare providers. Background. Disclosure of sexual identity to healthcare professionals is integral to attending to the health needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual populations, as nondisclosure has been shown to have a negative impact on the health of these people. For example, an increased incidence of suicide, depression and other mental health problems have been reported. Method: From April to July 2004, a national survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons was carried out in New Zealand. Participants were recruited through mainstream and lesbian, gay and bisexual media and venues, and 2,269 people completed the questionnaire, either electronically or via hard copy. The 133-item instrument included a range of closed-response questions in a variety of domains of interest. Results: In this paper, we report results from the health and well-being domain. More women than men identified that the practitioner's attitude toward their nonheterosexual identity was important when choosing a primary healthcare provider. Statistically significantly more women than men reported that their healthcare provider usually or always presumed that they were heterosexual and in addition more women had disclosed their sexual identity to their healthcare provider. Conclusion: Nurses need to reconsider their approach to all users of healthcare services by not assuming everyone is heterosexual, integrating questions about sexual identity into health interviews and ensuring that all other aspects of the assessment process are appropriate and safe for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: perceptions; lesbian; gay; bisexual people; primary healthcare services; nurses; well being; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; New Zealand; Primary Health Care; Self Disclosure; Bisexuality; Client Attitudes; Homosexuality; Nurses; Primary Health Care; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Well Being

Intersecting identities and the association between bullying and suicide attempt among New York City youths: Results from the 2009 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey - LeVasseur, Michael T.; Kelvin, Elizabeth A.; Grosskopf, Nicholas A. (American Journal of Public Health, 2013)
Objectives: We examined the intersections of sexual minority, gender, and Hispanic ethnic identities and their interaction with experiences of bullying in predicting suicide attempt among New York City youths. Methods: We performed secondary data analysis of the 2009 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey, using logistic regression to examine the association of sexual identity, gender, ethnicity, and bullying with suicide attempt. We stratified results on these measures and reported adjusted odds ratios. Results: Compared with non–sexual minority youths, sexual minority youths had 4.39 and 1.96 times higher odds, respectively, of attempting suicide and reporting bullying. Identity variables did not interact with bullying in predicting suicide attempt individually; however, a four-way interaction term was significant. The effect of bullying on suicide attempt was strongest among non-Hispanic sexual minority male youths (odds ratio = 21.39 vs 1.65–3.38 for other groups). Conclusions: Sexual minority, gender, and ethnic identities interact with bullying in predicting suicide attempt among New York City youths. Interventions to limit both the prevalence and the effect of bullying among minority youths should consider an intersectional approach that considers ethnic, gender, and sexual identities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: intersecting identities; bullying; attempted suicide; risk behavior; sexual minority; ethnic identity; Adolescent; Bullying; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethnic Groups; Female; Health Surveys; Hispanic Americans; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; New York City; Risk-Taking; Self Report; Sex Factors; Sexual Behavior; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Ethnic Identity; Health Behavior; Bullying; Sexual Minority Groups; Minority Groups; Risk Taking

Genetic variations within metalloproteinases impact on the prophylaxis of depressive phases in bipolar patients - Drago, Antonio; Monti, Barbara; De Ronchi, Diana; Serretti, Alessandro (Neuropsychobiology, 2014)
Background: The genetic background of the antidepressant response to pharmacological treatment in bipolar disorder (BD) remains elusive. This issue is of primary relevance in that the depressive phases of BD are difficult to treat and they are associated with suicide. Aim: We investigated the role of a set of genetic variations (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) harbored by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as predictors of response to treatment in depressed BD patients. Methods: 654 BD patients from the publicly available Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder study were investigated. The outcome was the number of depressive events corrected by the number of times patients were assessed. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were tested as possible stratification factors and included in the analysis if necessary. Genetic predictors were 43 SNPs harbored by 17 MMPs. Imputation, quality check and pruning were conducted according to standards. Results were corrected for multitesting. Results: rs486055 (MMP-10) was associated with the outcome. TT homozygotes had 5.08 ± 3.51 events, CT had 3.47 ± 3.18 and CC had 2.57 ± 2.96 depressive events corrected for the times they had been assessed. The time during which BD patients were observed was not significantly different between the rs486055 genotypes. We found evidence that MMP-10 may be a mediator of the number of depressive phases during BD. Due to the limits of the study including the small-to-medium sample size, the naturalistic design and the possible occurrence of false-positive findings, independent analyses are warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: genetic variations; bipolar disorder; metalloproteinases; Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Biomarkers, Pharmacological; Bipolar Disorder; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Homozygote; Humans; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 10; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Socioeconomic Factors; Transgender Persons; Treatment Outcome; Bipolar Disorder; Genetics; Polymorphism; Proteinases

Public health consequences of the defense of marriage act for lesbian and bisexual women: Suicidality, behavioral difficulties, and psychiatric treatment - Mathy, Robin M.; Lehmann, Barbara A. (Feminism & Psychology, 2004)
In this article, we examine the associations between women's relationship status and sexual orientation in relation to suicidality, self-perceived excessive use or difficulties controlling the use of alcohol, drugs, and sex, and self-reported psychotherapy and psychiatric medications. On the basis of our analysis of these factors, we argue that the US Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the ban on same-sex marriage may have adverse health consequences for lesbians and bisexual women. Marriage is a well-known protective factor against suicidality and concomitant psychopathology and DOMA deprives lesbians and bisexual women of its security. We focus on marriage because it is legally proscribed in many countries and married individuals in every age and sex group have the lowest suicide rates. Legal proscriptions against same-sex marriage may deprive sexual minorities of the protective effects of these formally legitimized unions, in addition to - as proponents of marriage point out - violating their civil liberties. DOMA conveys an impression of protection despite depriving an entire category of people - non-heterosexuals - of the security, stability, and benefits with which marriage is associated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: public health; US Defense of Marriage Act; lesbian; bisexual women; suicidality; behavioral difficulties; psychiatric treatment; sexual orientation; female relationship status; same-sex marriages; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Public Health; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Human Females; Consequence; Suicidality

Mental Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Siblings: Effects of Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Family - Balsam, Kimberly F.; Beauchaine, Theodore P.; Mickey, Ruth M.; Rothblum, Esther D. (Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2005)
Self-identified lesbian, gay male, and bisexual (LGB) individuals were recruited via convenience sampling, and they in turn recruited their siblings (79% heterosexual, 19% LGB). The resulting sample of 533 heterosexual, 558 lesbian or gay male, and 163 bisexual participants was compared on mental health variables and their use of mental health services. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that sexual orientation predicted suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, self-injurious behavior, use of psychotherapy, and use of psychiatric medications over and above the effects of family adjustment. Sexual orientation was unrelated to current psychological distress, psychiatric hospitalizations, and self-esteem. This is the 1st study to model family effects on the mental health of LGB participants and their siblings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; heterosexuality; homosexuality; bisexuality; lesbians; gay males; siblings; mental health variables; mental health services; family effects; Adult; Bisexuality; Family; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Mental Health Services; Middle Aged; Reference Values; Risk; Sexual Behavior; Siblings; Utilization Review; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Sexual Orientation; Siblings; Bisexuality; Heterosexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Elevated rates of suicidal behavior in gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth - Bagley, Christopher; Tremblay, Pierre (Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 2000)
Both clinical and epidemiological literature point to elevated rates of suicidal behaviors in gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth (GLBY). Recent North American and New Zealand studies of large populations (especially the US Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from several states) indicate that gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents (males in particular) can have rates of serious suicide attempts at least four times those of apparently heterosexual youth. There are various reasons why this figure is likely to be an underestimate. Reasons for these elevated rates of suicidal behavior include a climate of homophobic persecution in schools, and sometimes in family and community-values and actions that stigmatize homosexuality and that the youth who has not yet 'come out' has to endure in silence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: prevalence & reasons for suicidal behaviors in gay & lesbian & bisexual youth; Adolescent; Bisexuality; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Incidence; Male; Suicide, Attempted; United States; Bisexuality; Epidemiology; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Suicide; Attempted Suicide

Indian boarding school experience, substance use, and mental health among urban two-spirit American Indian/Alaska natives - Evans-Campbell, Teresa; Walters, Karina L.; Pearson, Cynthia R.; Campbell, Christopher D. (The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2012)
Background: Systematic efforts of assimilation removed many Native children from their tribal communities and placed in non-Indian-run residential schools. Objectives: To explore substance use and mental health concerns among a community-based sample of 447 urban two-spirit American Indian/Alaska Native adults who had attended boarding school as children and/or who were raised by someone who attended boarding school. Method: Eighty-two respondents who had attended Indian boarding school as children were compared to respondents with no history of boarding school with respect to mental health and substance use. Results: Former boarding school attendees reported higher rates of current illicit drug use and living with alcohol use disorder, and were significantly more likely to have attempted suicide and experienced suicidal thoughts in their lifetime compared to non-attendees. About 39% of the sample had been raised by someone who attended boarding school. People raised by boarding school attendees were significantly more likely to have a general anxiety disorder, experience posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and have suicidal thoughts in their lifetime compared to others. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: American Indian; Alaska Natives; boarding school experiences; mental health; substance use; Acculturation; Adult; Alaska; Alcohol-Related Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Indians, North American; Inuits; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Schools; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Attempted; United States; Urban Population; Boarding Schools; Drug Abuse; Life Experiences; Mental Health; Alaska Natives; American Indians

Avoiding shame: Young LGBT people, homophobia and self-destructive behaviours - McDermott, Elizabeth; Roen, Katrina; Scourfield, Jonathan (Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2008)
This paper reports on findings from qualitative research conducted in the UK that sought to explore the connections between sexual identities and self-destructive behaviours in young people. International evidence demonstrates that there are elevated rates of suicide and alcohol abuse amongst lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Rarely included in this body of research are investigations into young LGBT people’s views and experiences of self-destructive behaviours. Data from interviews and focus groups with young LGBT participants suggest a strong link between homophobia and self-destructive behaviours. Utilising a discourse analytic approach, we argue that homophobia works to punish at a deep individual level and requires young LGBT people to manage being positioned, because of their sexual desire or gendered ways of being, as abnormal, dirty and disgusting. At the centre of the complex and multiple ways in which young LGBT people negotiate homophobia are ‘modalities of shame-avoidance’ such as: the routinization and minimizing of homophobia; maintaining individual ‘adult’ responsibility; and constructing ‘proud’ identities. The paper argues that these strategies of shame-avoidance suggest young LGBT people manage homophobia individually, without expectation of support and, as such, may make them vulnerable to self-destructive behaviours. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: lesbians; gay men; bisexuals; transgender; homophobia; self destructive behavior; suicide; alcohol abuse; shame; Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Attitude to Health; Bisexuality; Female; Focus Groups; Great Britain; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Internal-External Control; Male; Phobic Disorders; Risk-Taking; Self Concept; Self-Injurious Behavior; Sexual Behavior; Shame; Transsexualism; Young Adult; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Self-Destructive Behavior; Transsexualism; Alcohol Abuse; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Shame; Suicide

'Attachment-based family therapy for suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents: A treatment development study and open trial with preliminary findings': Correction to Diamond et al (2011) - Diamond, Gary M.; Diamond, Guy S.; Levy, Suzanne; Closs, Cynthia; Ladipo, Tonya; Siqueland, Lynne (Psychotherapy, 2013)
Reports an error in 'Attachment-based family therapy for suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents: A treatment development study and open trial with preliminary findings' by Gary M. Diamond, Guy S. Diamond, Suzanne Levy, Cynthia Closs, Tonya Ladipo and Lynne Siqueland (Psychotherapy, 2012[Mar], Vol 49[1], 62-71). Contained minor errors in the results and discussion sections. The corrections are discussed in the erratum as well as corrected tables. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record [rid]2011-29358-001[/rid].) The objective of this paper is to adapt attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) for use with suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents and to obtain preliminary data on the feasibility and efficacy of the treatment with this population. In Phase I, a treatment development team modified ABFT to meet the unique needs of LGB suicidal youth. In Phase II, 10 suicidal LGB youth were offered 12 weeks of LGB sensitive ABFT. Adolescents' report of suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and maternal attachment–related anxiety and avoidance were gathered at pretreatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks (posttreatment). In Phase I, the treatment was adapted to: (a) include more individual time working with parents in order to process their disappointments, pain, anger, and fears related to their adolescent's minority sexual orientation; (b) address the meaning, implications, and process of acceptance; and (c) heighten parents' awareness of subtle yet potent invalidating responses to their adolescents' sexual orientation. Results of Phase II suggest this population can be recruited and successfully treated with a family based therapy, evidenced by high levels of treatment retention and significant decreases in suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and maternal attachment–related anxiety and avoidance. This is the first family-based treatment adapted and tested specifically for suicidal LGB adolescents. Though promising, the results are preliminary and more research on larger samples is warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: adolescents; family therapy; gay; lesbian; suicide; bisexual; attachment-based family therapy; Attachment Behavior; Bisexuality; Family Therapy; Homosexuality; Lesbianism; Adolescent Development; Family; Suicide; Treatment Effectiveness Evaluation

Predicting the suicide attempts of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth - D'augelli, Anthony R.; Grossman, Arnold H.; Salter, Nicholas P.; Vasey, Joseph J.; Starks, Michael T.; Sinclair, Katerina O. (Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2005)
In this study predictors of serious suicide attempts among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth were examined. Three groups were compared: youth who reported no attempts, youth who reported attempts unrelated to their sexual orientation, and youth whose attempts were considered related to their sexual orientation. About one third of respondents reported at least one suicide attempt; however, only half of the attempts were judged serious based on potential lethality. About half of all attempts were related to youths' sexual orientation. Factors that differentiated youth reporting suicide attempts and those not reporting attempts were greater childhood parental psychological abuse and more childhood gender-atypical behavior. Gay-related suicide attempts were associated with identifiability as LGB, especially by parents. Early openness about sexual orientation, being considered gender atypical in childhood by parents, and parental efforts to discourage gender atypical behavior were associated with gay-related suicide attempts, especially for males. Assessment of past parental psychological abuse, parental reactions to childhood gender atypical behavior, youths' openness about sexual orientation with family members, and lifetime gay-related verbal abuse can assist in the prediction of suicide attempts in this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide attempts; lesbian; gay; bisexual youth; sexual orientation; Adolescent; Adult; Bisexuality; Crime Victims; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Parent-Child Relations; Parenting; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Socioeconomic Factors; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; Verbal Behavior; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Sexual Orientation; Suicide

School climate, individual support, or both? Gay-straight alliances and the mental health of sexual minority youth - Walls, N. Eugene; Wisneski, Hope; Kane, Sarah (School Social Work Journal, 2013)
Using a sample of 2S4 sexual minority youth and young adults, this paper examines the relationships between mental health variables, the absence or presence of a gay-straight alliance, and membership status in a gay-straight alliance. The results suggest that the presence of a gay-straight alliance in a school or college, rather than actual membership m the club, is correlated with decreased suicidality, while substance use and comfort with gender expression is correlated with membership specifically. Implications for social work practice and future research are suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: schools climate; mental health; sexual minority youth; gay straight alliance; Classroom Environment; Male Homosexuality; Minority Groups; Schools; Sexuality; Sexual Minority Groups

2012 PhD dissertation abstracts (Smith College Studies in Social Work, 2012)
Presents a collection of Smith College 2012 PhD dissertation abstracts that focus on several topics such as; parents with children in psychotherapy, changes in the coming out process overtime, enhancing therapist empathic performance, the inter-relationship of trauma, depression, anxiety, and male juvenile delinquency, public safety, psychological security, depression and Latina women, reintegration of veteran women returning from operation Iraqi Freedom, survey of California hospice social workers, evaluating effects of training for managing suicide risk with social work graduate students, and coping with post-combat injury. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: psychotherapy; social work; therapists; suicide risk; parents; coming out; trauma; depression; anxiety; male juvenile delinquency; public safety; psychological security; Latina women; veteran women; hospice; coping; post combat injury; Psychotherapy; Social Casework; Suicide; Therapists; Anxiety; Homosexuality; Juvenile Delinquency; Military Veterans; Public Health; Trauma; Latinos/Latinas

Suicidality, clinical depression, and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in men who have sex with men in Mumbai, India: Findings from a community-recruited sample - Sivasubramanian, Murugesan; Mimiaga, Matthew J.; Mayer, Kenneth H.; Anand, Vivek R.; Johnson, Carey V.; Prabhugate, Priti; Safren, Steven A. (Psychology, Health & Medicine, 2011)
In India men who have sex with men (MSM) are a stigmatized and hidden population, vulnerable to a variety of psychosocial and societal stressors. This population is also much more likely to be HIV-infected compared to the general population. However, little research exists about how psychosocial and societal stressors result in mental health problems. A confidential, quantitative mental-health interview was conducted among 150 MSM in Mumbai, India at The Humsafar Trust, the largest non-governmental organization serving MSM in India. The interview collected information on sociodemographics and assessed self-esteem, social support and DSM-IV psychiatric disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Participants’ mean age was 25.1 years (SD = 5.1); 21% were married to women. Forty-five percent reported current suicidal ideation, with 66% low risk, 19% moderate risk, and 15% high risk for suicide per MINI guidelines. Twenty-nine percent screened in for current major depression and 24% for any anxiety disorder. None of the respondents reported current treatment for any psychiatric disorder. In multivariable models controlling for age, education, income, and sexual identity, participants reporting higher levels of self-esteem and greater levels of satisfaction with the social support they receive from family and friends were at lower risk of suicidality (self-esteem AOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.93; social support AOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.93) and major depression (self-esteem AOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71–0.89; social support AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54–0.85). Those who reported greater social support satisfaction were also at lower risk of a clinical diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.65–0.99). MSM in Mumbai have high rates of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. Programs to improve self-esteem and perceived social support may improve these mental health outcomes. Because they are also a high-risk group for HIV, MSM HIV prevention and treatment services may benefit from incorporating mental health services and referrals into their programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidality; major depression; anxiety disorders; men who have sex with men; India; Adult; Anxiety Disorders; Depressive Disorder, Major; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; India; Interview, Psychological; Male; Models, Statistical; Self Concept; Social Support; Suicidal Ideation; Young Adult; Anxiety Disorders; Major Depression; Suicidal Ideation; Same Sex Intercourse; Suicidality

A conceptual framework for clinical work with transgender and gender nonconforming clients: An adaptation of the Minority Stress Model - Hendricks, Michael L.; Testa, Rylan J. (Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2012)
In the last few years, transgender and gender nonconforming people have become more visible in our society, which has sparked a marked increase in awareness, interest, and attention among psychologists. Questions have emerged about the extent to which psychologists are able to work competently with this population. This article presents a framework for understanding key clinical issues that psychologists who work with transgender and gender nonconforming individuals will likely encounter in their clinical work. This article does not address the knowledge and skills required to provide services related to gender transition, but rather to provide other psychological services that these clients may need, in light of the high levels of gender-related victimization and discrimination to which they are exposed. An adaptation of the Minority Stress Model (Meyer, 2003) is presented and translated to incorporate the unique experiences encountered by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. In particular, we examine adverse experiences that are closely related to gender identity and expression, resulting expectations for future victimization or rejection, and internalized transphobia. The impact of Minority Stress Model factors on suicide attempts is presented as a detailed example. Mechanisms by which transgender and gender nonconforming persons develop resilience to the negative psychological effects of these adverse experiences are also discussed. Recommendations for clinicians are then made to assist psychologists in developing competence in working with this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: minority stress; resilience; suicide attempt; transgender; violence; Minority Stress Model; Attempted Suicide; Models; Resilience (Psychological); Stress; Violence; Transgender; Gender Nonconforming; Minority Stress

Mental health and substance use disorders among Latino and Asian American lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults - Cochran, Susan D.; Mays, Vickie M.; Alegria, Margarita; Ortega, Alexander N.; Takeuchi, David (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2007)
Growing evidence suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults may be at elevated risk for mental health and substance use disorders, possibly due to anti-gay stigma. Little of this work has examined putative excess morbidity among ethnic/racial minorities resulting from the experience of multiple sources of discrimination. The authors report findings from the National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS), a national household probability psychiatric survey of 4,488 Latino and Asian American adults. Approximately 4.8% of persons interviewed identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or reported recent same-gender sexual experiences. Although few sexual orientation-related differences were observed, among men, gay/bisexual men were more likely than heterosexual men to report a recent suicide attempt. Among women, lesbian/bisexual women were more likely than heterosexual women to evidence positive 1-year and lifetime histories of depressive disorders. These findings suggest a small elevation in psychiatric morbidity risk among Latino and Asian American individuals with a minority sexual orientation. However, the level of morbidity among sexual orientation minorities in the NLAAS appears similar to or lower than that observed in population-based studies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gay; bisexual; Latino; Asian American; psychiatric epidemiology; Adolescent; Adult; Alcoholism; Anxiety Disorders; Asian Americans; Bisexuality; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); Dysthymic Disorder; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Health Surveys; Hispanic Americans; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Prejudice; Risk Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; United States; Bisexuality; Drug Abuse; Epidemiology; Homosexuality; Mental Disorders; Asians; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Latinos/Latinas; Substance Use Disorder

Psychological Distress Following Suicidality Among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youths: Role of Social Relationships - Rosario, Margaret; Schrimshaw, Eric W.; Hunter, Joyce (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2005)
Longitudinal relations between past suicidality and subsequent changes in psychological distress at follow-up were examined among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youths, as were psychosocial factors (e.g., self-esteem, social support, negative social relationships) that might mediate or moderate this relation. Past suicide attempters were found to have higher levels of depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, and conduct problems at a later time than youths who neither attempted nor ideated. Psychosocial factors failed to mediate this relation. The interaction among past suicidality, social support, and negative relationships was associated with subsequent changes in all 3 psychological distress indicators 6 months later. Specifically, high levels of support (either from family or friends) or negative relationships were found to predict increased psychological distress among those with a history of suicide attempts, but not among youths without a history of suicidality. The findings suggest that GLB youths who attempt suicide continue to have elevated levels of psychological distress long after their attempt and they highlight the importance of social relationships in the youths' psychological distress at follow-up. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: psychological distress; suicidality; gay; lesbian; bisexual youths; social relationships; psychosocial factors; social support; self-esteem; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Distress; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Psychosocial Factors; Self-Esteem; Social Support; Interpersonal Relationships; Suicidality

Sexual revictimization and mental health: A comparison of lesbians, gay men, and heterosexual women - Balsam, Kimberly F.; Lehavot, Keren; Beadnell, Blair (Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2011)
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has several deleterious effects on health and well-being, including increased risk for rape in adulthood. Such revictimization experiences are linked to negative mental health outcomes. The vast majority of literature on prevalence and impact of sexual revictimization has focused on heterosexual women. In an effort to extend this research to lesbians and gay men, who are known to face higher rates of both CSA and adult rape, we conducted a study (N = 871) comparing adult lesbians, gay men, and heterosexual women on prevalence and mental health correlates of sexual revictimization. Results indicated that CSA is associated with elevated rates of adult rape for all three groups. In addition, revictimization showed comparable associations with mental health variables for all three groups. Participants with both CSA and adult rape had higher levels of psychological distress, suicidality, alcohol use, and self-harm behaviors relative to those with only one type of victimization and those with no victimization, and those with any victimization were more likely to report recent use of drugs compared to those with no victimization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual revictimization; mental health; lesbians; gay men; heterosexual women; childhood sexual abuse; rape; Adult; Adult Survivors of Child Abuse; Child; Child Abuse, Sexual; Female; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Rape; Risk Factors; Sexual Partners; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Young Adult; Heterosexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Sexual Abuse; Victimization; Child Abuse; Mental Health; Rape

Sexual orientation and its relation to mental disorders and suicide attempts: Findings from a nationally representative sample - Bolton, Shay-Lee; Sareen, Jitender (The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry / La Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 2011)
Objective: To compare the rates of all Axis I and II mental disorders and suicide attempts in sexual orientation minorities with rates in heterosexuals using a nationally representative sample. Method: Data used were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave 2 (n = 34 653, response rate = 70.2%). Cross-tabulations and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine differences in rates of mental disorders and suicide attempts by sexual orientation. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results: Compared with their heterosexual counterparts, lesbians and bisexual women demonstrated a 3-fold increased likelihood of substance use disorders, and gay and bisexual men showed twice the rate of anxiety disorders and schizophrenia and (or) psychotic illness, even after accounting for mental disorder comorbidity. Suicide attempts were independently associated with bisexuality, with odds 3 times higher than in heterosexuals. Conclusion: Findings from our study emphasize the fact that sexual orientation minorities are vulnerable to poor mental health outcomes, including suicide attempts. Clinicians need to be aware of these specific negative mental health consequences when assessing sexual orientation minorities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; mental disorders; attempted suicide; minority groups; epidemiology; Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Anxiety Disorders; Bisexuality; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Mood Disorders; Multivariate Analysis; Personality Disorders; Psychotic Disorders; Risk Factors; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology; Sexual Behavior; Statistics as Topic; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; United States; Young Adult; Attempted Suicide; Epidemiology; Mental Disorders; Minority Groups; Sexual Orientation

Does the level of education influence completed suicide? A nationwide register study - Pompili, Maurizio; Vichi, Monica; Qin, Ping; Innamorati, Marco; De Leo, Diego; Girardi, Paolo (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2013)
Objective: To evaluate whether education attainment was associated with completed suicide, a topic only marginally investigated in the literature. Methods: Data for the years between 2006 and 2008 were extracted from the Italian Mortality Database to include all deaths by suicide and natural causes and to obtain information on their education attainment. Results: We found significant differences in education attainment between suicide victims and individuals deceased by natural causes, stratified by sex and broken down by age bands. Of both males and females from 15 to 64 years old, suicide victims were significantly more often to have a higher education attainment compared with the same sex and age counterparts died from natural causes. Persons with higher school attainment, compared with those with a maximum primary school degree, had significantly increased odds ratios of dying from a suicide rather than a natural cause. For persons aged 65–74 years or above, however, the differences were not so much obvious. These observations remained almost the same after adjustment for marital status, region of residence and age. Conclusions: Individual with higher educational achievement may be more prone to suicide risk when facing failures, public shame, and high premorbid functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: educational influence; completed suicide; deaths; mortality; educational attainment; suicide risk; age; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Registries; Risk Factors; Suicide; United States; Young Adult; Death and Dying; Educational Attainment Level; Suicide; Age Differences; Risk Factors

Adolescent suicide in Australia: Rates, risk and resilience - McNamara, Patricia M. (Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2013)
Adolescent suicide rates in Australia have fallen significantly during recent years. The incidence, however, clearly remains a serious concern for young people, parents, professionals and policy makers. Some groups of Australian youth appear to be at heightened risk. Adolescents within the welfare system, indigenous, rural and refugee youth, along with same sex attracted young people often need very careful monitoring and support. Young men continue to take their lives more frequently than young women. Prevention programmes in Australia aim to develop resilience in young people, families and communities that can serve as protection against self harm and suicide. The improvement of mental health literacy, a fostering of adolescent self-efficacy and better access to early intervention strategies are currently privileged in national and state policies related to young people in Australia. More work is needed, however, to achieve a well integrated mental health framework capable of effectively addressing adolescent suicide prevention into the twenty-first century. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: adolescent suicide rates; Australia; risk factors; mortality rate; resilience; Adolescent; Australia; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Incidence; Male; Mental Disorders; Resilience, Psychological; Risk; Self Efficacy; Suicide; Mortality Rate; Resilience (Psychological); Risk Factors; Suicide; Adolescent Development

Editorial - Basham, Kathryn (Smith College Studies in Social Work, 2014)
This editorial presents the articles featured in this issue of Smith College Studies in Social Work. In this current issue, several distinguished authors share their conceptualizations and reflections related to a range of leading-edge and socially relevant topics. They include a conceptual model that addresses suicidal behavior based on intergenerational family and object relations theories, intersubjective processes and treatment of binge eating disorders, perspectives of a senior clinician on group therapy with incarcerated women, weaving Gestalt therapy theory into contemporary clinical social work practice, psychological responses to critical illness, and development of a culturally responsive program to support same-sex attracted youth. Several of the articles provide rich, thickly-disguised clinical narratives and case composites that serve to affirm the invaluable contributions of clients in psychotherapy. In addition, other articles highlight the value of practice informed research. In summary, these articles cover a range of topics pertaining to contemporary clinical social work theory, practice research, education, and social policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: social work; suicidal behavior; group therapy; Gestalt therapy; critical illness; binge eating disorder; Chronic Illness; Gestalt Therapy; Social Casework; Suicidal Ideation; Group Psychotherapy; Binge Eating Disorder

The effects of hormonal gender affirmation treatment on mental health in female-to-male transsexuals - Colton Meier, Stacey L.; Fitzgerald, Kara M.; Pardo, Seth T.; Babcock, Julia (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 2011)
Hormonal interventions are an often-sought option for transgender individuals seeking to medically transition to an authentic gender. Current literature stresses that the effects and associated risks of hormone regimens should be monitored and well understood by health care providers (Feldman & Bockting, 2003). However, the positive psychological effects following hormone replacement therapy as a gender affirming treatment have not been adequately researched. This study examined the relationship of hormone replacement therapy, specifically testosterone, with various mental health outcomes in an Internet sample of more than 400 self-identified female-to-male transsexuals. Results of the study indicate that female-to-male transsexuals who receive testosterone have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and higher levels of social support and health related quality of life. Testosterone use was not related to problems with drugs, alcohol, or suicidality. Overall findings provide clear evidence that HRT is associated with improved mental health outcomes in female-to-male transsexuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: transsexuals; gender affirmation treatment; hormone replacement therapy; testosterone; transgender individuals; mental health; Hormone Therapy; Testosterone; Transsexualism; Treatment; Transgender; Mental Health

Sexual orientation and anabolic-androgenic steroids in US adolescent boys - Blashill, Aaron J.; Safren, Steven A. (Pediatrics, 2014)
Objectives: We compared the lifetime prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse among sexual minority versus heterosexual US adolescent boys, and secondarily, sought to explore possible intermediate variables that may explain prevalence differences. Methods: Participants were 17 250 adolescent boys taken from a pooled data set of the 14 jurisdictions from the 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys that assessed sexual orientation. Data were analyzed for overall prevalence of AAS misuse and possible intermediary risk factors. Results: Sexual minority adolescent boys were at an increased odds of 5.8 (95% confidence interval 4.1–8.2) to report a lifetime prevalence of AAS (21% vs 4%) compared with their heterosexual counterparts, P < .001. Exploratory analyses suggested that increased depressive symptoms/suicidality, victimization, and substance use contributed to this disparity. Conclusions: This is the first known study to test and find substantial health disparities in the prevalence of AAS misuse as a function of sexual orientation. Prevention and intervention efforts are needed for sexual minority adolescent boys. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; anabolic androgenic steroids misuse; adolescent boys; health disparities; prevention; Adolescent; Anabolic Agents; Androgens; Humans; Male; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Substance-Related Disorders; United States; Drug Abuse; Prevention; Steroids; Health Disparities; Adolescent Development; Sexual Orientation

Sense of belonging and depressive symptoms among GLB adolescents - McCallum, Claire; McLaren, Suzanne (Journal of Homosexuality, 2011)
Research has indicated that gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) adolescents are at an increased risk of mental health problems. Research has also indicated that experiencing a sense of belonging is important for one's mental health. This study investigated sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to a GLB specific youth group (Minus18) as predictors of depressive symptoms among self-identified GLB adolescents (N = 99). Participants completed the Sense of Belonging Instrument and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results showed that although sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the Minus18 community were both directly related to depression, only sense of belonging to the general community contributed significantly to the prediction of depression when they were entered simultaneously in a regression analysis. Results also showed that sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relation between sense of belonging to the Minus18 community and depression. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to a GLB-specific community are likely to be of indirect benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents, whereas interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to the general community are likely to be of direct benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sense of belonging; depressive symptoms; gay; lesbian; and bisexual adolescents; Adolescent; Australia; Bisexuality; Depression; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Models, Psychological; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Social Support; Adolescent Development; Major Depression; Psychiatric Symptoms; Sexual Orientation; Social Integration; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Belonging

Stigma management? The links between enacted stigma and teen pregnancy trends among gay, lesbian, and bisexual students in British Columbia - Saewyc, Elizabeth M.; Poon, Colleen S.; Homma, Yuko; Skay, Carol L. (Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 2008)
Over the past decade, several large-scale school-based studies of adolescents in Canada and the U.S. have documented health disparities for lesbian, gay and bisexual teens compared to their heterosexual peers, such as higher rates of suicide attempts, homelessness, and substance use. Many of these disparities have been linked to 'enacted stigma,' or the higher rates of harassment, discrimination, and sexual or physical violence that sexual minority youth experience at home, at school, and in the community. An unexpected health disparity for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth is their significantly higher risk of teen pregnancy involvement (between two and seven times the rate of their heterosexual peers), especially in light of declining trends in teen pregnancy across North America since the early 1990s. What is behind this higher risk? Is it getting better or worse? Using the province-wide cluster-stratified British Columbia Adolescent Health Surveys from 1992, 1998, and 2003, this paper explores the trends in pregnancy involvement, related sexual behaviours, and exposure to forms of enacted stigma that may help explain this particular health disparity for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth in Canada. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: stigma management; teen pregnancy; trends; gays; lesbians; bisexual students; British Columbia; sexual behavior; Adolescent Pregnancy; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Stigma; Psychosexual Behavior; Trends

Men’s sexual orientation and suicide: Evidence for U S adolescent-specific risk - Russell, Stephen T.; Toomey, Russell B. (Social Science & Medicine, 2012)
There is strong consensus in the research literature that adolescent and adult men who report same-sex sexual orientations, identities, and behaviors are at higher risk for suicide. Recent studies of general adolescent suicide risk have identified developmental trajectories that peak during the teenage years. Because the adolescent years are characterized by the development and heightened awareness of gender roles and sexual scripts closely tied to dominant cultural ideals of masculinity and heterosexuality, an adolescent-focused developmental trajectory for suicide risk might be particularly relevant for males with adolescent same-sex sexual orientations. We provide the first prospective examination of adolescent-specific risk for suicidality based on adolescent same-sex sexual orientation using data from the United States, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Tracing suicide ideation and attempts across four assessments from adolescence (Wave 1 average age 15.3 years) to young adulthood (Wave 4 average age 28.2), we documented that the risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts for adolescent same-sex attracted males is developmental in nature. Specifically, the risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts for males with same-sex attractions is largely limited to the adolescent years. These results offer new insights for suicide prevention and intervention for male adolescents and adults with same-sex sexual orientations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: men’s sexual orientation; suicide; United States; adolescent development; risk factors; Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Adult; Age Factors; Health Surveys; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Masculinity; Risk Assessment; Role; Suicidal Ideation; United States; Young Adult; Adolescent Development; Risk Factors; Sexual Orientation; Suicide

High levels of psychological distress in MSM are independent of HIV status - Gibbie, Tania M.; Mijch, Anne; Hay, Margaret (Journal of Health Psychology, 2012)
This study assessed psychological distress (PD) in men who have sex with men (MSM) accessing primary health clinics in Australia. Relationships between PD, HIV status and substance use were explored. A cross-sectional convenience sample of 250 MSM completed the Personality Assessment Screener (PAS). One-third (n = 83) scored in the PAS clinically significant range, suggesting significant mental health symptoms. Negative Affect (27 per cent clinically significant), Suicidal Thinking (29 per cent clinically significant) and Amphetamine use significantly positively correlated with PD. There were no significant differences between HIV diagnostic groups on PD. A third of MSM displayed PD. Psychological screening may provide valuable information for improving the psychological well-being of MSM, regardless of their HIV status. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: psychological distress; men who have sex with men; HIV; primary health clinics; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; HIV Seronegativity; HIV Seropositivity; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Social Class; South Australia; Stress, Psychological; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicidal Ideation; United States; Young Adult; Distress; HIV; Male Homosexuality; Same Sex Intercourse; Clinics

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual college students: The relationship between sexual orientation and depression, loneliness, and suicide - Westefeld, John S.; Maples, Michael R.; Buford, Brian; Taylor, Steve (Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 2001)
Compared 70 gay male/lesbian/bisexual college students (aged 18–29 yrs) with a control group of 154 college students (mean age 19.2 yrs) on measures of loneliness, depression, and suicidal risk. Results indicate significant differences in several areas. The study found that gay male/lesbian/bisexual students were more depressed, lonely, and had fewer reasons for living than a control group of college students. Issues concerning a variety of attitudes/feelings of the gay male/lesbian/bisexual group are discussed as are implications for college mental health and student development professionals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gay; lesbian; bisexual; depression; loneliness; suicide; college students; College Students; Homosexuality; Loneliness; Major Depression; Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Don't ask, don't tell? Does disclosure of gay identity affect partner performance? - Everly, Benjamin A.; Shih, Margaret J.; Ho, Geoffrey C. (Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 2012)
Supporters of policies that force gay and lesbian individuals to conceal their sexual orientation in the workplace argue that working with openly gay individuals undermines performance. We examine this claim in two studies and find the opposite effect. Specifically, participants working with openly gay partners performed better on a cognitive task (i.e., a math test) and a sensory-motor task (i.e., a Wii shooting game) than individuals left to wonder about the sexual orientation of their partners. These results suggest that policies, such as 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' that introduce uncertainty into social interactions harm rather than protect performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gay identity disclosure; partner performance; sexual orientation; stigma; Don't Ask Don't Tell policy; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Interpersonal Interaction; Job Performance; Self-Disclosure; Sexual Orientation; Government Policy Making; Homosexuality; Stigma

Ernest Hemingway, the False Macho - Hemingway, John (Men and Masculinities, 2012)
This article focuses on American author and journalist Ernest Hemingway and his son Gregory and a compare both about what connection could there possibly be between this cross-dressing, transsexual Doctor of Medicine (MD), and America’s macho icon? Ernest Hemingway a true macho who loved in equal parts drinking, hunting, war, and womanizing. He is associated with Pamplona and the running of the bulls, corrida, deep-sea fishing for marlin in the Caribbean, and the shooting of lions and water buffalo in East Africa. When Ernest refers to the youngest son’s 'dark side,' he is at the same time recognizing that both of them had to deal with the curse and/or blessing of the doubled-edged brilliance of bipolar disorder and the fact that both he and Gregory had always been attracted to androgyny, or a kind of union between the sexes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: masculinity; empowerment; transsexualism; gender differences; Empowerment; Human Sex Differences; Masculinity; Transsexualism

A population-based study of sexual orientation identity and gender differences in adult health - Conron, Kerith J.; Mimiaga, Matthew J.; Landers, Stewart J. (American Journal of Public Health, 2010)
Objectives: We provide estimates of several leading US adult health indicators by sexual orientation identity and gender to fill gaps in the current literature. Methods: We aggregated data from the 2001–2008 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance surveys (N = 67359) to examine patterns in self-reported health by sexual orientation identity and gender, using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Compared with heterosexuals, sexual minorities (i.e., gays/lesbians, 2% of sample; bisexuals, 1%) were more likely to report activity limitation, tension or worry, smoking, drug use, asthma, lifetime sexual victimization, and HIV testing, but did not differ on 3-year Papanicolaou tests, lifetime mammography, diabetes, or heart disease. Compared with heterosexuals, bisexuals reported more barriers to health care, current sadness, past-year suicidal ideation, and cardiovascular disease risk. Gay men were less likely to be overweight or obese and to obtain prostate-specific antigen tests, and lesbians were more likely to be obese and to report multiple risks for cardiovascular disease. Binge drinking and lifetime physical intimate partner victimization were more common among bisexual women. Conclusions: Sexual orientation disparities in chronic disease risk, victimization, health care access, mental health, and smoking merit increased attention. More research on heterogeneity in health and health determinants among sexual minorities is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; gender differences; adult health; self report; Adolescent; Adult; Alcoholic Intoxication; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Bisexuality; Domestic Violence; Female; Gender Identity; Health Status Disparities; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Incidence; Male; Massachusetts; Middle Aged; Mood Disorders; Obesity; Odds Ratio; Sex Distribution; Smoking; Substance-Related Disorders; Young Adult; Health; Human Sex Differences; Sexual Orientation; Population; Self-Report

Learning from the life experiences of male-to-female transsexuals - Brown, Chris; Dashjian, Lauren T.; Acosta, Taryn J.; Mueller, Conrad T.; Kizer, Bobby E.; Trangsrud, Heather B. (Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 2013)
In this exploratory study, we sought to increase mental health professionals’ understanding and awareness of the life and transition experiences of male-to-female transsexuals. A sample of 9 predominately European male-to-female transsexuals, who were mostly middle-aged (M = 33.8, SD = 15.4) and residing in the Midwest region of the United States, were interviewed about their life experiences. Interview data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research (CQR) methods (Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997). The results indicated that on average participants realized at five-and-a-half years old that their biological sex was incongruent with their gender identity; they dated women and pursued marriage in order to comply with prescribed gender roles and battled depression and suicidal ideation. Results also revealed that following their decision to transition, participants reported increased quality of life and overall happiness, and varied changes in relationships with family members. Suggestions to include this group in future practice and research agendas are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: male-to-female transsexuals; gender identity; suicidal ideation; quality of life; life & transition experiences; Gender Identity; Life Experiences; Quality of Life; Suicidal Ideation; Transsexualism

HIV-infected mental health patients: Characteristics and comparison with HIV-infected patients from the general population and non-infected mental health patients - Schadé, Annemiek; van Grootheest, Gerard; Smit, Johannes H. (BMC Psychiatry, 2013)
Objectives: HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of developing mental health symptoms, which negatively influence the treatment of the HIV-infection. Mental health problems in HIV-infected patients may affect public health. Psychopathology, including depression and substance abuse, can increase hazardous sexual behaviour and, with it, the chance of spreading HIV. Therefore, it is important to develop an optimal treatment plan for HIV-infected patients with mental health problems. The majority of HIV-infected patients in the Netherlands (almost 60%) are homosexual men. The main objectives of this study were to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with HIV who seek treatment for their mental health symptoms in the Netherlands. Secondly, we tested whether HIV infected and non-infected homosexual patients with a lifetime depressive disorder differed on several mental health symptoms. Methods: We compared a cohort of 196 patients who visited the outpatient clinic for HIV and Mental Health with HIV-infected patients in the general population in Amsterdam (ATHENA-study) and with non-HIV infected mental health patients (NESDA-study). DSM-IV diagnoses were determined, and several self-report questionnaires were used to assess mental health symptoms. Results: Depressive disorders were the most commonly occurring diagnoses in the cohort and frequent drug use was common. HIV-infected homosexual men with a depressive disorder showed no difference in depressive symptoms or sleep disturbance, compared with non-infected depressive men. However, HIV-positive patients did express more symptoms like fear, anger and guilt. Although they showed significantly more suicidal ideation, suicide attempts were not more prevalent among HIV-infected patients. Finally, the HIV-infected depressive patients displayed a considerably higher level of drug use than the HIV-negative group. Conclusion: Habitual drug use is a risk factor for spreading HIV. It is also more often diagnosed in HIV-infected homosexual men with a lifetime depression or dysthymic disorder than in the non-infected population. Untreated mental health problems, such as depressive symptoms and use of drugs can have serious repercussions. Therefore, general practitioners and internists should be trained to recognize mental health problems in HIV-infected patients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: HIV infected patients; mental health services; health care seeking; depression; mental health symptoms; psychopathology; drug abuse; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Depressive Disorder; Female; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Personality Inventory; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Substance-Related Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Health Care Seeking Behavior; HIV; Major Depression; Mental Health; Psychopathology; AIDS; Drug Abuse; Mental Health Services; Psychiatric Symptoms

Sexual obsessions, compulsions suicidality and homicidality in an adolescent diagnosed with bipolar disorder not otherwise specified, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and mild retardation - Singh, Garima; Coffey, Barbara J. (Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2012)
Presents a case report of a 17-year-old Caucasian adolescent who carries diagnoses of pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder-not otherwise specified (NOS) mild mental retardation, and medication-induced movement disorder. N. was referred for hospitalization for active suicidal and homicidal thoughts. In the past 5 years N. had been hospitalized 10 times for acute exacerbation of symptoms related to his OCD, bipolar disorder NOS, and PDD-NOS. Another major concern was N.'s sexual preference and gender role. He had expressed conflict regarding his sexual preference for younger children. Finally, N. was reported to be very rigid, to need routine, and to want things done in a certain way. He would reportedly get upset if things were not done his way, and this would escalate to episodes of physical and verbal aggression. Once hospitalized, N. engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior on the unit and showed desire to have sex with other male peers. During his stay in the hospital, N. exhibited lip rolling, shoulder shrugging, and facial grimacing. The movements resolved after N. was started on aripiprazole. Lithium was increased to therapeutic range (serum level 1 mEq/l), and he responded positively, showing an improvement in his mood symptoms. In addition, he denied suicidal or homicidal ideation, and his sexual obsessions and thoughts decreased significantly. After 14 days, N. was stabilized and discharged to the care of his mother and outpatient treatment. This case illustrates the challenges and complexity of diagnosis and treatment of an adolescent presentation in the context of three major intersecting psychiatric disorders with overlapping clinical features. N.'s clinical features must be viewed in the context of his PDD, the overarching and underlying psychopathology that both colored and crafted his overall development and the unfolding of symptoms over time. This challenging case illustrates the limitations of categorical diagnosis when overlapping symptoms of several Axis I disorders are the primary target for intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual obsessions; compulsions suicidality; homicidality; bipolar disorder diagnosis; obsessive compulsive disorder; pervasive developmental disorder; mild mental retardation; drug therapy; aripiprazole; Adolescent; Bipolar Disorder; Child; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Hospitalization; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Male; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Suicidal Ideation; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Bipolar Disorder; Compulsions; Drug Therapy; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Diagnosis; Suicide; Aripiprazole; Intellectual Development Disorder; Suicidality

Suicide protective and risk factors for sexual minority youth: Applying the Cumulative Factor Model - Rutter, Philip A. (Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 2008)
This report explores suicide protective and risk factors for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth and offers a Cumulative Factor Model constructed from these factors. Numerous studies to date have concluded that a youth's sexual minority identity is a key risk factor for suicide. Few studies however have explored the internal and external protective factors that may cumulate to increase or reduce suicidal ideation and risk among this LGB population. Counseling implications for both assessment and intervention strategies are discussed in light of this cumulative factor approach to understand and potentially stem LGB youth suicide. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide; protective factors; risk factors; sexual minority youth; lesbians; gays; bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Protective Factors; Risk Factors; Suicide; Bisexuality; Sexual Minority Groups

Internalized homophobia: A factor in depression, anxiety, and suicide in the gay and lesbian population - Igartua, Karine J.; Gill, Kathryn; Montoro, Richard (Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 2003)
Two-hundred and twenty participants recruited through multiple sampling strategies completed a self-report questionnaire examining: (a) whether internalized homophobia predicts depressive and anxious symptoms, suicide, and substance abuse; and (b) the periods of gay-identity development which were particularly risky for suicide. Results indicate that internalized homophobia, particularly negative feelings towards one's own homosexuality (as measured by the Self subscale of the Nungesser Homosexual Attitudes Inventory), accounts for 18% of the variance in depressive scores and 13% of anxiety scores (using the Beck inventories). Internalized homophobia did not predict suicide independently from depression. The period of greatest risk for both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was the period of disclosure of one's homosexuality to one's immediate family. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: internalized homophobia; depression; anxiety; suicide; gay; lesbian; Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety; Depression; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Personality Development; Prejudice; Quebec; Regression Analysis; Social Identification; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide; Anxiety; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Lesbianism; Major Depression; Male Homosexuality; Internalization; Mental Health; Suicide

Sexual orientation and risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adolescents and young adults - Silenzio, Vincent M. B.; Pena, Juan B.; Duberstein, Paul R.; Cerel, Julie; Knox, Kerry L. (American Journal of Public Health, 2007)
Same-gender sexual orientation has been repeatedly shown to exert an independent influence on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, suggesting that risk factors and markers may differ in relative importance between lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals and others. Analyses of recent data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health revealed that lesbian, gay, and bisexual respondents reported higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than did heterosexual respondents and that drug use and depression were associated with adverse outcomes among heterosexual respondents but not among lesbian, gay, and bisexual respondents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; risk factors; suicidal ideation; suicide attempts; adolescents; young adults; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adult; Bisexuality; Depression; Female; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; United States; Attempted Suicide; Risk Factors; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation; Adolescent Attitudes; Adult Attitudes

Factors Associated with 'Feeling Suicidal': The Role of Sexual Identity - Abelson, Jeanne; Lambevski, Sasho; Crawford, June; Bartos, Michael; Kippax, Susan (Journal of Homosexuality, 2006)
This paper examines factors associated with feeling suicidal in a large sample of urban men in Sydney and Melbourne, aged 18-50, including heterosexual, gay and bisexual men, HIV antibody positive and HIV antibody negative. As in previous research, sexuality (being homosexual or bisexual) was found to be a major predictor of suicidality. The research went some way towards explaining the close relationship between feeling suicidal and sexual orientation. Sexuality interacts with feeling bad in that, once men feel moderately bad/depressed, they are more likely to feel suicidal if they are homosexual or bisexual than if they are heterosexual. In addition, the research found that experience of verbal abuse and physical assault (harassment) increased feeling suicidal for both heterosexual and gay/bisexual men, not just for homosexual men as suggested by previous research, and that social isolation in the form of living alone is a further risk factor. Seeking counseling help and taking sexual risks were also independently associated with feeling suicidal. These actions may result from feeling suicidal rather than the reverse, and their association with feeling suicidal warrants further research. Many of the 46 independent variables examined in the research, including HIV antibody status and closeness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, were related to feeling suicidal only through their association with being gay/bisexual. Celibacy and general risk taking were not related to feeling suicidal in this study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidal feeling; heterosexuality; gay men; bisexual men; HIV; sexuality; sexual orientation; Adolescent; Adult; Australia; Bisexuality; HIV Seronegativity; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Regression Analysis; Sexual Behavior; Suicide; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urban Population; Bisexuality; Heterosexuality; HIV; Male Homosexuality; Suicidal Ideation; Sexual Orientation; Sexuality

Understanding suicide among sexual minority youth in America: An ecological systems analysis - Hong, Jun Sung; Espelage, Dorothy L.; Kral, Michael J. (Journal of Adolescence, 2011)
This article examines major risk factors for suicide among sexual minority youth using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. Although suicidal behavior among sexual minority youth is a major public concern in the United States, understanding of this phenomenon has been limited since the majority of empirical research studies have addressed individual level characteristics without much consideration to the larger environmental contexts. This review integrates past and current empirical findings on suicidal behaviors of sexual minority youth within the context of micro-, meso-, exo-, macro-, and chrono-systems levels. Finally, it draws implications for assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: risk factors; suicide; sexual minority youth; America; ecological systems theory; Adolescent; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Minority Groups; Models, Theoretical; Risk Factors; Suicide; United States; Young Adult; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Risk Factors; Suicide; Sexual Minority Groups; Ecology

Attitudes and Beliefs About Suicidal Behavior When Coming Out Is the Precipitant of the Suicidal Behavior - Cato, Jennifer Ellen; Canetto, Silvia Sara (Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 2003)
Young persons who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) have higher rates of nonfatal suicidal behavior than their heterosexual peers. It has been suggested that suicidal behavior may be a painful but unavoidable rite of passage for LGB youths at the coming out stage. Could this mean that suicidal behavior is considered understandable and even permissible behavior for LGB youths at this stage? In this study we explored reactions to a suicidal decision when coming out was the precipitant of the suicidal act. Specifically, we compared attitudes toward a suicidal decision after coming out and being rejected by one's parents with attitudes toward a suicidal decision after experiencing other stressors (i.e., a physical illness, a relationship loss, or an academic failure). Contrary to expectation, the decision to engage in suicidal behavior following coming out was not viewed in relatively accepting terms. Rather, it was perceived as unsound and weak. As in previous studies, physical illness was singled out as a relatively understandable motivation for suicidal behavior. In addition, we found that androgynous persons viewed the suicidal decision as more unsound than other gender-identity types, independent of precipitant. Given similar evidence from other studies, future... (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: homosexuality; sexual orientation; suicidal behavior; suicidal decision; attitudes toward suicide; coming out; lesbian; gay; bisexual; androgyny; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Adult Attitudes; Androgyny; Gender Identity; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Differences in risk factors for suicide attempts among 9th and 11th grade youth: A longitudinal perspective - Fried, Lise E.; Williams, Sandra; Cabral, Howard; Hacker, Karen (The Journal of School Nursing, 2013)
The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between timing of adolescent development and risk factors for suicide. Nationally representative data from the Add Health survey were used. The relationship of sociodemographic characteristics, known risk factors, and physical developmental timing and cognitive developmental style to suicide attempt was assessed. Depression was a risk factor for suicide attempts in both 9th and 11th grade. Other risk factors differed. Use of illegal drugs, homosexual orientation, using public assistance, and physical development were the important risk factors for ninth graders. For 11th graders, sexual abuse, being in counseling, and being of 'other' race or ethnicity (mainly Asian or Native American) were risk factors. The cognitive development variable of using a systematic problem-solving method was protective for 11th graders. Recognizing that risk factors for adolescent suicide attempts change over time and with developmental timing of puberty is an important factor for suicide prevention strategies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: risk factors; suicide attempts; youths; adolescent development; cognitive developmental style; depression; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adolescent Development; Age Distribution; Cohort Studies; Continental Population Groups; Counseling; Depressive Disorder; Female; Health Surveys; Homosexuality; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Problem Solving; Puberty; Risk Factors; Sex Offenses; Sexual Maturation; Socioeconomic Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; United States; Adolescent Attitudes; At Risk Populations; Attempted Suicide; Major Depression; Risk Factors; Adolescent Development; Cognitive Development; Suicide

Is sexual orientation related to mental health problems and suicidality in young people? - Fergusson, David M.; Horwood, L. John; Beautrais, Annette L. (Archives of General Psychiatry, 1999)
Examined the extent to which gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people are at increased risk of psychiatric disorder and suicidal behaviors using data gathered on a New Zealand birth cohort studied to age 21 yrs. Data were gathered during the course of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 21-yr longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1,265 children. At 21 yrs of age, 1,007 sample members were questioned about their sexual orientation and relationships with same-sex partners since the age of 16 yrs. 28 Ss (2.8%) were classified as being of gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Over the period from age 14 to 21 yrs, data were gathered on a range of psychiatric disorders, as well as on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Results show that gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people were at increased risks of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, nicotine dependence, other substance abuse and/or dependence, multiple disorders, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Findings support recent evidence suggesting that gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people are at increased risk of mental health problems, with these associations being particularly evident for measures of suicidal behavior and multiple disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: risk of psychiatric disorders & suicidal ideation & suicide attempt; 21 yr old gays & lesbians & bisexuals; longitudinal study; Adolescent; Adult; Bisexuality; Comorbidity; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental Disorders; New Zealand; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; At Risk Populations; Attempted Suicide; Mental Disorders; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Lesbianism

Why bisexual health? - Ebin, Julie (Journal of Bisexuality, 2012)
Defining bisexual health and its components will help people better understand it, highlight its importance and give investigators and proponents a common language and starting point from which to discuss the purpose and foundation of work on the intersections of bisexuality and health. Bisexual health can be parsed into individual and community-level components, taking into account those who identify as bisexual and those who do not but who have sexual or romantic attractions and/or behaviors with more than one gender. These populations will benefit from efforts to describe and compare the health of these two groups in more detail, as well as compare it to the health of straight, gay and lesbian populations. This information will shed light on potential health disparities; will pinpoint when and how to tailor health education, outreach and messaging; will assist health providers in becoming culturally competent; will help individuals become empowered consumers and health advocates; and will illuminate successful strategies that bisexuals may use to protect their health and the health of their communities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: definition; bisexual health; health disparities; Bisexuality; Health; Health Disparities

The association between relationship markers of sexual orientation and suicide: Denmark, 1990–2001 - Mathy, Robin M.; Cochran, Susan D.; Olsen, Jorn; Mays, Vickie M. (Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology: The International Journal for Research in Social and Genetic Epidemiology and Mental Health Services, 2011)
Objective: Minority sexual orientation has been repeatedly linked to elevated rates of suicide attempts. Whether this translates into greater risk for suicide mortality is unclear. We investigated sexual orientation-related differences in suicide mortality in Denmark during the initial 12- year period following legalization of same-sex registered domestic partnerships (RDPs). Method: Using data from death certificates issued between 1990 and 2001 and population estimates from the Danish census, we estimated suicide mortality risk among individuals classified into one of three marital/cohabitation statuses: current/formerly in same-sex RDPs; current/formerly heterosexually married; or never married/registered. Results: Risk for suicide mortality was associated with this proxy indicator of sexual orientation, but only significantly among men. The estimated age-adjusted suicide mortality risk for RDP men was nearly eight times greater than for men with positive histories of heterosexual marriage and nearly twice as high for men who had never married. Conclusions: Suicide risk appears greatly elevated for men in same-sex partnerships in Denmark. To what extent this is true for similar gay and bisexual men who are not in such relationships is unknown, but these findings call for targeted suicide prevention programs aimed at reducing suicide risk among gay and bisexual men. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: relationship markers; sexual orientation; suicide attempts; Denmark; mortality; risk factors; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Bisexuality; Cause of Death; Denmark; Female; Homosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Minority Groups; Risk Factors; Sex Distribution; Sexual Behavior; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Death and Dying; Risk Factors; Sexual Orientation

Risk Factors of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents: Review of Empirical Literature and Practice Implications - Thompson, Sanna J.; Johnston, Lon (Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2003)
Many researchers of gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents describe them as an 'invisible' minority. These youth are also one of the most 'at risk' youth populations, as they often experience a range of problems related to society's stigmatization of same-sex orientation. Although sexual orientation is not necessarily related to heightened difficulties, lack of social support, infrequent positive interactions, and chronic stress may lead to increased problem behaviors for these youth. To further understand the risk and protective factors experienced by sexual minority adolescents, this article explores a number of these factors and reviews the current empirical research on specific topics, including: family, peer and school, substance use, suicide, and HIV/AIDS issues. Finally, practice implications are discussed to guide clinicians in working more effectively with this youth population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gay; lesbian; bisexual; adolescents; sexual minority youth; Adolescent Development; At Risk Populations; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Lesbianism; Risk Factors; Sexual Minority Groups

Review of Deep secrets: Boys’ friendships and the crisis of connection - Carbonaro, William (American Journal of Sociology, 2014)
Reviews the book, Deep Secrets: Boys' Friendships and the Crisis of Connection by Niobe Way (see record [rid]2010-24774-000[/rid]). This narrative would be very familiar to anyone who has read Deep Secrets, written by developmental psychologist Niobe Way. Way argues that, at the beginning of high school, adolescent boys typically experience emotionally intense and supportive friendships that are tremendously important to them. However, as young boys move toward 'manhood,' they lose these connections, becoming isolated and emotionally distant. Young men do not happily embrace this outcome; they would prefer to have close friendships with other young men. However, they feel compelled to become 'independent' and sever their ties with their close male friends. The cultural construct of 'masculinity' encourages this move toward isolation and discourages young men from maintaining close male friendships, partly because these relationships may lead to questions about their sexual orientation e.g., the use of 'no homo' as a qualifier to describe male friendships. Way argues that this loss of connection and isolation is painful to young men, and that it contributes to their unhappiness, decreased health and well-being, and numerous mental health problems (e.g., an increased risk of suicide). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: boy's friendships; adolescent development; emotions; masculinity; Adolescent Development; Friendship; Masculinity; Emotions; Human Males

Fatal flaws in recent analysis on the risk of premature death following teenage abortion and childbirth - Biggs, M. Antonia; Roberts, Sarah C. M. (European Journal of Public Health, 2017)
Comments on an article by E. Jalanko et al. (see record [rid]2017-49476-015[/rid]). Jalanko et al. for taking advantage of Finnish registry data to answer important policy-relevant questions. However, a fatal flaw in their analysis calls into question the validity of its findings Furthermore, their results conflict with every rigorous study and review examining the effects of abortion on women’s mental health outcomes, including suicidal behaviors and alcohol-related problems. It is critical that studies comparing the mental health outcomes of women following abortion and childbirth to never-pregnant women account for selection into these groups, particularly women’s pre-pregnancy mental and physical health and substance use. Women who have abortions have a higher incidence of pre-pregnancy mental health conditions than women without a history of abortion and the reasons women seek abortion– financial, the desire to end an abusive relationship, and heavy alcohol and drug use—can affect women’s mental health post-abortion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: increased risk; premature death; teenage abortion; childbirth; Child Attitudes; Risk Factors; Abortion (Attitudes Toward)

Health care utilization and health indicators among a national sample of US Veterans in same-sex partnerships - Blosnich, John; Bossarte, Robert; Silver, Eric; Silenzio, Vincent (Military Medicine, 2013)
Objectives: To examine health indicators of same-sex partnered veterans as compared with their opposite-sex partnered veteran and nonveteran peers. Methods: Same-sex partner status was derived by self-reported same-sex partnerships in data from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Outcome variables included health risk disparities associated with sexual minority status (e.g., frequent mental distress) and veteran status (e.g., firearm ownership). Stratified multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association of same-sex partnered veteran status with health indicators. Results: Same-sex partnered veterans had higher odds of being overweight and keeping firearms in the house compared with same-sex partnered nonveterans. Same-sex partnered veterans were less likely than opposite-sex partnered veterans to be overweight, and they were more than twice as likely to be current smokers when compared with opposite-sex partnered nonveterans. Conclusions: Findings suggest both that some health disparities patterns identified by same-sex partnership status among the general population also exist among veteran populations, and that some unique distinctions may exist, particularly related to BMI and firearm ownership. Collection of information about sexual minority status within Department of Veterans Affairs data sources is needed to more accurately assess the health of this minority population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: health care utilization; health indicators; veterans; same sex partnerships; peer relations; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Firearms; Health Behavior; Health Services; Health Status Disparities; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Overweight; Spouses; Veterans; Health Care Utilization; Homosexuality; Military Veterans; Health Disparities; Peer Relations

When Christianity and homosexuality collide: Understanding the potential intrapersonal conflict - Subhi, Nasrudin; Geelan, David (Journal of Homosexuality, 2012)
Reconciling sexual orientation with religious and spiritual beliefs can be challenging for Christian homosexuals, since many Christian churches teach that homosexual behavior is sinful. A qualitative study of 10 male and 10 female Christian homosexuals was conducted via semistructured interviews. This article seeks to explore the potential conflict between Christianity and homosexuality faced by the respondents. Participants' life stories and experiences varied widely. A few respondents were unaffected by the potential conflict between Christianity and homosexuality, however, the majority were affected. Effects included depression, guilt, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and alienation. Implications of the findings for support personnel are included. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: Christianity; homosexuality; intrapersonal conflict; sexual orientation; religious beliefs; spiritual beliefs; gender differences; Adult; Christianity; Conflict (Psychology); Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Religion and Sex; Young Adult; Christianity; Conflict; Homosexuality; Self-Concept; Human Sex Differences; Sexual Orientation; Spirituality

Giving psychology away: A history - Carroll, David W. (PsycCRITIQUES, 2014)
Reviews the book, History of Psychology 101 by David C. Devonis (see record [rid]2014-05686-000[/rid]). The role of psychology in people’s everyday lives is the central theme of the book. Devonis takes an externalist view of history, emphasizing how psychology influences society and vice versa. Eschewing the more conventional schools and systems framework, he organizes his history by decades, with chapters on each decade from the 1920s to 'The 1990s and Beyond' (Chapter 8). Each chapter includes a section on the major developments in psychology followed by a narrative of how these events have influenced a fictional family. The narrative device enables Devonis to explore how a variety of topics, including suicide, feminism, and sexual orientation, may influence a family. This book could serve well as an adjunct text for a course in the history of psychology, but it might be especially useful in introductory psychology courses. Students new to psychology would welcome a book that clearly identifies how psychology has contributed to everyday lives over the years. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: history of psychology; externalist view; society; History of Psychology; Society

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Sexual-Orientation Questioning Adolescents Seeking Mental Health Services: Risk Factors, Worries, and Desire to Talk About Them - Ciro, Dianne; Surko, Michael; Bhandarkar, Kalpana; Helfgott, Nora; Peake, Ken; Epstein, Irwin (Social Work in Mental Health, 2005)
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and sexual-orientation questioning (LGBQ) adolescents have many of the same health needs as straight adolescents. In addition, they must learn to manage a stigmatized identity that may create confusion, anxiety, and emotional turbulence for them. Beyond stigma, LGBQ youth are often found to be at higher risk for substance abuse, violence, depression, suicide, and sexual health problems. Based on responses given by urban adolescents seeking mental health services to a clinical self-assessment questionnaire (Adquest), this article examines the relationship between sexual identity and risk factors related to safety, health, sex, substance use, family and friends, worries, and their desire to talk about these in counseling. Findings indicate that LGBQ youth are at higher risk than straights, and express greater desire to talk about substance use, health, their personal lives, and their friends. Mental health practitioners working with these young persons must properly assess and address their risks by creating a sense of community and safe environment for open discussion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: lesbians; gays; bisexuals; sexual orientation; mental health services; risk factors; anxiety; emotional turbulence; substance abuse; violence; sexual health problems; help care seeking; adolescents; Bisexuality; Health Care Seeking Behavior; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Mental Health Services; Adolescent Development; Anxiety; Drug Abuse; Emotional Disturbances; Risk Factors; Sexual Orientation; Violence

LGB and questioning students in schools: The moderating effects of homophobic bullying and school climate on negative outcomes - Birkett, Michelle; Espelage, Dorothy L.; Koenig, Brian (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2009)
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual students (LGB) and those questioning their sexual orientation are often at great risk for negative outcomes like depression, suicidality, drug use, and school difficulties (Elliot and Kilpatrick, How to Stop Bullying, A KIDSCAPE Guide to Training, 1994; Mufoz-Plaza et al., High Sch J 85:52–63, 2002; Treadway and Yoakam, J School Health 62(7):352–357, 1992). This study examined how school contextual factors such as homophobic victimization and school climate influence negative outcomes in LGB and questioning middle school students. Participants were 7,376 7th and 8th grade students from a large Midwestern county (50.7% Female, 72.7% White, 7.7% Biracial, 6.9% Black, 5.2% Asian, 3.7% Hispanic, and 2.2% reported 'other'). LGB and sexually questioning youth were more likely to report high levels of bullying, homophobic victimization, and various negative outcomes than heterosexual youth. Students who were questioning their sexual orientation reported the most bullying, the most homophobic victimization, the most drug use, the most feelings of depression and suicidality, and more truancy than either heterosexual or LGB students. A positive school climate and a lack of homophobic victimization moderated the differences among sexual orientation status and outcomes. Results indicate that schools have the ability to lessen negative outcomes for LGB and sexually questioning students through creating positive climates and reducing homophobic teasing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: lesbianism; gay; bisexual students; homophobic bullying; school climate; negative outcomes; risk; sexual orientation; suicidality; depression; drug use; victimization; Achievement; Adolescent; Bisexuality; Depressive Disorder; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Schools; Sexual Harassment; Social Environment; Students; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Risk Factors; School Environment; Victimization; Bullying; Drug Abuse; Heterosexuality; Lesbianism; Major Depression; Male Homosexuality; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Suicidality

Mental health problems among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths ages 14 to 21 - D'Augelli, Anthony R. (Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2002)
The mental health problems of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths were studied using a sample of 542 youths from community settings. Information about the development of sexual orientation, problems related to sexual orientation, parents' reactions, and victimization based on sexual orientation was related to mental health symptoms and suicidality. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths were found to demonstrate more symptoms than a comparison group of adolescents. Over one-third of the sample reported a past suicide attempt. More symptoms were related to parents not knowing about youths' sexual orientation or with both parents having negative reactions to youths' sexual orientation. More than three-quarters had been verbally abused because of their sexual orientation, and 15 percent reported physical attacks. More than one-third said they had lost friends because of their sexual orientation. Youths who had experienced more victimization and who had lost friends reported more mental health symptoms. Mental health professionals are urged to attend to the distinct problems of these youths, especially dealing with conflicts with families and peers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental health problems; lesbian; gay; bisexuality; adolescents; sexual orientation; parental reactions; victimization; suicidality; Adolescent Development; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Sexual Orientation; Symptoms; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Lesbianism; Parent Child Relations; Suicide; Victimization; Suicidality

Ignoring the evidence dictating the practice: Sexual orientation, suicidality and the dichotomy of the mental health nurse - McAndrew, S.; Warne, T. (Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 2004)
International epidemiological studies demonstrate that gay and bisexual males are four times more likely to report a serious suicide attempt than their heterosexual counterparts. Data on completed suicides, usually derived from mortality statistics misrepresent the rate of suicides among homosexual populations. However, an increasing number of studies comparing representative samples of gay, lesbian and bisexual youths with heterosexual controls demonstrate increased rates of mental health problems and subsequent suicide among the homosexual population. Homosexual orientation must therefore be considered a risk factor for mental distress and as such should be a focus for any contemporary public health agenda. One of the difficulties of addressing the problem through a public health agenda is the juxtaposition proffered by our political and social environment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder ceased to define homosexuality as pathological in 1973 replacing it with a new 'illness' of 'gender identity disorder'. Until recently in England, Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988), forbidding the promotion of homosexuality, further reinforced negativity towards this group of people. This compounded the negative mental health consequences for those developing a gay sexual orientation in a climate of heterosexism. Current health care policy in England concerns itself with the rising number of suicides among young people but fails to acknowledge the importance of the research findings relating to gay people by integrating them into the development of mental health policy. This paper reviews the literature relating to homosexual people and suicidality, and addresses the seriousness of a policy rhetoric which results from ignoring the evidence while dictating mental health nursing practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; suicidality; mental health nursing; homosexuals; evidence; practice; Bisexuality; Female; Great Britain; Homosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Nursing Methodology Research; Psychiatric Nursing; Risk Factors; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Evidence Based Practice; Mental Health Services; Psychiatric Nurses; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Suicidality

Making schools safer and healthier for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning students - Benton, Jeremy (The Journal of School Nursing, 2003)
This article describes some of the special health and safety concerns that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth face in schools. Among these problems are increased drug and alcohol use, sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy risks, depression and suicidality, and increased likelihood of being a victim of harassment or assault. School nurses can play a unique role in the lives of these students. A needs assessment is reviewed that describes school nurses’ perceived professional responsibility and their actual practice with regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth. Five barriers to optimal health care for these students are discussed. Methods that encourage students to view the school nurse as an ally, as well as issues surrounding disclosure or ‘‘coming out,’’ are discussed. Special considerations of confidentiality, community agency referral, and family disclosure are discussed. Appropriate interventions at school and ways to begin to change the school climate are also presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: lesbians; gays; bisexuals; health; safety; alcohol abuse; sexually transmitted infections; pregnancy risks; major depression; suicidality; school nurses; Adolescent; Attitude of Health Personnel; Confidentiality; Female; Humans; Male; Nurse's Role; Nurse-Patient Relations; Patient Advocacy; School Nursing; Self Disclosure; Sex Education; Sexuality; Societies, Nursing; Students; United States; Bisexuality; Health; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Safety; Alcohol Abuse; Major Depression; Pregnancy; School Nurses; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Suicide; Suicidality

Response to Alessandra Lemma–APP Lecture Research off the couch: Revisiting the transsexual conundrum - Di Ceglie, Domenico (Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 2012)
Comments on an article by Alessandra Lemma (see record [rid]2013-01907-003[/rid]). The author contributed to a better understanding of the development of atypical gender identity which in some forms is addressed as transsexualism. The author stressed the importance of regarding transsexual experience as varied. The author kept forward a hypothesis that a lack of experience of mirroring of their perceived gender identity by the attachment figure contributes to their need for acceptance, particularly in the visual field. The author suggested that the experience of the television programs in some way offered participants an opportunity for their need of acceptance to be met by the positive reaction of the television crew and the public at large. The author proposed that the experience of being accepted visually but more in general as a person in a positive way seemed to have led to participants' improvements in their general well being including a more flexible attitude towards body modifications in some and this improvement of well being is supported by the experience of being referred to the service, as self harm, suicidal risk and actual suicidal attempts during adolescence are diminished following referral. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: transsexual individuals; psychological reasons; television; self coherence; Transsexualism; Individual Differences; Self-Concept; Television

Mental health pathways from interpersonal violence to health-related outcomes in HIV-positive sexual minority men - Pantalone, David W.; Hessler, Danielle M.; Simoni, Jane M. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2010)
Objective: We examined mental health pathways between interpersonal violence (IPV) and health-related outcomes in HIV-positive sexual minority men engaged with medical care. Method: HIV-positive gay and bisexual men (N = 178) were recruited for this cross-sectional study from 2 public HIV primary care clinics that treated outpatients in an urban setting. Participants (M age = 44.1 years, 36% non-White) filled out a computer-assisted survey and had health-related data extracted from their electronic medical records. We used structural equation modeling to test associations among the latent factors of adult abuse and partner violence (each comprising indicators of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse) and the measured variables: viral load, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), HIV medication adherence, and emergency room (ER) visits. Mediation was tested for the latent construct mental health problems, comprising depression, anxiety, symptomatology of posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation. Results: The final model demonstrated acceptable fit, χ²(123) = 157.05, p = .02, CFI = .95, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .04, SRMR = .06, accounting for significant portions of the variance in viral load (13%), HRQOL (41%), adherence (7%), and ER visits (9%), as well as the latent variable mental health problems (24%). Only 1 direct link emerged: a positive association between adult abuse and ER visits. Conclusions: Findings indicate a significant role of IPV and mental health problems in the health of people living with HIV/AIDS. HIV care providers should assess for IPV history and mental health problems in all patients and refer for evidence-based psychosocial treatments that include a focus on health behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: HIV/AIDS; interpersonal violence; men who have sex with men; mental health; minority men; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Bisexuality; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emergency Service, Hospital; HIV Seropositivity; Health Surveys; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Life Change Events; Male; Medication Adherence; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Models, Psychological; Primary Health Care; Quality of Life; Spouse Abuse; Statistics as Topic; Utilization Review; Violence; Viral Load; HIV; Intimate Partner Violence; Male Homosexuality; Quality of Life; Sexual Minority Groups; AIDS; Mental Health; Minority Groups; Sexual Partners

Investigating partner abuse among HIV-positive men who have sex with men - Pantalone, David W.; Schneider, Karen L.; Valentine, Sarah E.; Simoni, Jane M. (AIDS and Behavior, 2012)
High rates of partner abuse (PA) of all types—physical, sexual, and psychological—have been identified in studies of HIV-positive individuals. We examined both the prevalence and correlates of same-sex PA in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants recruited from public outpatient HIV clinics (N = 168) completed CASI surveys about PA and current physical and mental health. Electronic medical record data were obtained for HIV biomarkers. Results indicate high rates of past year PA (physical, 19%; sexual, 17%; psychological, 51%; any, 54%), with rates comparable to, or higher than, those reported in recent studies of HIV-positive women and older studies of HIV-positive MSM. Overall, participants endorsing past year PA reported poorer mental but not physical health. Participants who endorsed past year physical PA, specifically, reported the largest number of mental health problems. HIV care providers should routinely assess PA, especially physical PA, in all MSM patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: partner abuse; HIV positive; men who have sex with men; prevalence; outpatients; mental health; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; HIV Seropositivity; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Spouse Abuse; HIV; Homosexuality; Intimate Partner Violence; Sexual Partners; Same Sex Intercourse; Epidemiology; Mental Health; Outpatients

School support groups, other school factors, and the safety of sexual minority adolescents - Goodenow, Carol; Szalacha, Laura; Westheimer, Kim (Psychology in the Schools, 2006)
Sexual minority adolescents--those self-identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) or with same-sex desires or sexual experiences--report higher rates of victimization and suicidality than their heterosexual peers, yet little empirical research has examined school factors associated with these risks. This study used data from the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Massachusetts Department of Education, 2000), matched with school-level data from state records and school principals, to compare the safety of 202 sexual minority adolescents in 52 schools with and without support groups for LGB students, to investigate the relationship between perceived staff support and safety, and to explore other school factors associated with victimization and suicidality among these youth. As hypothesized, sexual minority adolescents in schools with LGB support groups reported lower rates of victimization and suicide attempts than those in other schools. Victimization and perceived staff support predicted suicidality. Several additional school factors were associated with the safety of sexual minority students. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: school support groups; school factors; sexual minority adolescents; lesbian; gay; bisexual; victimization; suicidality; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; School Environment; Support Groups; Student Attitudes; Suicide; Victimization; Suicidality; Sexual Minority Groups

Self-cutting and suicidal ideation among adolescents: Gender differences in the causes and correlates of self-injury - Bakken, Nicholas W.; Gunter, Whitney D. (Deviant Behavior, 2012)
In recent years, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents has been identified as alarmingly common place. Some studies have suggested that more than one in eight adolescents have engaged in self-cutting or other self-injuring behaviors. Even more of a concern is that self-injury often foreshadows suicide or suicide attempts. With self-cutting common in middle and high schools, understanding the antecedents and correlates of such behavior may help counselors and others public health officials identify troubled students and initiate preventative measures. This study utilizes data from 2,639 high school students from the Delaware Youth Risk Behavior Survey to investigate the gender differences in NSSI and suicidal ideation. Overall, 13% reported engaging in NSSI within the past year, with females reporting significantly higher rates (17%) of NSSI than males (9%). Results indicate that there are significant gender differences in NSSI and suicidal thoughts based upon previous victimization experiences, reported substance use, depression, health behaviors, and sexual orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: self cutting; suicidal ideation; gender differences; self injury; causes; correlates; adolescents; Etiology; Human Sex Differences; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicidal Ideation

Gender role, sexual orientation and suicide risk - Fitzpatrick, Kathleen Kara; Euton, Stephanie J.; Jones, Jamie N.; Schmidt, Norman B. (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2005)
Background: There has been interest in the relationship between homosexuality, gender role and suicide risk. Though homosexuals are more likely to identify as cross-gender, research has not simultaneously examined sexual orientation and gender role in assessing suicide risk. In the current study, the unique and interactive effects of sexual orientation and gender role were assessed in regard to suicidal ideation, related psychopathology and measures of coping. Methods: 77 participants were recruited from an undergraduate psychology subject pool (n=47) or from gay, lesbian and transgender student organizations (n=30) and assessed on measures of gender role, homosexuality, and psychopathology. Results: Consistent with expectations, cross-gender role (i.e., personality traits associated with the opposite sex) is a unique predictor of suicidal symptoms. Moreover, gender role accounted for more of the overall variance in suicidal symptoms, positive problem orientation, peer acceptance and support, than sexual orientation. After accounting for gender role, sexual orientation contributed little to the variance in suicidal symptoms, associated pathology and problem-solving deficits. There was no support for gender role by sexual orientation interaction effects. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of the data limits statements regarding causality. Conclusions: Cross-gendered individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, appear to have higher risk for suicidal symptoms. Researchers and clinicians should assess gender role in evaluations of youth samples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gender role; sexual orientation; suicide risk; suicidal ideation; psychopathology; homosexuality; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Female; Gender Identity; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Problem Solving; Risk Factors; Suicide, Attempted; Homosexuality; Sex Roles; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Psychopathology

Mental Health Issues: A Comparison of Lesbian, Bisexual and Heterosexual Women - Koh, Audrey S.; Ross, Leslie K. (Journal of Homosexuality, 2006)
This study examines mental health issues among women of different sexual orientations. An anonymous survey was administered at 33 health care sites across the United States; the sample (N = 1304) included lesbians (n = 524), bisexual (n = 143) and heterosexual women (n = 637). Not only did sexual orientation influence the probability of experiencing emotional stress, but also whether a bisexual woman or lesbian had disclosed her sexual orientation (was 'out') impacted the likelihood of having or having had mental health problems. Bisexual women and lesbians experienced more emotional stress as teenagers than did heterosexual women. Bisexual women were more than twice as likely to have had an eating disorder compared to lesbians. If a bisexual woman reported being out she was twice as likely to have had an eating disorder compared to a heterosexual woman. Lesbians who were not out and bisexual women who were out were 2-2.5 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation in the past 12 months. Lesbians and bisexual women who were not out were more likely to have had a suicide attempt compared to heterosexual women. Lesbians used psychotherapy for depression more commonly than did heterosexual or bisexual women. This is one of the few studies that compares lesbians, bisexual and heterosexual women. The implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental health issues; lesbianism; bisexualism; heterosexuality; sexual orientations; Adult; Anxiety; Bisexuality; Counseling; Depression; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Health Status; Health Surveys; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Mental Health; Psychotropic Drugs; Regression Analysis; Stress, Physiological; Suicide; Women's Health; Bisexuality; Heterosexuality; Lesbianism; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Sexual Orientation

Recollections of Bullying at School and Their Long-Term Implications for Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals - Rivers, Ian (Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 2004)
This study explores the relationship between experiences of bullying at school, adult mental health status, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress among a sample of 119 UK residents who identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Participants completed a series of questionnaires that focused upon school experiences, suicide ideation at school, sexual history, relationship status and negative affect, recent positive and negative life-events, internalized homophobia, and symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress. The results suggested that posttraumatic stress was a potential issue for 17% of participants who also scored significantly higher for depression, and reported having had more casual sexual partners than their peers. However, those who were found to exhibit symptoms of posttraumatic stress were also more accepting of their sexual orientation. A small number of participants used prescription or nonprescription drugs, or alcohol to help them cope with memories of bullying. It is suggested that posttraumatic stress may be a feature of the adult lives of men and women who experienced frequent and prolonged bullying at school as a result of their actual or perceived sexual orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: school experiences; bullying; homophobia; adult mental health status; posttraumatic stress disorder; symptoms; lesbians; gay men; bisexuals; Adult; Bisexuality; Female; Great Britain; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Memory; Mental Health; Prejudice; Schools; Sexual Harassment; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors; Emotional Trauma; Psychosocial Development; School Environment; Sexual Orientation; Bullying; Bisexuality; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Mental Health; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Symptoms

Extending the Boundaries of Research on Adolescent Development - Goldfried, Marvin R.; Bell, Alissa C. (Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 2003)
The mainstream psychology literature has historically failed to include individuals with nonheterosexual sexual orientations in its study of many areas, including adolescent development, sexual development, psychotherapy, couple relationships, aging, suicide, and substance abuse. The articles contained in this issue make clear that knowledge of human behavior will be more complete when research designs are expanded to reflect more accurately the diversity of sexual orientations and sexual expressions. Furthermore, when sexuality is categorized into a rigidly defined group like lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), it constrains the ways in which individuals might otherwise think about it. Knowledge of human behavior will be advanced more effectively when the field of psychology integrates people of diverse and complex sexualities into its research and studies the mediators and moderators associated with this diversity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; human behavior; adolescent development; mainstream psychology; couple relationships; sexual development; sexual expression; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adolescent Development; Aging; Biomedical Research; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Psychology, Adolescent; Psychotherapy; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide; Adolescent Development; Psychosexual Behavior; Psychosexual Development; Sexual Orientation; Bisexuality; Couples; Homosexuality; Lesbianism

Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and 60 or older in North America - Grossman, Arnold H.; D'Augelli, Anthony R.; O'Connell, Timothy S. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services: Issues in Practice, Policy & Research, 2001)
Examined mental and physical health, perceived social support, and experiences with HIV/AIDS of 416 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 60-91 yrs. Most participants reported fairly high levels of self-esteem; however, many experienced loneliness. Most also reported low levels of internalized homophobia, but men reported significantly higher levels than women did. 10% of respondents sometimes or often considered suicide, with men reporting significantly more suicidal thoughts related to their sexual orientation. Men also had significantly higher drinking scores than women, and more men could be classified as problem drinkers. Only 11% of the respondents said that their health status interfered with the things they wanted to do. Although 93% of the participants knew people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, 90% said that they were unlikely to be HIV-infected. Participants averaged 6 people in their support networks, most of whom were close friends. Most support network members knew about the participants' sexual orientation, and the respondents were more satisfied with support from those who knew. Those living with domestic partners were less lonely and rated their physical and mental health more positively than those living alone. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: lesbian; gay; bisexual; social support networks; homosexuality; mental health; physical health; internalized homophobia; loneliness; gender differences; Bisexuality; Health; Homosexuality; Loneliness; Social Support; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Human Sex Differences; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Mental Health

Is change possible? - Morgan, Jules (The Lancet Psychiatry, 2015)
The social media response to the tragic death by suicide of 17-year-old transgender teenager Leelah Alcorn in Ohio, USA, has stirred up a storm of vitriolic blame and anger, beyond the confi nes of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. The outpouring of grief and rage is understandable, as is the resulting entrenchment of firmly held opinions. But this risks clouding or overriding the complexities of transphobia—experienced at home, school, work, and in the community—which is so ingrained in society that it permeates every facet of life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: social media; risk factors; grief; community services; transgender; Suicide; Transgender; Social Media; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward)

Sexual orientation and mortality among US men aged 17 to 59 years: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III - Cochran, Susan D.; Mays, Vickie M. (American Journal of Public Health, 2011)
Objectives: We investigated associations between minority sexual orientation and mortality among US men. Methods: We used data from a retrospective cohort of 5574 men aged 17 to 59 years, first interviewed in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III; 1988–1994) and then followed for mortality status up to 18 years later. We classified men into 3 groups: those reporting (1) any same-sex sexual partners (men who have sex with men [MSM]; n = 85), (2) only female sexual partners (n = 5292), and (3) no sexual partners (n=197). Groups were then compared for all-cause mortality, HIV-related mortality, suicide-related mortality, and non–HIV-related mortality. Results: Compared with heterosexual men, MSM evidenced greater all-cause mortality. Approximately 13% of MSM died from HIV-related causes compared with 0.1% of men reporting only female partners. However, mortality risk from non–HIV-related causes, including suicide, was not elevated among MSM. Conclusions: In the United States, the HIV epidemic continues to be the major contributing factor for premature death rates among MSM. Cohorts such as the NHANES III offer a unique opportunity to track the effects of the HIV epidemic on this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual minority orientation; mortality; US men; National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III; same gender sexual partners; Adolescent; Adult; Cause of Death; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Health Status Disparities; Health Surveys; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Minority Health; Nutrition Surveys; Retrospective Studies; Suicide; United States; Young Adult; Health; Human Males; Mortality Rate; Sexual Orientation; Same Sex Intercourse; Nutrition; Sexual Minority Groups

Religion and religiosity: Protective or harmful factors for sexual minority youth? - Longo, Joseph; Walls, N. Eugene; Wisneski, Hope (Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 2013)
Sexual minority youth are disproportionately impacted by a number of psychosocial risks including a greater likelihood of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) when compared to heterosexual counterparts. Emerging research seeks to identify the risk and resilience factors that contribute to the mental health of this stigmatised population. Considering that most Americans grow up with at least some religious teachings and that most major world religions have historically condemned same sex sexuality, the current study examines the association between religious tradition, religiosity, and NSSI behaviour. Results indicate that religion plays both a protective and harmful role for sexual minority youth. Those identifying as Christians with high religious guidance had the greatest risk, seculars had a comparatively moderate risk, and Christians with low religious guidance had the least risk. Implications for clinical practice and future areas of research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: religion; religiosity; protective factors; sexual minority; psychosocial risks; non suicidal self injury; Homosexuality; Minority Groups; Religion; Religiosity; Self-Injurious Behavior; Protective Factors; Psychosocial Factors; Sexual Minority Groups

Rates and predictors of mental illness in gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women: Results from a survey based in England and Wales - Warner, James; McKeown, Éamonn; Griffin, Mark; Johnson, Katherine; Ramsay, Angus; Cort, Clive; King, Michael (The British Journal of Psychiatry, 2004)
Background: There is a dearth of research into the mental health of gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women in the UK. Aims: To assess rates and possible predictors of mental illness in these groups. Method: A comprehensive assessment was made of the psychological and social well-being of a sample of gay men, lesbians and bisexual men and women, identified using 'snowball' sampling. Results: Of the 1285 gay, lesbian and bisexual respondents who took part, 556 (43%) had mental disorder as defined by the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS- R). Out of the whole sample, 361 (31%) had attempted suicide. This was associated with markers of discrimination such as recent physical attack (OR=I.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3) and school bullying (OR=I.4,95% CI 1.1-2.0), but not with higher scores on the CIS- R. Conclusions: Gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women have high levels of mental disorder, possibly linked with discrimination. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental illness; gays; lesbianism; bisexuals; well being; attempted suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Mental Disorders; Well Being; Attempted Suicide; Mental Health; Bullying

Depression, hopelessness, suicidality, and related factors in sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents - Safren, Steven A.; Heimberg, Richard G. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1999)
In the present study, the researchers examined factors related to depression, hopelessness, and suicidality in gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents, compared with demographically similar heterosexual adolescents. Sexual minority adolescents reported greater depression, hopelessness, and past and present suicidality than did heterosexual adolescents. However, when controlling for other psychological predictors of present distress, significant differences between the 2 samples disappeared. For past suicidality scores, the effects of sexual orientation were reduced, but still significant, when accounting for the other predictor variables. These results suggest that environmental factors associated with sexual orientation, which can be targeted and changed through prevention and intervention efforts, play a major role in predicting distress in this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: depression & hopelessness & suicidality & related factors; gay or lesbian or bisexual vs heterosexual 16–21 yr olds; Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adult; Depressive Disorder, Major; Female; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Minority Groups; Psychology, Adolescent; Self Concept; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality; Hopelessness; Major Depression; Suicidal Ideation; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Sexual Minority Groups

Leave to intervene in cases of gender identity disorder; normative causation; financial harms and involuntary treatment; and the right to be protected from suicide - Stewart, Cameron; Cockburn, Tina; Madden, Bill; Callaghan, Sascha; Ryan, Christopher James (Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 2012)
This article presents an interesting case of Re Jamie who was born as a nonidentical twin and was genetically male. However, when Jamie was two and a half years old, she began to identify as a female. Jamie was diagnosed as having childhood gender identity disorder and her treatment team recommended that she, initially, be given puberty suppressing hormones and, secondly, estrogen treatment. The matter went to the court and it was concluded that the treatment was a special one that had to be approved by the court and which could not be consented to by the parents. Further, her Honor decided that she would only consent to the first stage of treatment and not to the estrogen therapy, given that Jamie was very young and that the second stage of therapy could commence at a later time when Jamie may be able to make her own medical decisions. The matter has been appealed by Jamie’s parents to the Full Family Court, on the basis, amongst other things, that the treatment was not a special medical procedure and could be consented to by parents. The parents’ grounds of appeal were of significant public interest. The Full Court also said that it believed the public authority could bring evidence that the other parties may not bring and that there was merit in hearing such evidence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gender identity disorder; normative causation; financial harms; involuntary treatment; suicide; human rights; courts; Adjudication; Causality; Involuntary Treatment; Suicide; Gender Dysphoria; Human Rights

Partner violence and health among HIV-infected jail detainees - Meyer, Jaimie P.; Wickersham, Jeffrey A.; Fu, Jeannia J.; Brown, Shan-Estelle; Sullivan, Tami P.; Springer, Sandra A.; Altice, Frederick L. (International Journal of Prisoner Health, 2013)
Purpose: Little is known about the association of intimate partner violence (IPV) with specific HIV-treatment outcomes, especially among criminal justice (CJ) populations who are disproportionately affected by IPV, HIV, mental, and substance use disorders (SUDs) and are at high risk of poor post-release continuity of care. Design/methodology/approach: Mixed methods were used to describe the prevalence, severity, and correlates of lifetime IPV exposure among HIV-infected jail detainees enrolled in a novel jail-release demonstration project in Connecticut. Additionally, the effect of IPV on HIV treatment outcomes and longitudinal healthcare utilization was examined. Findings: Structured baseline surveys defined 49 percent of 84 participants as having significant IPV exposure, which was associated with female gender, longer duration since HIV diagnosis, suicidal ideation, having higher alcohol use severity, having experienced other forms of childhood and adulthood abuse, and homo/bisexual orientation. IPV was not directly correlated with HIV healthcare utilization or treatment outcomes. In-depth qualitative interviews with 20 surveyed participants, however, confirmed that IPV was associated with disengagement from HIV care especially in the context of overlapping vulnerabilities, including transitioning from CJ to community settings, having untreated mental disorders, and actively using drugs or alcohol at the time of incarceration. Originality/value: Post-release interventions for HIV-infected CJ populations should minimally integrate HIV secondary prevention with violence reduction and treatment for SUDs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: intimate partner violence; HIV-infected jail detainees; criminal justice; substance use disorders; suicidal ideation; at risk populations; health care utilization; female gender; sexual orientation; childhood abuse; Adult; Alcoholism; Connecticut; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Health Services; Health Status; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Prisoners; Prisons; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Sexuality; Spouse Abuse; Time Factors; Health; HIV; Intimate Partner Violence; Prisons; Treatment Outcomes; At Risk Populations; Child Abuse; Criminal Justice; Drug Abuse; Health Care Utilization; Human Females; Prisoners; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation; Substance Use Disorder

Predictors of suicide attempts among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth - Hershberger, Scott L.; Pilkington, Neil W.; D'Augelli, Anthony R. (Journal of Adolescent Research, 1997)
Identified predictors of past suicide attempts in 194 lesbian, gay, and bisexual 15–21 yr olds who attended social and recreational groups in urban community settings. In comparison to youth who made no suicide attempts, attempters reported that they had disclosed more completely their sexual orientation to others, had lost more friends because of their disclosures, and had experienced more victimization due to their sexual orientation. Suicide attempters had lower self-esteem and acknowledged more mental health problems. The loss of friends due to youth's sexual orientation, and current suicidal ideation were among the strongest predictors of suicide attempts. Youth who reported early awareness of their sexual orientation, disclosure to family and friends, peer rejection, and victimization based on their sexual orientation may be at risk for mental health problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: disclosure of orientation & suicide attempts; gay & lesbian & bisexual 15–21 yr olds; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Psychosocial Factors

Presenting problems among treatment-seeking gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth - Hart, Trevor A.; Heimberg, Richard G. (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2001)
The purpose of this article is to familiarize therapists with presenting complaints common to psychotherapy-seeking gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth. Some of these problems include homophobia among family, peers, and authority figures (often expressed at school or at work), depression, suicidality, social anxiety, body image disturbance, and substance use. The authors illustrate these issues via four case examples of 18–20 yr old lesbian and bisexual clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: psychotherapy; homophobia; depression; suicide; social anxiety; body image disturbance; substance use; gay & lesbian & bisexual youth; Adjustment Disorders; Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety Disorders; Bisexuality; Body Image; Depression; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Psychology, Adolescent; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Psychotherapeutic Processes; Body Image Disturbances; Depression (Emotion); Drug Usage; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Social Anxiety; Suicide

Out yonder: Sexual-minority adolescents in rural communities in British Columbia - Poon, Colleen S.; Saewyc, Elizabeth M. (American Journal of Public Health, 2009)
Objectives: We compared sexual-minority adolescents living in rural communities with their peers in urban areas in British Columbia, exploring differences in emotional health, victimization experiences, sexual behaviors, and substance use. Methods: We analyzed a population-based sample of self-identified lesbian, gay, or bisexual respondents from the British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey of 2003 (weighted n = 6905). We tested rural–urban differences separately by gender with the χ² test and logistic regressions. Results: We found many similarities and several differences. Rural sexual minority adolescent boys were more likely than were their urban peers to report suicidal behaviors and pregnancy involvement. Rural sexual-minority adolescents, especially girls, were more likely to report various types of substance use. Rural status was associated with a lower risk of dating violence and higher risk of early sexual debut for sexual-minority girls and a higher risk of dating violence and lower risk of early sexual debut for sexual-minority boys. Conclusions: Location should be a demographic consideration in monitoring the health of sexual-minority adolescents. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents in rural communities may need additional support and services as they navigate adolescence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual-minority adolescents; rural communities; British Columbia; sexual behaviors; emotional health; victimization experiences; substance use; Adolescent; Age Factors; Bisexuality; British Columbia; Female; Health Status Disparities; Health Surveys; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Minority Groups; Pregnancy; Risk-Taking; Rural Population; Urban Population; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Minority Groups; Psychosexual Behavior; Rural Environments; Adolescent Development; Communities; Drug Abuse; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Mental Health; Victimization; Sexual Minority Groups; Emotional Health

Aspects of mental health among older lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults - D'Augelli, Anthony R.; Grossman, A. H.; Hershberger, S. L.; O' Connell, T. S. (Aging & Mental Health, 2001)
Examined aspects of mental health among 416 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 60–91 yrs old, attending social and recreational programs. Mental health indicators were perceived mental health status; self-esteem; internalized homophobia; loneliness; alcohol and drug abuse; and suicidality. Better mental health was correlated with higher self-esteem, less loneliness, and lower internalized homophobia. Compared to women, men reported significantly more internalized homophobia, alcohol abuse, and suicidality related to their sexual orientation. Less lifetime suicidal ideation was associated with lower internalized homophobia, less loneliness, and more people knowing about participants' sexual orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental health; lesbians; gays; bisexuals; Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Bisexuality; Female; Gender Identity; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Internal-External Control; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Personality Inventory; Psychometrics; Self Disclosure; Sex Factors; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Mental Health

Antecedents and consequences of victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people: A structural model comparing rural university and urban samples - Waldo, Craig R.; Hesson-McInnis, Matthew S.; D'Augelli, Anthony R. (American Journal of Community Psychology, 1998)
Using structural equation modeling, the present study models both antecedents and consequences (including psychological distress, self-esteem, and suicidality) of victimization of 194 urban lesbian, gay or bisexual youths (LGB; aged 15–21 yrs). A second sample of 54 rural LGBs (aged 16–21 yrs) was examined to cross-validate and generalize the relationships found in urban settings. Results indicate that a revised model of victimization (see record [rid]1995-17281-001[/rid]) exhibited sufficient fit to the urban sample data and provided preliminary support for the generalizability of the model beyond the initial sample. Additional similarities were found between the urban and rural Ss, including a high prevalence of reported suicide attempts (42% of the urban sample, 32% of the rural sample). Results indicate that victimization based on sexual orientation has similar correlates for young people in different community settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: antecedents & suicidality & other consequences of heterosexist victimization; 15–21yr old lesbian or gay or bisexual Ss in urban vs rural areas; Bisexuality; Crime Victims; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Rural Population; Self Concept; Suicide, Attempted; Urban Population; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Sexual Orientation; Victimization; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Consequence

Mental health among Israeli homosexual adolescents and young adults - Shenkman, Geva; Shmotkin, Dov (Journal of Homosexuality, 2011)
This study examines the mental health status of Israeli homosexuals in adolescence and early adulthood in comparison to heterosexual controls. We compared 219 homosexuals (136 gay men and 83 lesbian women) with 219 individually matched heterosexuals on indices of depression and subjective well being. In line with the study hypothesis, the results indicated that the homosexual participants reported more depressive symptoms and more negative affect than matched heterosexuals. However, the homosexuals were also found to report a higher level of positive affect. This study suggests that co-activated systems of negative and positive emotions facilitate adaptation among young homosexuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental health; homosexual adolescents; subjective well being; Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Depression; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Israel; Male; Matched-Pair Analysis; Mental Health; Multivariate Analysis; Young Adult; Adolescent Development; Homosexuality; Mental Health; Well Being

Transgender youth and life-threatening behaviors - Grossman, Arnold H.; D'Augelli, Anthony R. (Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2007)
Sexual minority status is a key risk factor for suicide among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth; however, it has not been studied among transgender youth. Fifty-five transgender youth reported on their life-threatening behaviors. Nearly half of the sample reported having seriously thought about taking their lives and one quarter reported suicide attempts. Factors significantly related to having made a suicide attempt included suicidal ideation related to transgender identity; experiences of past parental verbal and physical abuse; and lower body esteem, especially weight satisfaction and thoughts of how others evaluate the youths' bodies. Sexual minority status is a key risk factor for life-threatening behaviors among transgender youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: transgender identity; life-threatening behaviors; risk factors; suicide; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Risk-Taking; Self Concept; Suicide, Attempted; Transsexualism; Transvestism; Risk Factors; Suicide; Threat; Transsexualism

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and their families: Disclosure of sexual orientation and its consequences - D'Augelli, Anthony R.; Hershberger, Scott L.; Pilkington, Neil W. (American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 1998)
194 lesbian, gay, and bisexual youngsters, aged 14–21 yrs and living at home, were studied for patterns of disclosure of sexual orientation to families. Three-quarters had told at least 1 parent, more often the mother than the father. Those who had disclosed were generally more open about their sexual orientation than those who had not, and few of the nondisclosed expected parental acceptance. Those who had disclosed reported verbal and physical abuse by family members, and acknowledged more suicidality than those who had not 'come out' to their families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: disclosure of sexual orientation & consequences; 14–21 yr old lesbians & gay males & bisexuals & their families; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Bisexuality; Chi-Square Distribution; Discriminant Analysis; Family Health; Female; Health Surveys; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Nuclear Family; Parent-Child Relations; Residence Characteristics; Self Disclosure; Sexuality; Sibling Relations; Social Adjustment; Suicide; United States; Urban Health; Violence; Bisexuality; Family Relations; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Self-Disclosure; Consequence

Suicidal ideation among patients with gender identity disorder - Terada, Seishi; Matsumoto, Yosuke; Sato, Toshiki; Okabe, Nobuyuki; Kishimoto, Yuki; Uchitomi, Yosuke (Psychiatry Research, 2011)
In this study, we tried to clarify the prevalence of suicidal ideation and self-mutilation including suicide attempts among patients with gender identity disorder (GID) and the relationship of those behaviors to demographic characteristics. A total of 500 consecutive Japanese GID patients without any other psychiatric comorbidity were evaluated at the outpatient GID Clinic of Okayama University Hospital. The lifetime rate of suicidal ideation was 72.0% of the total sample. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of suicidal ideation among groups divided by sex, age, age at onset or education. The lifetime prevalence of self-mutilation including suicide attempts was 31.8% of the total sample. Low level of education was significantly related to self-mutilation among both male-to-female and female-to-male GID patients. Younger age at onset was a significant factor affecting self-mutilation only among MTF GID patients. A lack of strategies to cope with severe distress among persons with lower education might induce a high frequency of self-mutilation including suicidal attempt. GID patients with a low level education might be at high risk of self-mutilation and should be watched with special attention to self-mutilation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidal ideation; gender identity disorder; self mutilation; demographic characteristics; Adult; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Personality Disorders; Self Mutilation; Suicidal Ideation; Transsexualism; Young Adult; Demographic Characteristics; Self-Mutilation; Suicidal Ideation; Gender Dysphoria

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual student suicide - McFarland, William P. (Professional School Counseling, 1998)
Professional school counselors have the ethical duty to serve all students in their schools including gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. All professional school counselors need to understand why this hidden minority is at a high risk for suicide in order to develop and implement interventions through a developmental guidance program. This article will explain the statistical profile of suicidal gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth; discuss the suicidal risk factors for this population; and propose preventive and responsive interventions for school counselors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: statistical profile of & risk factors & preventive & responsive school counseling interventions for suicide; gay & lesbian & bisexual adolescents; At Risk Populations; Homosexuality; School Counseling; Suicide; Bisexuality; High School Students; Junior High School Students; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Prevention

Schools often handle adolescent suicide wrong - Bakaly, John W. (PsycCRITIQUES, 2011)
Reviews the book, Suicide, self-injury, and violence in the schools: Assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies by Gerald A. Juhnke, Darcy Haag Granello, and Paul F. Granello (see record [rid]2010-24359-000[/rid]). The reviewer begins by discussing how that in this book, the authors use their many years of experience in the field as practitioners and researchers to create clear guidelines and direction for school psychologists, counselors, nurses, faculty members, administrators, and mental health professionals to follow to prevent, assess, and intervene when adolescents think of suicide, attempt to end their lives, commit suicide, are violent toward others, or inflict self-injuries. The authors include informative vignettes of schools dealing with adolescent suicide, violence, and nonsuicidal self-injury, as well as helpful checklists for school personnel to use. He notes that the book would be strengthened if the authors more thoroughly addressed the issues related to bullying and especially interventions related to suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm among lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. He concludes by commenting that this timely book is a must read for any school psychologist or counselor, and that it can assist school professionals in devising excellent prevention, intervention, and postcrisis interventions and in establishing a collaborative, nonsuicidal, nonviolent environment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: adolescents; suicide; self-injury; violence; schools; guidelines; prevention; assessment; intervention; Prevention; School Based Intervention; School Violence; Suicide; Risk Assessment; School Environment; Self-Destructive Behavior; Self-Inflicted Wounds; Self-Injurious Behavior; Treatment Guidelines

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: An Administrative Approach to Diversity - Quinn, Tara L. (Child Welfare: Journal of Policy, Practice, and Program, 2002)
Research indicates that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) teens in the care of a northeastern child welfare department do not receive adequate services due to the workers' homophobic attitudes. These teens are at high risk for alcohol and drug abuse, homelessness, prostitution, and suicide. A training module was developed for administrators. Pretest and posttest instruments measured their education and support of GLBTQ issues before and after the training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: homophobic attitudes; child welfare employees; sexual orientation; gay teens; lesbian teens; bisexual teens; transgender teens; questioning teens; adequate services; gender identity; training module; Adolescent; Adolescent Health Services; Attitude of Health Personnel; Child; Cultural Diversity; Female; Gender Identity; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Inservice Training; Male; New England; Prejudice; Public Health Administration; Sexual Behavior; Social Support; Social Work; Adolescent Development; Child Welfare; Employee Attitudes; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Personnel Training; At Risk Populations; Bisexuality; Gender Identity; Homosexuality; Lesbianism; Models; Questioning; Transsexualism

Antidepressant agents and suicide death among US Department of Veterans Affairs patients in depression treatment - Valenstein, Marcia; Kim, Hyungjin Myra; Ganoczy, Dara; Eisenberg, Daniel; Pfeiffer, Paul N.; Downing, Karen; Hoggatt, Katherine; Ilgen, Mark; Austin, Karen L.; Zivin, Kara; Blow, Frederic C.; McCarthy, John F. (Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2012)
Background: Studies report mixed findings regarding antidepressant agents and suicide risks, and few examine suicide deaths. Studies using observational data can accrue the large sample sizes needed to examine suicide death, but selection biases must be addressed. We assessed associations between suicide death and treatment with the 7 most commonly used antidepressants in a national sample of Department of Veterans Affairs patients in depression treatment. Multiple analytic strategies were used to address potential selection biases. Methods: We identified Department of Veterans Affairs patients with depression diagnoses and new antidepressant starts between April 1, 1999, and September 30, 2004 (N = 502,179). Conventional Cox regression models, Cox models with inverse probability of treatment weighting, propensity-stratified Cox models, marginal structural models (MSM), and instrumental variable analyses were used to examine relationships between suicide and exposure to bupropion, citalopram, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. Results: Crude suicide rates varied from 88 to 247 per 100,000 person-years across antidepressant agents. In multiple Cox models and MSMs, sertraline and fluoxetine had lower risks for suicide death than paroxetine. Bupropion had lower risks than several antidepressants in Cox models but not MSMs. Instrumental variable analyses did not find significant differences across antidepressants. Discussion: Most antidepressants did not differ in their risk for suicide death. However, across several analytic approaches, although not instrumental variable analyses, fluoxetine and sertraline had lower risks of suicide death than paroxetine. These findings are congruent with the Food and Drug Administration meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reporting lower risks for 'suicidality' for sertraline and a trend toward lower risks with fluoxetine than for other antidepressants. Nevertheless, divergence in findings by analytic approach suggests caution when interpreting results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: antidepressant agents; suicide death; depression treatment; citalopram; mirtazapine; venlafaxine; risk factors; drug therapy; Adult; Aged; Antidepressive Agents; Cohort Studies; Depressive Disorder; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Proportional Hazards Models; Risk; Suicide; Time Factors; United States; United States Department of Veterans Affairs; Antidepressant Drugs; Drug Therapy; Major Depression; Suicide; Venlafaxine; Citalopram; Risk Factors

Correlates of engaging in survival sex among homeless youth and young adults - Walls, N. Eugene; Bell, Stephanie (Journal of Sex Research, 2011)
Using a sample of 1,625 homeless youth and young adults aged 10 to 25 from 28 different states in the United States, this study examines the correlates of having engaged in survival sex. Findings suggest that differences exist based on demographic variables (gender, age, race, and sexual orientation), lifetime drug use (inhalants, ValiumTM, crack cocaine, alcohol, CoricidinTM, and morphine), recent drug use (alcohol, ecstasy, heroin, and methamphetamine), mental health variables (suicide attempts, familial history of substance use, and having been in substance abuse treatment), and health variables (sharing needles and having been tested for HIV). In addition to replicating previous findings, this study’s findings suggest that African American youth; gay, lesbian, or bisexual youth; and youth who had been tested for HIV were significantly more likely to have engaged in survival sex than White, heterosexual youth, and youth who had not been tested for HIV, respectively. Implications for interventions with youth and suggestions for future research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: survival sex; homeless youth; sexual orientation; drug use; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Colorado; Female; Health Behavior; Homeless Persons; Homeless Youth; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Mental Health; Pilot Projects; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Substance-Related Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Young Adult; Drug Usage; Homeless; Human Sex Differences; Psychosexual Behavior; Sex Work

Long-term follow-up of transsexual persons undergoing sex reassignment surgery: Cohort study in Sweden - Dhejne, Cecilia; Lichtenstein, Paul; Boman, Marcus; Johansson, Anna L. V.; Långström, Niklas; Landén, Mikael (PLoS ONE, 2011)
Context: The treatment for transsexualism is sex reassignment, including hormonal treatment and surgery aimed at making the person’s body as congruent with the opposite sex as possible. There is a dearth of long term, follow-up studies after sex reassignment. Objective: To estimate mortality, morbidity, and criminal rate after surgical sex reassignment of transsexual persons. Design: A population-based matched cohort study. Setting: Sweden, 1973-2003. Participants: All 324 sex-reassigned persons (191 male-to-females, 133 female-to-males) in Sweden, 1973–2003. Random population controls (10:1) were matched by birth year and birth sex or reassigned (final) sex, respectively. Main Outcome Measures: Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality and psychiatric morbidity were obtained with Cox regression models, which were adjusted for immigrant status and psychiatric morbidity prior to sex reassignment (adjusted HR [aHR]). Results: The overall mortality for sex-reassigned persons was higher during follow-up (aHR 2.8; 95% CI 1.8–4.3) than for controls of the same birth sex, particularly death from suicide (aHR 19.1; 95% CI 5.8–62.9). Sex-reassigned persons also had an increased risk for suicide attempts (aHR 4.9; 95% CI 2.9–8.5) and psychiatric inpatient care (aHR 2.8; 95% CI 2.0–3.9). Comparisons with controls matched on reassigned sex yielded similar results. Female-to-males, but not male-to-females, had a higher risk for criminal convictions than their respective birth sex controls. Conclusions: Persons with transsexualism, after sex reassignment, have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behaviour, and psychiatric morbidity than the general population. Our findings suggest that sex reassignment, although alleviating gender dysphoria, may not suffice as treatment for transsexualism, and should inspire improved psychiatric and somatic care after sex reassignment for this patient group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: transsexual persons; sex reassignment surgery; Sweden; mortality; psychiatric morbidity; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Comorbidity; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Registries; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Suicide; Survival Analysis; Sweden; Time Factors; Transsexualism; Surgery; Transsexualism; Morbidity; Gender Reassignment; Death and Dying; Psychiatry

Juvenile homosexual homicide - Myers, Wade C.; Chan, Heng Choon (Oliver) (Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 2012)
Limited information exists on juvenile homosexual homicide (JHH), that is, youths who perpetrate sexual homicides against same‐sex victims. Only a handful of cases from the United States and internationally have been described in the literature. This study, the first of its kind, examines the epidemiology, victimology, victim–offender relationship, and weapon‐use patterns in JHH offenders using a large U.S. database on homicide spanning three decades. The data for this study were derived from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHRs) for the years 1976 through 2005. A total of 93 cases of JHH were identified. On average, three of these crimes occurred annually in the U.S., and there was a marked decline in its incidence over the study period. Ninety‐five percent were male offender–male victim cases and 5% were female offender–female victim cases. JHH offenders were over‐represented amongst all juvenile sexual murderers, similar to their adult counterparts. The majority of these boys were aged 16 or 17 and killed adult victims. They were significantly more likely to kill adult victims than other age groups, to be friends or acquaintances of the victims, and to use contact/edged weapons or firearms. Most offenders killed same‐race victims, although Black offenders were significantly more likely than White offenders to kill interracially. A case report is provided to illustrate JHH. Further research is needed to promote our understanding of the pathogenesis, etiology, and associated risk factors for this aberrant form of murder by children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: juvenile homosexual homicide; juvenile offenders; epidemiology; victims; weapons; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Databases, Factual; Female; Homicide; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Juvenile Delinquency; Male; Middle Aged; United States; Young Adult; Homicide; Homosexuality; Juvenile Delinquency; Sex Offenses; Weapons; Crime Victims; Epidemiology; Perpetrators; Victimization

The co-occurrence of mental illness and high HIV risk in a sample of African American MSM: Findings and implications - Loue, Sana; Daugherty-Brownrigg, Brittany; Heaphy, Emily; Mendez, Nancy; Sajatovic, Martha (Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services, 2012)
African American men who have sex with men often experience rejection and discrimination. Mental illness may contribute to high HIV risk behavior. We assessed the relationship between mental illness and HIV risk among African American men who have sex with men. We assessed 125 African American men who have sex with men aged 18 years or older in Ohio for mental illness, substance use, HIV knowledge, and risk. Bivariate analyses were conducted. Any mental illness was associated with substance abuse (p = .001), child abuse (p = .032), suicide attempts (p = .028), and trading sex for money or drugs (p = .002). Bipolar disorder was associated with trading sex for money or drugs (p = .008). Mood disorders appear undertreated among African American men who have sex with men. More adequate mental health and substance abuse treatment are needed both in the prison system and the community setting to reduce HIV risk and transmission. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental illness; HIV; risk factors; African Americans; men who have sex with men; Comorbidity; HIV; Mental Disorders; Risk Factors; Same Sex Intercourse; Blacks; Human Males; Risk Taking

Adolescent self-harm: A school-based study in Northern Ireland - O'Connor, Rory C.; Rasmussen, Susan; Hawton, Keith (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2014)
Background: The prevalence of adolescent self-harm in Northern Ireland (NI) and its associated factors are unknown. Given the established relationship between conflict and mental health, and NI's recent history of conflict, it is important to investigate the factors associated with self-harm in NI. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-harm in NI adolescents and the factors associated with it, including exposure to the NI conflict. Methods: Observational study of 3596 school pupils employing an anonymous self-report survey. Information was obtained on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, life events and problems, exposure to the NI conflict, social and internet influences, and psychological variables. Results: Self-harm was reported by 10% of respondents. In univariate analyses, exposure to the NI conflict was associated with self-harm alongside established risk factors. In multivariate analyses, bullying and exposure to self-harm were associated with lifetime self-harm in both girls and boys. Alcohol use, drug use, physical and sexual abuse, and self-esteem were also associated with self-harm in girls. In boys, absence of exercise, sexual orientation concerns, anxiety and impulsivity were additional risk factors. The internet/social media and the self-harm of others were also key influences. Limitations: This is a cross-sectional study. Conclusions: The rate of self-harm was lower than elsewhere in the UK/Ireland. The study highlights the factors which should be considered in terms of risk assessment. In addition to established risk factors, the findings suggest that more research on the legacy of the NI conflict as well as the influence of new technologies warrant urgent attention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: self-harm; harm prevalence; lifestyle; life events; sexual abuse; self-esteem; Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Northern Ireland; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Self Report; Self-Injurious Behavior; Students; Warfare; Self-Injurious Behavior; Sexual Abuse; Epidemiology; Lifestyle; Self-Esteem

Self-harming thoughts and behaviors in a group of children and adolescents with gender dysphoria - Skagerberg, Elin; Parkinson, Rachel; Carmichael, Polly (International Journal of Transgenderism, 2013)
This article presents the findings from an audit on self-harm in 125 children and adolescents referred to the Gender Identity Development Service in London. Data concerning self-harming thoughts and behaviors before attending the service were extracted from documents in the patient files and from clinician reports. The findings indicated that suicide attempts and self-harming were more common over the age of 12. Overall, thoughts of self-harm were more common in the natal males whereas actual self-harm was more common in the natal females. The number of suicide attempts did not differ significantly between the two genders. The implications of these findings are discussed. Limitations of the study are also discussed which include that the data was only collected over an 8-month period and that it was extracted from patient files and from clinician reports. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gender dysphoria; children development; adolescent development; self harming behavior; thoughts; suicide attempts; Attempted Suicide; Self-Injurious Behavior; Thought Disturbances; Gender Dysphoria; Adolescent Development; Childhood Development

The young and suicide - Omar, Hatim A.; Merrick, Joav (International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2013)
This editorial presents suicidal behavior in youth ages 18–25 years. Mood disorders,major depression and bipolar disorder, have been shown to produce significantly elevated risks of suicidal behavior in college students, and depression is the most common diagnosis among young adults who have attempted or completed suicide. A number of studies have looked at personality characteristics associated with suicidality in young adults. Among the characteristics found to be associated are dependency and self-criticism, high scores on measures of neuroticism, hopelessness, and positive attitudes toward suicide. Research has shown that young people who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) are twice as likely to have a history of suicidal behavior than their heterosexual peers. Stressors associated with suicidal behavior in this population include interpersonal turmoil associated with publicly acknowledging one's sexual identity, especially to parents, as well as discrimination and victimization related to sexual orientation. Prevention of suicide may often depend upon front-line professionals who see suicidal youth. These professionals will likely not be mental health professionals, so primary care physicians and others who have substantial contact with youth need to be aware of and screen for suicidal ideation; such assessment must take place before a suicide attempt as well as after an unsuccessful one. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide; college students; personality characteristics; sexual orientation; comorbidity; College Students; Comorbidity; Personality Correlates; Suicide; Sexual Orientation

Somatic inkblots imagery in transsexual: A case study - Dasgupta, Tirthanker; Dasgupta, Rituparna; Dwivedi, Padma (Journal of Projective Psychology & Mental Health, 2012)
The Somatic Inkblot Series-II (SIS-II) Booklet version was administered to a 30 year old male Transsexual to understand his personality and inner cry if any. The inkblots images were helpful to bring out poor interpersonal relationship with others, homosexual behavior, severe depression and suicidal tendency, with lots of unprocessed unconscious material that needed to be looked into during therapeutic intervention. The responses were analyzed using content analysis and psychoanalytical interpretation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: interpersonal relationships; transsexualism; imagery; major depression; Somatic Inkblot imagery; Imagery; Major Depression; Transsexualism; Interpersonal Relationships; Projective Personality Measures; Projective Techniques

Effects of at-school victimization and sexual orientation on lesbian, gay, or bisexual youths' health risk behavior - Bontempo, Daniel E.; D'Augelli, Anthony R. (Journal of Adolescent Health, 2002)
Compared the relationship between victimization at school and health risk behaviors among heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths. 9,188 9th-12th grade students (mean age 16.0 yrs), of whom 315 were identified as LGB, completed questionnaires concerning sexual orientation, victimization at school, and the risk factors of smoking, alcohol use, marijuana or cocaine use, and risky sexual activities. Results show that the combined effect of LGB status and high levels of at-school victimization was associated with the highest levels of health risk behaviors. LGB Ss reporting high levels of at-school victimization reported higher levels of substance use, suicidality, and sexual risk behaviors than did heterosexual peers reporting high levels of at-school victimization. LGB Ss reporting low levels of at-school victimization reported levels of substance use, suicidality, and sexual-risk behaviors that were similar to heterosexual peers who reported low at-school victimization. It is concluded that differences in health risks among LGB youth are mediated by victimization at school. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: school victimization; health risk behavior; heterosexual; lesbian; gay; bisexual; youth; high school students; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Bisexuality; Crime Victims; Female; Health Behavior; Health Surveys; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Massachusetts; Risk-Taking; Schools; Sexual Behavior; Health Behavior; Risk Taking; School Environment; Sexual Orientation; Victimization; Bisexuality; High School Students; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Health Risk Behavior

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth: Understanding diversity and promoting tolerance in schools - Nichols, Sharon L. (The Elementary School Journal, 1999)
Societal messages about normative culture permeate the lives of adolescents. Schools, as reflections of societal cultures, weave these messages throughout the informal curriculum by way of discipline, rules, and formal curricula. Many school climates foster norms, values, and belief systems that communicate rejection and intolerance to some students. In particular, gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents are a hidden minority in schools who are forced to negotiate homosexual identity development within typically homophobic climates. This article argues that schools are obligated to address the unique needs of homosexual youth because this population is at increased risk for committing suicide, physical and verbal abuse from peers, truancy, dropping out of school, and lowered self-esteem than their heterosexual counterparts. The author proposes that schools develop a diversity room and staff it with a diversity room specialist not only to meet the unique needs of homosexual adolescents but also to encourage a safe, accepting climate for all students. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suggestions for understanding diversity & promoting tolerance toward lesbian & gay & bisexual students in secondary schools; Bisexuality; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Tolerance; Diversity; School Counseling; School Environment

Longitudinal predictors of past-year non-suicidal self-injury and motives among college students - Wilcox, H. C.; Arria, A. M.; Caldeira, K. M.; Vincent, K. B.; Pinchevsky, G. M.; O'Grady, K. E. (Psychological Medicine, 2012)
Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the deliberate and direct injuring of body tissue without suicidal intent for purposes not socially sanctioned. Few studies have examined the correlates of NSSI among young adults. This study aimed to identify predictors of lifetime and past-year NSSI, and describe motives for NSSI and disclosure of NSSI to others. Method: Interviews were conducted annually with 1081 students enrolled in the College Life Study, a prospective longitudinal study conducted at a large public mid-Atlantic university. NSSI characteristics were assessed at Year 4. Demographic and predictor variables were assessed during Years 1 to 4. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify correlates of lifetime NSSI and predictors of past-year NSSI. Results: The prevalence of past-year and lifetime NSSI was 2% and 7% respectively (>70% were female for both lifetime and past-year NSSI). Seven percent of NSSI cases self-injured once, whereas almost half self-injured six or more times. Independent predictors of past-year NSSI were maternal depression, non-heterosexual orientation, affective dysregulation and depression. Independent predictors of lifetime NSSI were depression, non-heterosexual orientation, paternal depression and female sex. One in six participants with NSSI had attempted suicide by young adulthood. The three most commonly reported motives for NSSI were mental distress, coping and situational stressors. Most (89%) told someone about their NSSI, most commonly a friend (68 %). Conclusions: This study identified unique predictors of NSSI, which should help to elucidate its etiology and has implications for early identification and interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: non-suicidal self-injury; motives; college students; Adolescent; Child of Impaired Parents; Family Relations; Female; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Logistic Models; Male; Mental Disorders; Motivation; Multivariate Analysis; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Self-Injurious Behavior; Sexual Behavior; Social Support; Students; Suicidal Ideation; United States; Universities; Young Adult; College Students; Motivation; Self-Injurious Behavior

Young adults' reactions to gay and lesbian peers who became suicidal following 'coming out' to their parents - Cato, Jennifer E.; Canetto, Silvia Sara (Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2003)
Rates of nonfatal suicidal behavior among gay and lesbian youth surpass those recorded among their heterosexual peers. A frequently cited precipitant of gay and lesbian nonfatal suicidal behavior is the turmoil associated with coming out to one's family. This study investigated young adults' attitudes toward peers who engaged in suicidal behavior after coming out and being rejected by their parents, and compared them with attitudes toward persons who had become suicidal in response to other stressors (a physical illness, a relationship loss, or an academic failure). Our goal was to explore whether young persons hold beliefs that may encourage lesbian and gay suicidal behavior. We found that gays and lesbians who engaged in suicidal behavior following coming out were not viewed in particularly forgiving or empathic ways, as was the case for persons who became suicidal following an incurable illness. All suicidal persons were perceived as relatively feminine. At the same time, suicidal males were rated as more masculine if they engaged in suicidal behavior because of an academic failure or a physical illness, while suicidal females were viewed as more masculine only if their suicidal behavior followed an academic failure... (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gay peers; lesbian peers; suicidal behavior; coming out; young adults' attitudes; parental rejection; sex differences; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude; Female; Gender Identity; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Life Change Events; Male; Parent-Child Relations; Peer Group; Personality Inventory; Rejection (Psychology); Self Disclosure; Stereotyping; Suicide, Attempted; Adult Attitudes; Attempted Suicide; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Self-Disclosure; Human Sex Differences; Parent Child Communication; Peer Relations

14th European Congress of Psychiatry, Nice, France, March 4-8, 2006 (European Psychiatry, 2006)
Presents a collection of abstracts on medical and psychological treatments. Some of the articles are: 'Simultaneous vs. delayed treatment of tobacco dependence in a sample of 106 alcoholics,' by G. Nieva et al. This study examines the best moment to quit smoking within an alcohol treatment. 'Mood, hormones and menopause in the aftermath of the women's health initiative study--quo vadis?,' by A. Riecher-Rössler. The meaning of menopause and its hormonal changes for women's mental health is discussed in the light of the recent controversy on hormone (replacement) therapy. 'Choosing the right antipsychotic for the right patient,' by J. Bobes, discusses the key points for choosing the right antipsychotic for each patient. 'Contemporary views on homosexuality and psychiatry,' by G. A. Nakajima et al. explores special concerns in the management of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) psychiatric patients. 'Suicidal behavior in women with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: report from a longitudinal study,' by D. L. Franko et al., briefly summarizes a review of studies of suicidality in eating disorders and then presents data from a longitudinal study. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: psychiatry; treatment; tobacco dependence; menopause; antipsychotics; homosexuality; suicidal behavior; eating disorders; Drug Therapy; Psychiatry; Treatment; Anorexia Nervosa; Homosexuality; Menopause; Neuroleptic Drugs; Smoking Cessation; Suicide; Tobacco Smoking

Coming out to talk about suicide: Gay men and suicidality - McAndrew, Sue; Warne, Tony (International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 2010)
International studies report increased rates of mental health problems and subsequent suicidality among homosexual populations. While international health-care policy is concerned with reducing suicide among young people, important research findings relating to gay people and suicidality remain unacknowledged in the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England. This qualitative study, utilizing single case studies, was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the life experiences contributing to the suicidality of four gay men. The methodology was psychoanalytically informed, using free association narrative interviewing. The initial data analysis involved interpretation of each of the case studies and a subsequent analysis exploring the shared experiences found in each of the individual narratives. Thematically, these are described as ‘knowing and not knowing’, ‘the centrality of the father–son relationship’, ‘the loneliness of outsiderness’, ‘leading a double life’, and ‘crime and punishment’. The significance of the life experiences these themes illustrate reveal why some gay men might not only experience long-term mental health problems, but also engage in suicidality. Individually and collectively, the analyses provide important insights for mental health nurses becoming more attuned to provide sensitive mental health care to those who have a gay sexual orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide; gay men; suicidality; homosexual populations; health-care policy; Adult; Comorbidity; Great Britain; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Male; Mental Disorders; Risk Factors; Suicide; Male Homosexuality; Mental Health; Suicide; Suicidality; Health Care Policy

Integrating gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues into mainstream psychology - Goldfried, Marvin R. (American Psychologist, 2001)
Despite the growing clinical and research literature dealing with gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) issues, mainstream psychology has tended to ignore much of the work that has been done in this area. This article illustrates how clinical and research writings on GLB issues continue to remain invisible to mainstream psychology in such areas as life span development and aging, teenage suicide, substance abuse, victimization and abuse, and family and couple relationships. It also deals with some of the determinants of well-being among GLB individuals, such as family support, and notes the benefits accruing to mainstream psychology from studying GLB issues. A network of family members within psychology having GLB relatives has been formed--AFFIRM: Psychologists Affirming their Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Family--and is dedicated to supporting its own family members, encouraging other family members to do likewise, supporting research and clinical work on GLB issues, and closing the gap between GLB clinical and research work and mainstream psychology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mainstream psychology; gay; lesbian; and bisexual family members; family support; psychologists; AFFIRM; Attitude of Health Personnel; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Psychology; Research Support as Topic; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Lesbianism; Psychologists; Family Members

Social support, exposure to violence and transphobia, and correlates of depression among male-to-female transgender women with a history of sex work - Nemoto, Tooru; Bödeker, Birte; Iwamoto, Mariko (American Journal of Public Health, 2011)
Objectives: We determined racial/ethnic differences in social support and exposure to violence and transphobia, and explored correlates of depression among male-to-female transgender women with a history of sex work (THSW). Methods: A total of 573 THSW who worked or resided in San Francisco or Oakland, California, were recruited through street outreach and referrals and completed individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. Results: More than half of Latina and White participants were depressed on the basis of Center For Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores. About three quarters of White participants reported ever having suicidal ideation, of whom 64% reported suicide attempts. Half of the participants reported being physically assaulted, and 38% reported being raped or sexually assaulted before age 18 years. White and African American participants reported transphobia experiences more frequently than did others. Social support, transphobia, suicidal ideation, and levels of income and education were significantly and independently correlated with depression. Conclusions: For THSW, psychological vulnerability must be addressed in counseling, support groups, and health promotion programs specifically tailored to race/ethnicity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: social support; violence exposure; transphobia; depression; transgender women; sex work; Adult; Analysis of Variance; California; Chi-Square Distribution; Continental Population Groups; Depression; Humans; Male; Prejudice; Prostitution; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Rape; Regression Analysis; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transsexualism; Violence; Social Support; Transgender; Sex Work; Depression (Emotion); Human Females; Violence

Religious conflicts experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals - Schuck, Kelly D.; Liddle, Becky J. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 2001)
In this article a qualitative and quantitative study of 66 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) respondents (aged 18-65 yrs) examined perceived conflicts between religion and sexual orientation. It was found that nearly two-thirds reported having experienced such conflicts. Sources of conflict included denominational teachings, scriptural passages, and congregational prejudice. Reactions included shame, depression, and suicidal ideation. Resolutions included identifying as spiritual rather than religious, reinterpreting religious teachings, changing affiliations, remaining religious but not attending, and abandoning religion altogether. Respondents listed resources that helped them achieve positive resolutions. The experience of conflict was associated with greater difficulty in coming out and with greater diversity in age at coming out, suggesting that religious conflicts can affect LGB identity formation. Implications for practice with religious LGB clients are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: religious conflicts; lesbians; gays; bisexuals; sexual orientation; treatment implications; Bisexuality; Conflict; Homosexuality; Lesbianism; Religion; Psychotherapy; Sexual Orientation

Sexual attraction, depression, self-harm, suicidality and help-seeking behaviour in New Zealand secondary school students - Lucassen, Mathijs F. G.; Merry, Sally N.; Robinson, Elizabeth M.; Denny, Simon; Clark, Terryann; Ameratunga, Shanthi; Crengle, Sue; Rossen, Fiona V. (Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2011)
Objective: To describe the sexual attractions of New Zealand secondary school students and investigate the associations between sexual attraction and self-reported depression, self-harm, suicidality and help-seeking behaviour. Method: Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the associations between sexual attraction and depressive symptoms, suicidality, self-harming and help-seeking behaviours in a nationally representative secondary school health and well-being survey, undertaken in 2007. Results: Of the students surveyed, 92% were attracted to the opposite sex, 1% to the same sex, 3% to both sexes, 2% were not sure and 2% were attracted to neither sex. Students who were attracted to the same or to both sexes consistently had higher prevalence estimates of depression (p = < 0.0001), suicidality (p = < 0.0001) and self-harming (p = < 0.0001). Odds ratios were highest for students who reported they were attracted to both sexes for depressive symptoms (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.8-4.7), self-harm (OR 5.8, 95% CI 4.4-7.6) and attempted suicide (OR 7.0, 95% CI 5.2-9.4). Students not exclusively attracted to the opposite sex were more likely to report having seen a health professional for an emotional worry and were more likely to have difficulty accessing help for emotional concerns. Conclusions: The study findings highlight significant mental health disparities faced by students attracted to the same or both sexes, with those attracted to both sexes appearing particularly vulnerable. There is a vital need to ensure primary care and mental health services have the capacity and capability to screen and provide appropriate responsive care for youth who are attracted to the same or both sexes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual attractions; self reported depression; self-harm; suicidality; help-seeking behavior; New Zealand; secondary school students; Adolescent; Child; Depression; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; New Zealand; Odds Ratio; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Schools; Self-Injurious Behavior; Sexual Behavior; Students; Suicide, Attempted; Help Seeking Behavior; Major Depression; Self-Injurious Behavior; Sexual Attraction; Suicidal Ideation; Adolescent Psychopathology; Secondary Education; Self-Report; Suicidality

Disclosure of sexual orientation, victimization, and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults - D'Augelli, A. R.; Grossman, A. H. (Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2001)
Examined the lifetime victimization based on sexual orientation of 416 lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) older adults aged 60 yrs or older. Participants reported the ages at which they were aware of their sexual orientation, self-identified as LGB, and first disclosed their sexual orientation to anyone. Frequencies of nine kinds of verbal and physical victimization were obtained. Nearly three quarters reported some kind of sexual orientation victimization. Men reported more overall victimization than women. The more open participants were about their sexual orientation and the less time they spent before disclosing their sexual orientation, the more victimization they reported. Physical victimization was associated with earlier achievement of sexual orientation milestones and more time being open about one's sexual orientation. Participants who had been physically attacked reported lower self-esteem, more loneliness, and poorer mental health than others. More suicide attempts were reported among those older adults who were physically attacked. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: homosexuality; homophobia; sexual orientation; victimization; mental health; gay; lesbian; bisexual; Homosexuality; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Mental Health; Sexual Orientation; Victimization; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Suicide attempts among sexual-minority male youth - Savin-Williams, Ritch C.; Ream, Geoffrey L. (Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 2003)
The purpose of this study was to provide data addressing Diamond's (see record [rid]2003-09294-001[/rid]) 4 problem areas in sexual orientation research by comparing gay, bisexual, and questioning male youth who report attempting suicide with those who do not. Secondary analyses were conducted with 2 datasets, 1 with a gay support group (n=51) and the other with on-line youth (n = 681). Reported suicide attempts ranged from 39% among support-group youth, to 25% among Internet gay support group youth, to 9% among Internet non-support group youth. Sexual orientation, behavior, and identity did not predict suicidal attempt status, but suicide attempters experienced higher levels of both generic life stressors (low self-esteem, substance use, victimization) and gay-related stressors, particularly those directly related to visible (femininity) and behavioral (gay sex) aspects of their sexual identity. Support-group attendance was related to higher levels of suicidality and life stressors, as well as certain resiliency factors. Results suggest that there exists a minority of sexual-minority youth who are at risk but that it would be inappropriate to characterize the entire population as such. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; life stressors; sexual minority suicidality; adolescent psychology; suicide attempters; males; bisexuals; gay youth; Adolescent; Adult; Crime Victims; Health Surveys; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Self Concept; Social Support; Stress, Psychological; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Male Homosexuality; Sexuality; Suicide; Adolescent Development; Adolescent Psychology; Human Males; Psychosexual Development; Suicidality; Sexual Minority Groups

The Impact of Community Size on Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Psychosexual Development: Child Maltreatment, Suicide Attempts, and Self-Disclosure - Mathy, Robin M.; Carol, Helen M.; Schillace, Marc (Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 2003)
We tested competing hypotheses about the impact of rural-urban gradients on sexual minorities with a public Internet chat room sample (n = 82) and a community-owned coffee house sample (n = 92). We found associations between rural-urban gradient and reports of paternal maltreatment as a child as well as self-disclosure of sexual orientation to a family member. In the coffee house sample, rural-urban gradient mediated the mean age at which participants self-disclosed their sexual orientation to another person, close friend, family member, and parent, though it was associated in the Internet sample only with disclosure of sexual orientation to a family member. Rural-urban gradient was not associated with suicidal intent or victimization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: community size; lesbians; bisexual women; psychosexual development; child maltreatment; suicide attempt; self disclosure; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Child Abuse; Communities; Lesbianism; Psychosexual Development; Rural Environments; Self-Disclosure; Urban Environments

Help seeking and treatment use among suicidal college students - Downs, Marilyn F.; Eisenberg, Daniel (Journal of American College Health, 2012)
Objectives: Many suicidal college students do not receive mental health treatment, and the reasons for this are not fully understood. This study examines how attitudes, beliefs, and social network factors relate to help seeking among suicidal students. Participants: A random sample of 8,487 undergraduate and graduate students from 15 US universities participated. Methods: A Web-based survey administered in spring 2009 examined correlates of mental health service utilization among students reporting serious thoughts of suicide in the previous year (n = 543). Results: Correlates of treatment use included perceived need, beliefs that treatment is effective, contact with service users, lower personal stigma, higher perceived stigma, fewer positive relationships, and sexual minority or Caucasian identity. Conclusions: Help seeking among suicidal students is associated with a range of personal and social network factors. Campus strategies to enhance help seeking should be tailored to address identified facilitators and barriers to treatment use among target populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: help seeking; treatment usage; suicide; college student attitudes; social networks; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; Data Collection; Female; Humans; Internet; Male; Mental Health Services; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Social Stigma; Social Support; Student Health Services; Students; Suicidal Ideation; United States; Universities; Young Adult; College Students; Help Seeking Behavior; Student Attitudes; Suicide; Treatment; Social Networks

It's not burnout, it's more: Queer college activists of color and mental health - Vaccaro, Annemarie; Mena, Jasmine A. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 2011)
A phenomenological study of the experiences of self-identified queer activists of color revealed how they coped with the competing demands of academics, family, and activism. While participants exhibited innumerable strengths, they often contended with external and internal pressures, limited social support, poor boundaries, and lack of self-care. The absence of social support, in conjunction with poor self-care, a heightened sense of responsibility for others, and multiple minority identity explorations, left college student activists experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, and in some cases suicidal ideation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: burnout; mental health; phenomenology; queer activists; coping behavior; academics; family; activism; Activism; Coping Behavior; Homosexuality; Phenomenology; Academic Achievement; Family; Mental Health; Stress

Editor’s introduction - Renzetti, Claire M. (Violence Against Women, 2013)
This editorial overviews the articles featured in this issue of the journal of Violence Against Women. First article present a convincing counter-narrative of the movement as continuously changing in response to a variety of external and internal challenges. In second article the authors ask us to reexamine previously published research that has influenced popular views of how plaintiff gender affects judicial decisions to grant civil restraining orders. The next two articles focus on intimate partner violence (IPV). The authors studied the impact on IPV victims of a California statute that requires persons under a domestic violence restraining order to surrender their firearms within 24 hr of being served with the order. The final two articles in this issue discuss aspects of sexual victimization. The authors investigated the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA), risky alcohol use, and adult sexual victimization among bisexual and lesbian women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual victimization; sexual abuse; intimate partner violence; bisexuality; lesbianism; scientific communication; Bisexuality; Intimate Partner Violence; Lesbianism; Sexual Abuse; Victimization; Scientific Communication

Cyberbullying and the digital self - Sivashanker, Karthik (Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2013)
Presents a case report of S.H. a 15-year-old girl, was psychiatrically hospitalized after an overdose. She had been bullied through comments on her Facebook page and other online sites for being a 'lesbian,' although she had not yet declared her sexual preferences. S.H. was clearly depressed and expressed feelings of profound helplessness. She was not sure who was mocking her. S.H. felt more depressed, anxious, and vulnerable when bombarded with nameless and faceless online insults than she did when teased or taunted in the schoolyard. She initially tried ignoring the comments, but they lingered online despite her appeals to have them removed by website administrators. As part of the treatment plan, her parents first tried blocking the unwanted messages. The harassment did not stop. The transformation in S.H.’s online and offline life was noticeable; the rebirth of her digital self and the attendant sense of control and security served as a counterweight to her prior online experiences. By educating the public and ourselves, learning from other fields and industries, reconstructing rather than erasing our patients’ online identities, and confronting the practical, ethical, spiritual, and technologic challenges posed by OSNs, we will keep pace with the rapidly shifting world around us. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: cyberbullying; sexual preferences; websites; online therapy; technology challenges; Adolescent; Bullying; Child; Crime Victims; Humans; Internet; Self Concept; Social Support; Suicide; Telemedicine; Online Therapy; Psychosexual Behavior; Websites; Cyberbullying; Technology

Preventing sexual risk behaviors among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: The benefits of gay-sensitive HIV instruction in schools - Blake, Susan M.; Ledsky, Rebecca; Lehman, Thomas; Goodenow, Carol; Sawyer, Richard; Hack, Tim (American Journal of Public Health, 2001)
Compared the sexual risk behaviors of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) and heterosexual adolescents and evaluated associations between gay-sensitive HIV instruction and risk behaviors of GLB youths. 4,159 high school students and 179 HIV education teachers completed surveys. Results show that GLB youths reported more substance use, high-risk sexual behaviors, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and personal safety issues than did heterosexual youths. Among those who were sexually active, GLB youths reported more lifetime and recent sexual partners than did heterosexuals, and more of them reported alcohol use before last sex and a history of pregnancy. GLB youths in schools with gay-sensitive instruction reported fewer sexual partners, less recent sex, and less substance use before last sex than did GLB youths in other schools. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual risk behaviors; gays; lesbians; bisexuals; heterosexuals; adolescents; HIV education; high school students; high school teachers; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Bisexuality; Ethnic Groups; Female; HIV Infections; Health Education; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Massachusetts; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Safe Sex; Schools; Substance-Related Disorders; AIDS Prevention; Educational Programs; Health Education; Sexual Orientation; Sexual Risk Taking; Bisexuality; Educational Program Evaluation; Heterosexuality; High School Students; High School Teachers; HIV; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Dating violence, psychological distress, and attempted suicide among female adolescents in the juvenile justice system - Buttar, Aliya; Clements-Nolle, Kristen; Haas, Joseph; Reese, Fritz (Journal of Correctional Health Care, 2013)
The prevalence of mental illness and suicide among female adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system is alarmingly high and there is a need to identify risk factors that may be amenable to intervention. This study examined the independent association between dating violence and poor mental health (psychological distress and attempted suicide) among 305 female adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system in Nevada. Overall, 28% of the sample met the criteria for clinically significant psychological distress and 18% had attempted suicide with intent to die. After controlling for well-established risk factors such as sexual orientation, childhood abuse, and substance abuse, dating violence remained independently associated with psychological distress and attempted suicide. These findings suggest that mental health programming for this population may be more effective if it includes a focus on dating violence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: dating violence; psychological distress; attempted suicide; female adolescents; juvenile justice; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Courtship; Crime Victims; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Nevada; Population Surveillance; Prisoners; Risk Factors; Stress, Psychological; Suicide, Attempted; Violence; Adolescent Attitudes; Attempted Suicide; Human Females; Juvenile Justice; Psychological Stress; Distress; Social Dating; Dating Violence

Childhood sexual experiences and adult health sequelae among gay and bisexual men: Defining childhood sexual abuse - Arreola, Sonya; Neilands, Torsten; Pollack, Lance; Paul, Jay; Catania, Joseph (Journal of Sex Research, 2008)
Gay and bisexual men carry the burden of HIV infections in the United States and have high rates of childhood sexual abuse that predict HIV and other health outcomes. This study examined differential effects of forced, consensual, and no childhood sexual experiences (CSE) on health outcomes among a probability sample of adult men who have sex with men (MSM). The forced sex group had the highest levels of psychological distress, substance use, and HIV risk. There were no differences in rates of depression and suicidal ideation between the consensual- and no-sex groups. The consensual- and forced-sex groups had higher rates of substance use and transmission risk than the no-sex group. The forced-sex group, however, had significantly higher rates of frequent drug use and high-risk sex than the consensual group. Findings suggest that forced CSEs result in a higher-risk profile than consensual or no childhood sexual experiences, the kind of risk pattern differs between forced and consensual childhood sexual experiences, and the underlying mechanisms that maintain risk patterns may vary. It is important to clarify risk patterns and mechanisms that maintain them differentially for forced and consensual sex groups so that interventions may be tailored to the specific trajectories related to each experience. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: childhood sexual experiences; adult health; gay men; bisexual men; childhood sexual abuse; HIV; psychological distress; substance use; HIV risk; Adolescent; Adult; Bisexuality; Child; Child Abuse, Sexual; Coercion; Health Status; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Intention; Male; Middle Aged; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Substance-Related Disorders; Bisexuality; Child Abuse; Male Homosexuality; Sexual Abuse; Drug Usage; Health; HIV; Psychological Stress; Sequelae

The Impact of Religiosity on Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Psychosexual Development: Child Maltreatment, Suicide Attempts, and Self-Disclosure - Mathy, Robin M.; Schillace, Marc (Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 2003)
We examined the relation between religiosity (importance of religion) and child maltreatment, psychosexual development, self-disclosure of homosexuality and reactions to same with two samples of sexual minority women (Internet n = 84, Coffee House n = 92) obtained with block sampling designs. Extremely important religiosity currently was associated with precocious psychosexual development and self-disclosure in the Internet sample only. Very important religiosity currently was associated with psychosexual development and self-disclosure of minority sexual orientation at significantly older ages. We discuss these results in the context of arguments that religiosity may be a risk factor for sexual minorities. Although not a risk factor in our samples, religiosity appeared to have lost the protective influence observed in studies of the general population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: religiosity; lesbians; bisexual women; psychosexual development; child maltreatment; attempted suicide; self disclosure; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Child Abuse; Lesbianism; Religiosity; Psychosexual Development; Self-Disclosure

A model of predictors and outcomes of outness among lesbian and bisexual women - Morris, Jessica F.; Waldo, Craig R.; Rothblum, Esther D. (American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2001)
Explored the relationship between outness in lesbian & bisexual women and psychological health. 2,401 lesbian and bisexual women (15–83 yrs old) responded to a nation-wide Lesbian Wellness Survey. A theoretical model tested in this study proposed predictors and outcomes of outness. It included 3 predictors believed to be positively related to outness: (1) lesbian versus bisexual orientation, (2) years self-identified as lesbian or bisexual, and (3) involvement in the lesbian, gay, or bisexual communities. The 3 variables of lesbian sexual identity were found to predict outness, which predicted lower psychological distress, which, in turn, predicted lower suicidality. The model held true for the subsamples of European-American and African-American women, and to a lesser extent for those of Latina, Asian-American, Native-American, and Jewish Women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: variables of lesbian sexual identity; predictors & outcomes of outness; 15–83 yr old lesbians; Adult; Bisexuality; Ethnic Groups; Female; Gender Identity; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Risk Factors; Self Disclosure; Social Adjustment; Social Environment; Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Prediction; Well Being; Emotional Adjustment; Models; Self-Concept; Suicide

Same-sex Attracted Youths: Suicide and Related Factors - Ashman, Adrian (Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 2004)
Same-sex attracted youths comprise 10% to 11% of the secondary school population although not all of those who experience same-sex attraction will adopt a gay, lesbian, transgender or transsexual lifestyle. Most, if not all, will experience homophobia in one or more of its forms. Many of these young people will cope well with the heterocentric attitudes and prejudices prevalent in secondary schools and the wider community and make the transition into adulthood having learned how to mask their sexual preferences or develop effective coping mechanisms to deal with homophobia. Some will succumb to the pressures they experience and seek less ideal solutions that include drug use and promiscuity. Some will take their own lives. This article draws attention to the complications of same-sex attraction and argues for a school and community response that recognises and appreciates the positive contributions that diversity of sexual preference brings to any community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: same sex attraction; secondary school population; suicide; homosexuality; homophobia; Homosexuality; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Secondary Education; Suicide; Coping Behavior; High School Students; Lesbianism; Lifestyle; Transsexualism

From the president - Hopwood, Malcolm (Australasian Psychiatry, 2017)
One of the important roles the College undertakes is researching, collaborating and publishing position papers on subjects of interest to psychiatrists, to government and the mental health field and to the wider community. In 2016 they published 18 position statements on subjects ranging from the mental health needs of the LGBTI population, physician-assisted suicide to the use of seclusion and restraint for the mentally ill. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: psychiatry; mentally ill; Mental Disorders; Psychiatry; Physicians

Hope and resilience in suicide ideation and behavior of gay and bisexual men following notification of HIV infection - Siegal, Karolynn; Meyer, Ilan H. (AIDS Education and Prevention, 1999)
Upon being notified that they are positive for HIV, people often experience terror and confusion. At the beginning stages of coping with HIV diagnosis, suicide ideation and behavior may arise as the infected person begins to envision frightening images of a future life with AIDS. The authors examined the narratives of 139 gay and bisexual men who contemplated or attempted suicide soon after they had learned of their HIV infection. Suicide ideation and attempt often provoked a process of coping with HIV disease, leading to a redefinition of the meaning of HIV, enhancing one's sense of control over life, and promoting a renewed effort at self-help and help seeking, a new commitment to life, and a reappraisal of personal goals. The authors recommend that clinicians and HIV counselors be cognizant of these positive symbolic functions of suicidality in coping with HIV infection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide ideation & attempts as stage in coping process after notification of HIV infection & relation to hope & resilience; homosexual & bisexual males; Attempted Suicide; Coping Behavior; HIV; Male Homosexuality; Suicidal Ideation; Bisexuality; Hope; Resilience (Psychological)

Lesbians and alcohol abuse: Identifying factors for future research - Ricks, Janice L. (Journal of Social Service Research, 2012)
This article explores the reasons why lesbians become substance abusers more frequently than individuals in the heterosexual population. A variety of reasons for this phenomenon are explored using 18 studies to assist in helping to identify reasons for the higher rate of substance abuse among the lesbian population. Factors identified as crucial for further research include: self-esteem, social identity and the influence of bars on substance abuse, the prevalence of suicide, disclosure identification, coming out, religious influence, sexual abuse, and gender self-presentation (butch-appearing masculine/femme-appearing effeminate). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: lesbianism; alcohol abuse; heterosexuality; social identity; Alcohol Abuse; Heterosexuality; Lesbianism; Social Identity

Suicidal acts and ideation in homosexual and bisexual young people: A study of prevalence and risk factors - van Heeringen, C.; Vincke, J. (Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology: The International Journal for Research in Social and Genetic Epidemiology and Mental Health Services, 2000)
Determined the risk of attempted suicide and the effect of potential risk factors on the occurrence of suicidal ideation and behavior among 404 homosexual or bisexual 15–27 yr olds. The association between suicidal ideation and behaviour and potential risk factors was assessed by means of a questionnaire in a general population sample of homosexual or bisexual young people and a control sample consisting of school pupils. A twofold increased risk of suicidal ideation was associated with a homosexual or bisexual orientation. A significantly increased risk of attempted suicide associated with homosexuality or bisexuality was found in females. Independent of sexual orientation, depression was identified as a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation, while suicidal behavior was associated with low self-esteem, higher levels of hopelessness and suicidal behavior in someone close. Among homosexual or bisexual young people, less satisfying homosexual friendships were an additional risk factor for suicidal behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: prevalence of & risk factors for suicidal ideation & behavior; male vs female homosexual or bisexual 15–27 yr olds; Adolescent; Adult; Belgium; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Imagination; Male; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Epidemiology; Human Sex Differences; Major Depression; Peer Relations; Self-Esteem

Attempted suicide, psychological health and exposure to harassment among Japanese homosexual, bisexual or other men questioning their sexual orientation recruited via the internet - Hidaka, Y.; Operario, D. (Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2006)
Objective: To investigate the rates of attempted suicide and its association with psychological distress, experiences of bullying and verbal harassment, and demographic characteristics among Japanese homosexual, bisexual or other men questioning their sexual orientation. Design: A cross-sectional design using Japanese participants recruited through the internet. Results: Of the 1025 respondents, 154 (15%) of the men reported a history of attempted suicide, 716 (70%) showed high levels of anxiety and 133 (13%) showed high levels of depression. 851 (83%) experienced school bullying and 615 (60%) were verbally harassed because of being perceived by others as homosexual. Independent correlates of attempted suicide were psychological distress, history of being verbally harassed, history of sex with a woman, history of meeting a male through the internet, disclosing sexual orientation to six or more friends and not having a university degree. Conclusions: Mental health services and prevention programmes are needed to deal with the psychological consequences of social stigma for Japanese men who are homosexual, bisexual or questioning their sexual orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: attempted suicide; psychological health; harassment exposure; Japanese homosexuals; bisexuals; sexual orientation; Internet; social stigma; bullying experiences; demographic characteristics; Adolescent; Adult; Bisexuality; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Internet; Japan; Male; Patient Selection; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Harassment; Social Environment; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Harassment; Internet; Sexual Orientation; Bullying; Bisexuality; Demographic Characteristics; Distress; Stigma

Sexual attraction status and adolescent suicide proneness: The roles of hopelessness, depression, and social support - Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Jennifer; Lamis, Dorian A.; Malone, Patrick S. (Journal of Homosexuality, 2011)
This study explored the relationship between sexual attraction status (same-sex, both-sex, and opposite-sex) and suicidal behavior in a diverse sample of adolescents (N = 1,533 youth). Adolescents with attractions to both sexes reported greater suicide proneness, recent and lifetime suicidal ideation, and past suicide attempts than those with exclusively opposite-sex attractions; individuals reporting same-sex attractions generally demonstrated moderate elevations on these variables. As hypothesized, both hopelessness and depression mediated the relationship between sexual attraction status and suicide proneness. Social support moderated the mediating effect of depression but not hopelessness in the sexual attraction status-suicide proneness link. Targeting the distress that can be associated with experiencing same-sex or both-sex attractions may enhance suicide prevention efforts, particularly in U.S. youth with reduced social support. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual attraction status; adolescent suicide proneness; hopelessness; depression; social support; suicidal ideation; Adolescent; Bisexuality; Depression; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Models, Psychological; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Social Support; Suicide; Transsexualism; United States; Hopelessness; Major Depression; Sexual Attraction; Social Support; Suicidal Ideation; Adolescent Development

Mental health service contacts among sexual minority and heterosexual girls in Boston public high schools - Kidd, Jeremy D.; White, J. Lee; Johnson, Renee M. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 2012)
Although sexual minority (SM) adolescent girls are at high risk for suicidal behavior, little is known about their use of mental health services (MHS). Therefore, we examined survey data from a sample of Boston high school students to compare the prevalence of MHS use among SM and heterosexual girls. We used chi-square tests to assess the statistical significance of group differences. To test whether SM status moderated the association between MHS use and mental health need (i.e., whether the student reported self-harm, suicidal ideation, or a suicide attempt in the past year), we entered mental health need, SM status, and the interaction term of the two into a regression model that predicted past 12-month MHS use. SM girls (n = 89) were significantly more likely than heterosexual girls (n = 800) to report suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm. SM girls were also more likely to have reported a past 12-month MHS contact (54% vs. 26%, p < 0.0001); this finding held for those with and without a high level of mental health need. The interaction term was not statistically significant, indicating that SM status does not moderate the effect of mental health need on MHS use. These results indicate that SM girls, particularly those experiencing suicidality, are likely to report a MHS contact. Future research is needed to elucidate when/how SM girls come to use MHS and what types of services they are receiving. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental health services; sexual minority; heterosexual girls; Boston public high schools; Heterosexuality; High School Students; Mental Health Services; Sexual Minority Groups; Human Females; Public School Education

Psychosocial concerns of sexual minority youth: Complexity and caution in group differences - Poteat, V. Paul; Aragon, Steven R.; Espelage, Dorothy L.; Koenig, Brian W. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2009)
This investigation tested a large adolescent sample (n = 14,439) for significant group differences on psychosocial concerns on the basis of intersecting identities of sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning/less certain, heterosexual), race (Whites, racial minorities), and gender (boys, girls). A significant 2-way interaction between sexual orientation and gender was identified on victimization. Boys reported higher victimization than did girls among heterosexual and questioning/less certain students. Furthermore, significant 3-way interactions between sexual orientation, race, and gender were identified for substance use and depressed/suicidal thoughts. Questioning/less certain youth generally reported the highest levels of victimization, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. However, results suggest that, on the basis of small effect sizes for most comparisons, significant differences should be interpreted with caution. Results indicate the need to consider the diversity of subgroups within the sexual minority youth community and that intervention efforts might be more effective if tailored to the unique needs of specific subgroups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: adolescents; sexual orientation; racial minorities; substance use; victimization; psychosocial; gender differences; depression; suicidal thoughts; Adolescent; Crime Victims; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Male; Minority Groups; Psychology; Sexual Behavior; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Drug Abuse; Racial and Ethnic Differences; Sexual Orientation; Victimization; Sexual Minority Groups; Human Sex Differences; Major Depression; Psychosocial Development; Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal behavior among gay male youth - Halpert, Stephen C. (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 2002)
Suicide has been purported to be a major problem among gays and lesbians in general, and rates of suicidal behavior (suicide attempts and ideation) are said to be even higher among adolescent samples. While most studies have consistently found rates of suicide attempts among gay and lesbian adolescent populations to be two to three times higher than their heterosexual peers, these findings have not been supported by all studies, particularly those which have relied upon the findings of psychological autopsies. In a comprehensive review of the literature, over 100 sources are examined to determine: (a) whether suicidal behaviors are greater among gay male youths than among heterosexuals, (b) if, in fact, homosexuality is nonpathological, can the higher rates of purported suicide be explained if supported by the literature, and (c) can findings contradicting the higher rates of suicidal behavior among gay male youth be explained? It is hypothesized that the higher rates of suicidal behavior among gay male youth are not due to a homosexual orientation per se, but to the societal hatred and prejudice inflicted upon gay youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidal behavior; gay male youth; sexual orientation; suicide attempts; homsexuality; At Risk Populations; Attempted Suicide; Male Homosexuality; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Human Males

Children and adolescents with gender identity disorder referred to a pediatric medical center - Spack, Norman P.; Edwards-Leeper, Laura; Feldman, Henry A.; Leibowitz, Scott; Mandel, Francie; Diamond, David A.; Vance, Stanley R. (Pediatrics, 2012)
Objectives: To describe the patients with gender identity disorder referred to a pediatric medical center. We identify changes in patients after creation of the multidisciplinary Gender Management Service by expanding the Disorders of Sex Development clinic to include transgender patients. Methods: Data gathered on 97 consecutive patients <21 years, with initial visits between January 1998 and February 2010, who fulfilled the following criteria: long-standing cross-gender behaviors, provided letters from current mental health professional, and parental support. Main descriptive measures included gender, age, Tanner stage, history of gender identity development, and psychiatric comorbidity. Results: Genotypic male:female ratio was 43:54 (0.8:1); there was a slight preponderance of female patients but not significant from 1:1. Age of presentation was 14.8 ± 3.4 years (mean ± SD) without sex difference (P = .11). Tanner stage at presentation was 4.1 ± 1.4 for genotypic female patients and 3.6 ± 1.5 for genotypic male patients (P = .02). Age at start of medical treatment was 15.6 ± 2.8 years. Forty-three patients (44.3%) presented with significant psychiatric history, including 20 reporting self-mutilation (20.6%) and suicide attempts (9.3%). Conclusions: After establishment of a multidisciplinary gender clinic, the gender identity disorder population increased fourfold. Complex clinical presentations required additional mental health support as the patient population grew. Mean age and Tanner Stage were too advanced for pubertal suppressive therapy to be an affordable option for most patients. Two-thirds of patients were started on cross-sex hormone therapy. Greater awareness of the benefit of early medical intervention is needed. Psychological and physical effects of pubertal suppression and/or cross-sex hormones in our patients require further investigation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gender identity disorder; multidisciplinary Gender Management Service; pediatric medical center patients; Academic Medical Centers; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Child; Child Behavior Disorders; Cohort Studies; Early Diagnosis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Pediatrics; Referral and Consultation; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Sexual and Gender Disorders; Statistics, Nonparametric; Transsexualism; Treatment Outcome; Client Characteristics; Hospital Programs; Pediatrics; Gender Dysphoria

Examining victimization and psychological distress in transgender college students - Effrig, Jessica C.; Bieschke, Kathleen J.; Locke, Benjamin D. (Journal of College Counseling, 2011)
Treatment‐seeking and non‐treatment‐seeking transgender college students were examined with regard to victimization and psychological distress. Findings showed that transgender college students had elevated rates of distress as compared with college students who identified as men or women. Results indicated that treatment‐seeking and non‐treatment‐seeking transgender college students did not significantly differ with regard to psychological distress or experiences of victimization, with the exception of rates of suicidal ideation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: victimization; psychological distress; transgender college students; suicidal ideation; College Students; Distress; Suicidal Ideation; Victimization; Transgender

Group differences in risk across three domains using an expanded measure of sexual orientation - Loosier, Penny S.; Dittus, Patricia J. (The Journal of Primary Prevention, 2010)
The purpose of this study was to highlight associations between sexual orientation and risk outcomes in late adolescence and early adulthood using an expanded measure of sexual orientation. Recent data indicate higher levels of risk behavior in a newly identified population, mostly heterosexuals, as compared to heterosexuals. Comparisons among groups using an expanded measure of sexual orientation such as this, however, often do not include all possible groups or may restrict comparisons between groups. Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health); participants identified as heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, bisexual, mostly gay, or gay. Main risk outcomes were parental mistreatment, home displacement, thoughts of suicide, depressive symptoms, frequency of drinking, and delinquency. A priori planned comparisons examined differences between: (a) heterosexual vs. mostly heterosexual, (b) gay vs. mostly gay, (c) mostly heterosexual vs. bisexual, (d) mostly gay vs. bisexual, (e) mostly heterosexual vs. mostly gay, (f) heterosexual vs. gay, (g) heterosexual vs. bisexual, and (h) gay vs. bisexual. Mostly heterosexual youth were at significantly greater risk than heterosexual youth on all outcomes but did not differ from bisexual or mostly gay youth. Heterosexuals were at lower risk as compared to mostly heterosexuals and bisexuals. This study provides further evidence of differential risk associations for sexual minorities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: group differences; risk assessment; sexual orientation; adolescence development; Adolescent; Adult; Data Collection; Depression; Female; Group Processes; Homosexuality; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Minority Groups; Psychometrics; Risk Assessment; Sexual Behavior; United States; Young Adult; Adolescent Development; Group Differences; Sexual Orientation; Risk Assessment

Bisexual people’s experiences with mental health services: A qualitative investigation - Eady, A.; Dobinson, C.; Ross, L. E. (Community Mental Health Journal, 2011)
Bisexual people experience minority stress and social isolation as a result of their marginalized sexual identities, and likely due to this stigmatization, previous research has identified high rates of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, suicidality, alcohol misuse, and self-harming behaviour among bisexual populations. It is therefore important that mental health service providers are able to provide culturally competent care to bisexual people. This study used focus groups and interviews with 55 bisexual participants across the province of Ontario, Canada, to investigate their experiences with mental health care. Results suggest that bisexual people have both positive and negative experiences with mental health service providers. Specific provider practices which contribute to the perception of positive and negative experiences with mental heath services are described, and the implications for clinical practice discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: bisexual people; mental health services; social isolation; stress; sexual identity; culturally competent care; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Attitude of Health Personnel; Attitude to Health; Bisexuality; Canada; Community-Based Participatory Research; Female; Focus Groups; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Stereotyping; Stress, Psychological; Young Adult; Bisexuality; Mental Health Services; Social Isolation; Cultural Sensitivity; Gender Identity; Professional Competence; Stress

70 US veterans with gender identity disturbances: A descriptive study - McDuffie, Everett; Brown, George R. (International Journal of Transgenderism, 2010)
This study describes the largest population of veterans referred for a gender identity disorder (GID) evaluation. Most were self-referred, others were referred by their commanding officer. A search of the English language literature revealed no similar studies on veterans other than a pilot project by the second author. Methods: Retrospective descriptive data were obtained from chart reviews of 70 U.S. veterans who were evaluated by the second author for gender disturbances over a 20-year period (1987 to 2007). The modal veteran with gender identity disturbance was a natal male (91%) identifying as female, >40 years old, Caucasian, employed, with more than 12 years of education. Fifty-seven percent were parents with a history of sexual involvement with opposite sex individuals. Histories of autogynephilia were not elicited in vets interviewed since 1997. Classic 'flight into hypermasculinity' was described by a majority of the natal male vets as a retrospective understanding of why they joined the military. Psychiatric comorbidities (43%) included post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, schizophrenia (N = 1), substance use disorders (17%), dissociative identity disorder (N = 1), and personality disorders (11%). Ninety-three percent met criteria for diagnosis of GID or GID not otherwise specified; suicidal ideation was reported by 61% with one or more suicide attempts by 11% of 56 responding; and 4% reported genital self-harm. Although 11% expressed active thoughts of surgical self-treatment, most expressed a desire for physician-performed sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Cross-dressing behaviors were common, and currently reported arousal with cross-dressing was reported by 13%, 63% of whom were not diagnosed with GID. Conclusion: Veterans often reported that they joined the military in an attempt to purge their transgender feelings, believing the military environment would 'make men' of them. Most were discharged before completing a 20-year career. More than half received health care at veterans affairs medical centers, often due to medical or psychiatric disabilities incurred during service. Comorbid Axis I diagnoses were common, as were suicidal thoughts and behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: veterans; gender identity disturbances; psychiatric comorbidities; sex reassignment surgery; Military Veterans; Transsexualism; Gender Dysphoria; Gender Reassignment; Comorbidity; Psychiatry; Surgery

Relationship of sexual orientation to substance use, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and other factors in a population of homeless adolescents - Noell, John W.; Ochs, Linda M. (Journal of Adolescent Health, 2001)
Examined the relationship of sexual orientation and gender to health and risk factor variables in homeless adolescents. 532 homeless adolescents (aged 13–20 yrs) completed interviews concerning family history, incarceration, lifetime and recent drug use, and depression and suicide. 61.3% of Ss completed questionnaires at baseline and at 3- and 6-mo follow-ups. Results show that 44.9% of female Ss identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual gay, compared to 13.9% of males. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and unsure Ss were less likely to have been in foster care or arrested, but were more likely to have spent time in mental health treatment. Gay and lesbian Ss reported significantly high rates of drug use and suicide attempts compared to heterosexual Ss, particularly females. It is concluded that rates of high-risk behaviors are relatively high among homeless adolescents, especially homosexual females. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; gender differences; risk factors; homeless adolescents; family history; incarceration; drug usage; depression; suicide; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adult; Age Distribution; Data Collection; Female; Homeless Youth; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Oregon; Risk-Taking; Sex Distribution; Sexual Behavior; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; Homeless; Human Sex Differences; Major Depression; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Family Background; Incarceration; Risk Factors

Experiences of Harassment, Discrimination, and Physical Violence Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men - Huebner, David M.; Rebchook, Gregory M.; Kegeles, Susan M. (American Journal of Public Health, 2004)
Objectives: We examined the 6-rnonth cumulative incidence of anti-gay harassment, discrimination, and violence among young gay/bisexual men and documented their associations with mental health, Methods: Gay/bisexual men from 3 cities in the southwestern United States completed self-administered questionnaires. Results: Thirty-seven percent of men reported experiencing anti-gay verbal harassment in the previous 6 months; 11.2% reported discrimination, and 4.8% reported physical violence. Men were more likely to report these experiences if they were younger, were more open in disclosing their sexual orientation to others, and were HIV positive. Reports of mistreatment were associated with lower self-esteem and increased suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Absent policies preventing anti-gay mistreatment, empowerment and community-building programs are needed for young gay/bisexual men to both create safe social settings and help them cope with the psychological effects of these events. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: harassment; physical violence; discrimination; bisexuals; mental health; self esteem; community programs; young gay & bisexual males; Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Analysis of Variance; Attitude to Health; Bisexuality; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Incidence; Least-Squares Analysis; Logistic Models; Male; Mental Health; Prejudice; Self Concept; Self Disclosure; Sexual Harassment; Social Behavior; Southwestern United States; Suicide; Surveys and Questionnaires; Violence; Bisexuality; Harassment; Male Homosexuality; Violence; Community Mental Health; Human Males; Mental Health; Self-Esteem; Urban Environments

Age of minority sexual orientation development and risk of childhood maltreatment and suicide attempts in women - Corliss, Heather L.; Cochran, Susan D.; Mays, Vickie M.; Greenland, Sander; Seeman, Teresa E. (American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2009)
Women with minority sexual orientations (e.g., lesbian, bisexual) are more likely than heterosexual women to report histories of childhood maltreatment and attempted suicide; however, the importance of the timing of minority sexual orientation development in contributing to this increased risk is uncertain. This study investigated relationships between self-reported ages of achieving minority sexual orientation development milestones (first awareness of same-gender attractions, disclosure of a minority sexual orientation to another person, and same-gender sexual contact), and childhood maltreatment and suicide attempt experiences in a sample of 2,001 women recruited from multiple-community sources. Younger age of minority sexual orientation development milestones was positively linked to self-reported recall of childhood maltreatment experiences, and to a childhood suicide attempt. After adjusting for differences in maltreatment, the odds of suicide attempt attributable to younger age of sexual orientation development milestones was reduced by 50 to 65%, suggesting that maltreatment may account for about half of the elevated risk for childhood suicide attempts among women with early minority sexual orientation development. Implications for services, interventions, and further research to address maltreatment disparities for sexual minorities are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: childhood maltreatment; racial/ethnic minority; sexual orientation; suicide attempt; victimization; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Child; Child Abuse; Female; Humans; Minority Groups; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Development; Social Behavior; Stress, Psychological; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Child Abuse; Minority Groups; Sexual Orientation; Victimization; Bisexuality; Lesbianism

Suicidality and sexual orientation in five continents: Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America - Mathy, Robin M. (International Journal of Sexuality & Gender Studies, 2002)
Examined the relation between suicidality and sexual orientation in an intercontinental sample (Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America). 38,204 participants responded to a survey hosted on the Internet website of an international news organization. Categorical analyses compared homosexual and bisexual respondents' history of suicide attempts and suicide ideations to those of heterosexual respondents, by total sample, males only, and females only. A relation between male sexual orientation and suicide attempts was found for every continent except Europe. A relation between female sexual orientation and suicide attempts was not found in any continent except North America. These data provide preliminary evidence of intercontinental variation in the relation between suicidality and sexual orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide attempts; suicidality; sexual orientation; homosexual; bisexual; suicidal ideation; Asia; Australia; Europe; North America; South America; Attempted Suicide; Cross Cultural Differences; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation; Suicidality; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Suicide

Homophobic teasing, psychological outcomes, and sexual orientation among high school students: What influence do parents and schools have? - Espelage, Dorothy L.; Aragon, Steven R.; Birkett, Michelle; Koenig, Brian W. (School Psychology Review, 2008)
Homophobic teasing is often long-term, systematic, and perpetrated by groups of students (Rivers, 2001); it places targets at risk for greater suicidal ideation, depression, and isolation (Elliot & Kilpatrick, 1994). This study fills a gap in the literature by examining buffering influences of positive parental relations and positive school climate on mental health outcomes for high school students who are questioning their sexual orientation. Participants were 13,921 high school students from a Midwestern U.S. public school district. Students completed a survey consisting of a wide range of questions related to their school experiences (bullying, homophobia, school climate), parental support, mood, and drug-alcohol use. Students were categorized into three groups: (a) youth who identified as heterosexual, (b) youth who questioned their sexual orientation, and (c) youth who identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). As hypothesized, sexual minority youth were more likely to report high levels of depression-suicide feelings and alcohol-marijuana use; students who were questioning their sexual orientation reported more teasing, greater drug use, and more feelings of depression and suicide than either heterosexual or LGB students. Sexually questioning students who experienced homophobic teasing were also more likely than LGB students to use drugs-alcohol and rate their school climate as negative. Finally, positive school climate and parental support protected LGB and questioning students against depression and drug use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: homophobic teasing; psychological outcomes; sexual orientation; high school students; mental health outcomes; school climate; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); School Environment; Teasing; Bullying; Emotional States; High School Students; Sexual Orientation

Transgender Identity and Suicidality in a Nonclinical Sample: Sexual Orientation, Psychiatric History, and Compulsive Behaviors - Mathy, Robin M. (Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 2002)
This study examined the relation between sexual orientation and suicidality among 73 transgender respondents, who were compared to heterosexual females (n=1,083) and males (n=1,077), psychosocially matched females (n=73) and males (n=73), and homosexual females (n=256) and males (n=356). Significantly more (p<.05) transgender respondents reported suicide ideation and attempts than any group except homosexual females. Sexual orientation did not differentiate transgender ideators or attempters from non-ideators or non-attempters. Attempters were more likely than non-attempters to report psychotherapy and psychiatric medications currently and previously as well as difficulties with both alcohol and drugs (attempters and ideators) or alcohol only (attempters). Implications for gender studies as well as research regarding suicide and sexual orientation are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: transgender identity; suicidality; sexual orientation; psychiatric history; compulsive behaviors; heterosexuality; homosexuality; suicidal ideation; suicide attempts; Attempted Suicide; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation; Transsexualism; Suicidality; Compulsions; Heterosexuality; Homosexuality

Expert testimony of the battered person syndrome, defendant gender, and sexual orientation in a case of duress: Evaluating legal decisions - Russell, Brenda; Ragatz, Laurie; Kraus, Shane W. (Journal of Family Violence, 2012)
The current study examined the utility of expert testimony of the battered person syndrome (BPS) in a case of duress and the extent to which defendant gender, defendant sexual orientation, and participant gender influence mock jury decisions in a case of duress. Participants (N = 413) read a scenario based on U.S. v. Dixon (2006) and answered questions assessing verdict, guilt, sentence length, duress legal elements, and attributes typically ascribed to victims of abuse. Results showed heterosexual female defendants were assigned the lowest sentences and met more of the legal elements of duress (i.e., were coerced, more likely to be believed, and purchased a gun to prevent harm) and attributes (i.e., experienced severe abuse, learned helplessness) compared to other defendants. When mock jurors received expert testimony, they provided lower rates of guilt and sentencing for defendants. Results also showed the inclusion of BPS expert testimony increased ratings for many of the legal elements of duress and attributes typically associated with intimate partner violence. In addition, results suggested that while heterosexual female defendants are more likely to be believed in a case of duress, expert testimony of BPS is helpful to all defendants. Limitations and future directions for research and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: expert testimony; battered person syndrome; defendant gender; sexual orientation; legal decisions; duress; mock jury decisions; Defendants; Expert Testimony; Intimate Partner Violence; Legal Decisions; Sexual Orientation; Juries; Sexual Partners

The relationship between sexual orientation and risk for suicide: Research findings and future directions for research and prevention - McDaniel, J. Stephen; Purcell, David; D'Augelli, Anthony R. (Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2001)
This paper reviews evidence for a link between suicide or suicidal behavior and sexual orientation by (1) reviewing studies of the rates of completed and attempted suicides for gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) people compared to the general population; (2) examining risk factors that might explain any differences; (3) outlining opportunities for prevention; and (4) providing directions for future research. Studies suggest an elevated risk of suicide attempts among some cohorts of GLB people, particularly GLB youth. Evidence is also strong that GLB youth are at high risk for associated maladaptive risk behaviors. Mental health problems and substance abuse disorders are critical predisposing factors for GLB suicide, as for the general populations. Future prevention research should be guided by a model that incorporates both risk and resilience factors among GLB persons. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: risk factors & prevention & link between suicide or suicidal behavior & sexual orientation; gay/lesbian/bisexual persons; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Male; Preventive Health Services; Research; Sexual Behavior; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Epidemiology; Prevention; Risk Factors; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Lesbianism

Cyber and bias-based harassment: Associations with academic, substance use, and mental health problems - Sinclair, Katerina O.; Bauman, Sheri; Poteat, V. Paul; Koenig, Brian; Russell, Stephen T. (Journal of Adolescent Health, 2012)
Purpose: To examine how two forms of interstudent harassment, cyber and bias-based harassment, are associated with academic, substance use, and mental health problems. Methods: We used a population-based survey of 17,366 middle and high school students that assessed harassment due to race/ethnicity or sexual orientation, and harassment through the Internet or text messaging along with other forms of interstudent harassment. Results: Odds ratios indicated that students experiencing both cyber and bias-based harassment were at the greatest risk for adjustment problems across all indicators, with suicidal ideation and attempts having the largest risk differences. Conclusions: Assessments of adolescent health and adjustment should include questions regarding both cyber and bias-based harassment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: bias-based harassment; academics; drug usage; mental health problems; Internet; Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Bias (Epidemiology); Bullying; Female; Humans; Internet; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Mental Disorders; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Harassment; Social Behavior; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicidal Ideation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Text Messaging; Drug Usage; Education; Harassment; Internet; Mental Health

Trying to hide: A cross-national study of growing up for non-identified gay and bisexual male youth - Carragher, Daniel J.; Rivers, Ian (Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2002)
Research shows that 'out' lesbian, gay and bisexual youth often experience long-term and repeated abuse when they are growing up. Currently, very little is known about the experiences of those youth who do not disclose their sexual orientation at school, but also face discrimination because of their perceived sexual orientation. A cross-cultural comparison of 2 groups of gay and bisexual men from the US and UK who were non-identified at school was conducted by the authors. Quantitative and qualitative data focused on recollections of sexual orientation developmental milestones, the nature of the victimization experienced in adolescence, alternative behaviours adopted for self-preservation and suicidal ideation. In addition, current functioning in adulthood was also assessed, and measures relating to personal homonegativity and sexual behaviour were compared. The results suggested that there were variations in the nature and correlates of the victimization experienced by US and UK gay and bisexual males during adolescence, including the alternative behaviours adopted for self-preservation. As adults, UK males were more likely to report feelings of internalized homonegativity; however, US males were proportionally more likely to engage in transient sexual encounters. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; non-identification at school; gay & bisexual men; sexual orientation development; victimization; alternative behaviors; suicidal ideation; personal homonegativity; sexual behavior; Bisexuality; Male Homosexuality; Psychosexual Behavior; Psychosexual Development; Sexual Orientation; Adaptive Behavior; Adolescent Development; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Self-Disclosure; Suicidal Ideation; Victimization

Suicidal ideation among young French adults: Association with occupation, family, sexual activity, personal background and drug use - Legleye, S.; Beck, F.; Peretti-Watel, P.; Chau, N.; Firdion, J. M. (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2010)
Background: To assess associations among young adults between suicidal ideation in the previous year and adverse childhood events, occupation, education, tobacco use, alcohol abuse, cannabis use in the previous month, illicit drug use, sexual orientation and activity, depression, physical violence in the previous year, and lifetime forced sexual intercourse. Methods: A subsample of 4075 French adults aged 18–30 years was drawn from a random national telephone survey in 2005. Major depressive episode and alcohol abuse were assessed using CIDI-SF and AUDIT-C (score above 4). Data were analysed with logistic regressions. Results: Suicidal ideation affected 5.7% of men and 4.9% of women. Among men depression had the highest adjusted odds ratio (ORa = 8.06, 5.07–12.79), followed by homosexual intercourse (3.37, 1.62–7.04), absence of sexual activity (2.83, 1.80–4.44); ORa between 1.6 and 2.0 were observed for living alone, daily tobacco smoking, being unemployed, serious health event concerning the father, age 26–30 and bad relationships between parents. Among women, depression had the highest ORa (7.60, 4.70–12.29), followed by lifetime experience of forced sexual intercourse (5.37, 2.89–9.96), having consumed illicit drugs other than cannabis (4.01, 1.48–10.89); ORa between 1.7 and 2.5 were observed for living alone, being unemployed, bad relationship between parents and age 26–30. Limitations: Cross-sectional survey, sexual orientation inferred from sexual activity. Conclusion: Suicide prevention should integrate the fact that besides depression, unemployment, family history, age, and sexual activity and orientation are specific risk factors among men, whereas illicit drug use, violence and forced sexual intercourse are more important among women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicidal ideation; young French adults; occupations; family variables; sexual activity; personal background; drug usage; gender; violence; Adolescent; Adult; Alcoholism; Child Abuse, Sexual; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major; Family; Female; France; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Occupations; Odds Ratio; Rape; Sex Factors; Sexual Behavior; Social Environment; Street Drugs; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted; Unemployment; Young Adult; Drug Usage; Family Background; Occupational Choice; Psychosexual Behavior; Suicidal Ideation; Childhood Development; Home Environment; Human Sex Differences; Major Depression; Occupations; Sexual Intercourse (Human); Sexual Orientation; Violence

Media guidelines in the Internet age - Gunn, John F. III; Lester, David (Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 2012)
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the reporting by the media of those who die by suicide. Recommendations have been proposed by various groups, such as the Centers for Disease Control (1994), the World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) (WHO & IASP, 2008).In addition, scholarly research has studied the impact of the media on suicidal behavior. Recent research confirmed that media attention can trigger copycat suicides. However, if we put the negative and positive aspects of media coverage aside, the Internet may have made much of what has been written about media guidelines irrelevant today. From our review of the literature regarding suicide among the LGBT community, we have several recommendations that are applicable to the reporting of suicide on the Internet. Because of the nature of the Internet, it is unlikely that media guidelines regarding the responsible reporting of suicide will be followed diligently by online news sources. It is thus imperative that recommendations appropriate for Internet use be developed, and that Internet providers, search engines, and others be encouraged to follow them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: Internet; suicide; mass media; news reports; reporting; online news sources; media guidelines; Internet; Mass Media; News Media; Suicide

The impact of victimization on the mental health and suicidality of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths - Hershberger, Scott L.; D'Augelli, Anthony R. (Developmental Psychology, 1995)
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths (aged 15–21 yrs) were studied to determine the impact of verbal abuse, threat of attacks, and assault on their mental health, including suicide. Family support and self-acceptance were hypothesized to act as mediators of the victimization and mental health-suicide relation. Structural equation modeling revealed that in addition to a direct effect of victimization on mental health, family support and self-acceptance in concert mediated the victimization and mental health relation. Victimization was not directly related to suicide. Victimization interacted with family support to influence mental health, but only for low levels of victimization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: verbal abuse & threat of attack & assault & mediating effects of family support & self acceptance; mental health & suicidality; bisexual or lesbian or gay 15–21 yr olds; Homosexuality; Mental Health; Self-Perception; Social Support; Victimization; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Family Relations; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Same-Sex Sexual Orientation, Childhood Sexual Abuse, and Suicidal Behavior in University Students in Turkey - Eskin, Mehmet; Kaynak-Demir, Hadiye; Demir, Sinem (Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2005)
This questionnaire study investigated the prevalence of, and interrelationships among, self-reported same-sex sexual orientation, childhood sexual abuse, and suicidal behavior in 1262 university students in Turkey. Approximately 7% of the sample reported lifetime or current same-sex sexual attractions, 5% reported that they engaged in same-sex sexual behavior, and almost 2% self-identified as either homosexual or bisexual. Overall, almost 10% of the sample acknowledged some form of a same-sex sexual orientation. Twenty-eight percent of the participants reported at least one instance of sexual abuse during their childhood. Almost 42% of the students reported suicidal ideation during the past 12 months or lifetime, and 7% reported that they attempted to kill themselves during their lifetime or in the past 12 months. Five hypotheses about the interrelationships among same-sex sexual orientation, childhood sexual abuse, and suicidal behavior were developed and tested in the study. Self-reported childhood sexual abuse was associated with same-sex sexual behavior. Participants who engaged in same-sex sexual behavior and those who identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual perceived more distance between themselves and their fathers than those who did not. Being sexually abused by someone of one's own sex was related to same-sex sexual orientation in male participants but not in female participants. Childhood sexual abuse was found to be an independent predictor of both suicidal ideation and attempts during the past 12 months. Only identifying oneself as homosexual or bisexual was associated with an increased risk for suicidal ideation during the past 12 months. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: same sex sexual orientation; childhood sexual abuse; suicidal behavior; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; Child Abuse, Sexual; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Social Alienation; Students; Suicide; Surveys and Questionnaires; Turkey; Homosexuality; Sexual Abuse; Sexual Orientation; Suicidal Ideation

Risk factors for suicide among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths - Proctor, Curtis D.; Groze, Victor K. (Social Work, 1994)
Examined risk factors for suicide among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths. Literature on the suicide rate and risk factors from adult and youth studies was reviewed. 221 self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths (mean age 18.5 yrs) who attended youth groups across the US and Canada were given the Adolescent Health Questionnaire, which assessed family issues, social environment, and self-perceptions. 40.3% of the Ss had attempted suicide, and 25.8% had seriously considered suicide. The 33.9% of Ss who had neither made a suicide attempt nor thought about it possessed internal and external qualities that enabled them to cope well in the face of discrimination, loneliness, and isolation. Ss with higher-functioning support systems were able to use those systems instead of considering suicide. How social workers can work to prevent suicide among and provide support for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: risk factors & mediating internal & external qualities & support systems; suicide attempts or thoughts; self identified gay & lesbian & bisexual youths; Adolescent; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Self Concept; Social Support; Suicide; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Homosexuality; Social Support; Suicidal Ideation

Recognizing Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Teens in a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Practice - Rosenberg, Miriam (Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2003)
Gay, lesbian, and transgender adolescents are described as more vulnerable than heterosexual youth to depression, substance abuse, anxiety, academic failure, self-destructive behaviors, and suicide. They face daunting developmental tasks that do not trouble their heterosexual peers: they must develop an identity that is disparaged by their society and often by peers and family as well. They must explore their sexuality, often in isolation, or worse in dangerous or grim situations. It is not surprising that they appear in psychiatrists' offices in large number, nor that we may have to do a little extra work to learn why they have come. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: gay; lesbian; transgender; adolescence; psychiatric difficulties; developmental tasks; psychiatry practice; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adolescent Psychiatry; Child; Child Psychiatry; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Prejudice; Professional-Patient Relations; Social Isolation; Social Support; Transsexualism; Adolescent Development; Adolescent Psychiatry; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality; Transsexualism; Child Psychiatry; Mental Disorders

Breaking the silence: Supporting intimate relationships for our wounded troops and their partners: A call to action - Satcher, David; Tepper, Mitchell S.; Thrasher, Christian; Rachel, Sharon A. (International Journal of Sexual Health, 2012)
Wounded troops in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are surviving their injuries at greater rates now than in all previous major American wars, and our returning troops face physical, mental, and sexual health challenges when trying to build and re-establish intimate relationships. We are seeing relationship difficulties like intimate partner violence, child abuse, divorce, partners taking on care giving roles, higher incidence of risky sexual behaviors among single veterans, and special challenges faced by women and gay and lesbian soldiers. Healthy intimate relationships can contribute to a person’s recovery from physical and mental trauma, while a lack of them can contribute to ongoing mental health problems and even suicide. Fortunately, we now see greater availability and acceptance of mental health services and resources for supporting intimate relationships in the military. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: intimate relationships; wounded troops; sexual partners; wars; military veterans; Intimacy; Military Veterans; War; Sexual Partners; Injuries

Sexual minority youth, social connection and resilience: From personal struggle to collective identity - DiFulvio, Gloria T. (Social Science & Medicine, 2011)
Sexual minority youth are at increased risk for negative health outcomes including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Researchers suggest that sexual orientation victimization is a predictor of such outcomes. Social connectedness—or the importance of belonging where youth perceive they are cared for and empowered within a given context—has been associated with positive youth outcomes. This qualitative study utilized life story methodology. Life stories are considered to be important expressions of one's identity and are shaped by personal, social, and cultural contexts. Twenty-two interviews were conducted with 15 young people ranging in age from 14 to 22 years. Two focus groups with youth were also conducted. Youth were recruited from rural and urban communities in Massachusetts. This study contributes to the literature on resilience by including the voices of sexual minority youth and explores the meaning of social connection in their lives. Youth discuss the ways in which individual connection and group affiliation served to affirm one’s identity, and provided a forum for moving personal struggle to collective action. The findings suggest the need to reconceptualize consequences of disconnection (such as depression or suicide) from individual pathology and attend to these consequences as a response to discrimination and stigma. Implications for these findings and areas for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual minority youth; negative health outcomes; social connection; resilience; personal struggle; collective identity; sexual orientation victimization; risk factors; mental health; life story methodology; Adolescent; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Massachusetts; Minority Groups; Prejudice; Resilience, Psychological; Social Identification; Young Adult; Life Experiences; Minority Groups; Resilience (Psychological); Sexual Orientation; Social Identity; At Risk Populations; Health; Mental Health; Methodology; Risk Factors; Victimization; Sexual Minority Groups

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth risks for emotional, physical, and social problems: Results from a community-based survey - Lock, James; Steiner, Hans (Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 1999)
Health problems of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youth are reported as differing from those of heterosexual youth. Increased depression, suicide, substance use, homelessness, and school dropout have been reported. Most studies of GLB youth use clinical or convenience samples. The authors conducted a community school-based health survey that included an opportunity to self-identify as GLB. An anonymous self-report health care questionnaire was used during a community-based survey in 2 high schools in an upper middle class district. Significantly increased health risks for self-identified GLB youth were found in mental health, sexual risk-taking, and general health risks compared with self-identified heterosexuals, but not in health domains associated with substance abuse, homelessness, or truancy. Findings suggest that self-identified GLB youth in community settings are at greater risk for mental health, sexual risk-taking, and poorer general health maintenance than their heterosexual peers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: level of mental & physical health risks; gay & lesbian & bisexual 12–18 yr olds; Adolescent; Affective Symptoms; Bisexuality; California; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Homeless Youth; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Incidence; Male; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Student Dropouts; At Risk Populations; Homosexuality; Mental Disorders; Physical Disorders; Health Risk Behavior; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Age of MSM sexual debut and risk factors: Results from a multisite study of racial/ethnic minority YMSM living with HIV - Outlaw, Angulique Y.; Phillips, Gregory II; Hightow-Weidman, Lisa B.; Fields, Sheldon D.; Hidalgo, Julia; Halpern-Felsher, Bonnie; Green-Jones, Monique (AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 2011)
The average reported age of sexual debut for youth in the United States is 14.4 years, with approximately 7% reporting their sexual debut prior to age 13. While the research literature on sexual debut for youth addresses gender and ethnic differences (with males and African-American youth experiencing earlier sexual debut), there is limited data regarding factors associated with sexual debut for young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Early sexual debut poses potential health risks, such as contracting HIV with an increased risk of unprotected intercourse. Given current high HIV infection rates for racial/ethnic minority YMSM, learning more about their sexual debuts and associated risk factors of this population is of great importance. This study investigated risk behaviors and emotional distress, and their association with MSM sexual debut for a multisite cohort of racial/ethnic minority YMSM living with HIV. We hypothesized that a MSM sexual debut younger than age 16 would be associated with engagement in more high-risk sexual behaviors (unprotected sex and exchange sex), substance use, and emotional distress than a MSM sexual debut at age 16 or older. Results indicated that participants having a MSM sexual debut before the age of 16 reported more exchange sex; drug use (specifically marijuana); emotional/psychological problems related to substance use; and a history of suicide attempts, compared to participants with later MSM sexual debuts. Comprehensive interventions that are racially/ethnically sensitive, inquire about initial sexual experiences, and focus on sexual health and healthy relationships are needed to improve health outcomes for this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: high-risk sexual behavior; sexual debut; risk factors; HIV; young men who have sex with men; emotional distress; unprotected sex; exchange sex; racial and ethnic minorities; substance use; HIV; Psychosexual Behavior; Risk Factors; Same Sex Intercourse; Distress; Drug Usage; Minority Groups; Racial and Ethnic Groups

Smoking and behavioral health of women - Jessup, Martha A.; Dibble, Suzanne L.; Cooper, Bruce A. (Journal of Women's Health, 2012)
Background: Using data from a study of reliability and validity of a screening tool for co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems, our objective was to compare behavioral health issues of female smokers and nonsmokers and explore correlates of smoking. Methods: Using a convenience sample (n = 1021), we recruited participants to complete an online survey conducted in substance abuse treatment, primary care, mental health services, senior, and public settings. The survey included demographic questions, smoking status, the co-occurring disorders screening tool, the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener (GAIN-SS) and the Postraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL)- Civilian. Results: One third of participants self-identified as smokers, and African American, American Indian, and bisexual women reported the highest rates of smoking. Seventy-two percent of women reported at least one mental health problem in the past year; 29% had a past year substance abuse problem, and 26% reported a past year co-occurring disorder of both. Smokers had significantly higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), past year depression and anxiety, suicidality, past year substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. Smokers also had significantly higher rates of lifetime intimate partner violence (IPV) and childhood abuse. Conclusions: Smoking in women was associated with significantly higher rates of mental health and substance abuse problems. Substance abuse, being in a treatment setting, IPV, African American and mixed ethnicity, Medicaid insurance status, reduced income, and no home ownership were identified as predictors of smoking. Screening and evaluation of smoking status, mental health, substance use disorders, and the presence and impact of violence are essential for women’s health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: cigarette smoking; women's behavioral health; mental health problems; substance abuse disorders; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; California; Child; Child Abuse; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); Domestic Violence; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Primary Health Care; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Public Sector; Sexuality; Smoking; Socioeconomic Factors; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Substance-Related Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mental Health; Tobacco Smoking; Health Care Psychology; Human Females

Suicidal behaviors in homosexual and bisexual males - Bagley, Christopher; Tremblay, Pierre (Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 1997)
A stratified random sample of 750 males in Calgary, Canada, aged 18–27 years, were given questions on sexual activity and orientation. Mental health questions included a measure of suicidality and of acts of deliberate self-harm. A computerized response format, which has been established as a good method for eliciting sensitive personal data, ensured anonymity. Almost 13% of the males were classified as homosexual or bisexual on the basis of being currently homosexually active or by self-identification. Significantly higher rates of previous suicidal ideas and actions were reported by homosexually oriented males than by heterosexual males. Homosexually oriented males accounted for 62.5% of suicide attempters. These findings, which indicate that homosexual and bisexual males are 13.9 times more at risk for a serious suicide attempt, are consonant with previous findings. The predominant reason for the suicidality of these young males may be linked to the process of 'coming out,' especially for those who currently have high levels of depression. These results underscore the need for qualified services rarely available to homosexually oriented youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: rates of self-harm & suicidal attempts; 18–27 yr old homosexual & bisexual males; Canada; Adolescent; Adult; Alberta; Bisexuality; Chi-Square Distribution; Cluster Analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Sampling Studies; Suicide, Attempted; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Male Homosexuality; Self-Destructive Behavior; Human Males

Sexual minorities seeking services: A retrospective study of the mental health concerns of lesbian and bisexual women - Rogers, Tracey L.; Emanuel, Kristen; Bradford, Judith (Journal of Lesbian Studies, 2003)
To understand the mental health needs of sexual minority women who seek community treatment, a chart review was conducted of the 223 lesbian and bisexual women who presented for services between July 1, 1997 and December 31, 2000 at Fenway Community Health in Boston, MA. Data are based on clients' self-reports and clinician assessments of clients' presenting problem, relevant developmental history, prior mental health and substance abuse treatment, current reports of emotional/ psychological symptoms, and areas of impaired functioning. Although substance abuse and suicidal ideation were commonly reported problems, other concerns were more frequently reported. High percentages of lesbians and bisexual women reported relationship concerns and lack of adequate social networks; rates of depression and anxiety based on clinicians' assessments were also high. Overall, lesbians and bisexual women did not differ in the issues they brought to treatment or level or types of impairment. Compared with previous community survey samples, however, study participants appeared to be healthier than general, non-clinical samples of self-identified lesbians, possibly reflecting the special characteristics of sexual minority women who seek treatment in specialized community sites such as the Fenway. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: bisexual women; sexual minority; lesbian women; mental health needs; community mental health services; Bisexuality; Health Service Needs; Lesbianism; Sexual Minority Groups; Community Mental Health Services

Review of Suicide prohibition: The shame of medicine - Tarantolo, Joseph (Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry: An International Journal of Critical Inquiry, 2012)
Reviews the book, Suicide Prohibition: The Shame of Medicine by Thomas Szasz (see record [rid]2011-24775-000[/rid]). The power and unnerving nature of Szasz’s analyses in the fields of psychiatry and psychology are that he will not allow his detractors to skirt the issue of their premises. In Szasz’s view, rather than preventing suicide, the suicide prohibitionists actually make matters worse. They 'have succeeded in preventing people from having an honest, private conversation about life and death' because to talk openly subjects the patient potentially to forced hospitalization and the therapist to malpractice legal liability. Szasz’s argument against the suicide prohibitionists stands or falls on his insistence that what has come to be called mental illness is not a disease but rather a metaphor for moral, philosophical, political, and social struggle. Szasz gives a detailed account of the suicide death by antidepressant overdose of Steven Schnipper, a gay graphic designer (p. 37) in the late 1970s. I would have appreciated Szasz taking on the task of explaining how this thing called the will—freewill as opponents to determinism might call it—be weakened or distorted by drugs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide prohibition; psychology; psychiatry; patients; Psychiatry; Psychology; Suicide; Patients; Suicide Prevention

Asian/Pacific Islander Adolescent Sexual Orientation and Suicide Risk in Guam - Pinhey, Thomas K.; Millman, Sara R. (American Journal of Public Health, 2004)
Objectives: We examined the effects of same-sex orientation on suicide risks for Guam's Asian/Pacific islander adolescents. Methods: We used a probability sample and logistic regression analysis to identify suicide risk factors. Results: Same-sex orientation was associated with a greater risk of suicide attempt, especially for boys. Adolescents who reported suffering physical abuse in the context of a romantic relationship, engaging in binge drinking, and experiencing feelings of hopelessness were at greater risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Race/ethnicity was associated with suicide risk for both boys and girls, and patterns suggest that membership in the same racial/ethnic group decreased suicide risk for girls and increased risk of suicide for boys. Conclusions: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents in Guam deserve intervention and counseling programs to reduce suicide risk. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; suicide risk; adolescent attitudes; counseling programs; Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Alcohol Drinking; Asia; Attitude to Health; Counseling; European Continental Ancestry Group; Female; Grief; Guam; Homosexuality; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Micronesia; Models, Psychological; Morale; Needs Assessment; Philippines; Psychology, Adolescent; Risk Factors; Sex Distribution; Spouse Abuse; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adolescent Attitudes; At Risk Populations; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Counseling

Suicide and gay/lesbian/bisexual youth: Implications for clinicians - Morrison, Linda L.; L'Heureux, Jeff (Journal of Adolescence, 2001)
The research indicating the incidence rates and specific risks for suicide in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning (GLBQ) adolescent population is reviewed. An ecological model of suicide risk assessment for GLBQ youth is presented based on U. Bronfenbrenner's (1997) model of human development. The model argues for individual, micro, and macro levels of assessment to increase clinical judgement and accuracy in determining high risk GLBQ adolescents. The model also delineates both primary and secondary intervention strategies which could be utilized to prevent GLBQ youth suicide. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: risks for & ecological model & prevention of suicide; gay & lesbian & bisexual & questioning youth; Adolescent; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sexuality; Suicide; Models; Prevention; Risk Factors; Sexual Orientation; Suicide; Bisexuality; Lesbianism; Male Homosexuality

Sexual orientation and gender identity/expression related peer victimization in adolescence: A systematic review of associated psychosocial and health outcomes - Collier, Kate L.; van Beusekom, Gabriël; Bos, Henny M. W.; Sandfort, Theo G. M. (Journal of Sex Research, 2013)
This article reviews research on psychosocial and health outcomes associated with peer victimization related to adolescent sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Using four electronic databases and supplementary methods, we identified 39 relevant studies. These studies were published between 1995 and 2012 and conducted in 12 different countries. The studies were diverse in terms of their approaches to sampling participants, assessing participants’ sexual orientation, operationalizing peer victimization, and with regard to the psychosocial and health outcomes studied in relation to peer victimization. Despite the methodological diversity across studies, there is fairly strong evidence that peer victimization related to sexual orientation and gender identity or expression is associated with a diminished sense of school belonging and higher levels of depressive symptoms; findings regarding the relationship between peer victimization and suicidality have been more mixed. Peer victimization related to sexual orientation and gender identity or expression is also associated with disruptions in educational trajectories, traumatic stress, and alcohol and substance use. Recommendations for future research and interventions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: sexual orientation; gender identity; peer victimization; psychosocial & health outcomes; adolescents; Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Bullying; Crime Victims; Gender Identity; Humans; Peer Group; Sexual Behavior; Gender Identity; Peers; Psychosocial Factors; Sexual Orientation; Victimization; Health Outcomes

The impact of homophobia, poverty, and racism on the mental health of gay and bisexual Latino men: Findings from 3 US cities - Díaz, Rafael M.; Ayala, George; Bein, Edward; Henne, Jeff; Marin, Barbara V. (American Journal of Public Health, 2001)
Assessed the relation between experiences of social discrimination (homophobia, racism, and financial hardship) and symptoms of psychologic distress (anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation) among 912 self-identified gay and bisexual Latino men (mean age 31.2 yrs). Data were collected from interviews. The results show high prevalence rates of psychologic symptoms of distress during the 6 mo before the interview, including suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depressed mood. Experiences of social discrimination were strong predictors of psychologic symptoms. It is concluded that the mental health difficulties experienced by many gay and bisexual Latino men are directly related to a social context of oppression that leads to social alienation, low self-esteem, and symptoms of psychologic distress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: social discrimination; homophobia; racism; financial hardship; psychological distress; anxiety; depression; suicidal ideation; gay males; bisexual males; Latinos; Adult; Bisexuality; Hispanic Americans; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Mental Health; Poverty; Prejudice; Self Concept; Social Support; Stress, Psychological; Suicide; United States; Urban Population; Bisexuality; Male Homosexuality; Psychiatric Symptoms; Social Discrimination; Latinos/Latinas; Anxiety; Disadvantaged; Distress; Homosexuality (Attitudes Toward); Major Depression; Racism; Suicidal Ideation

Comparing health and mental health needs, service use, and barriers to services among sexual minority youths and their peers - Williams, Kelly A.; Chapman, Mimi V. (Health & Social Work, 2011)
Using a representative national sample (N = 20,745), this article explores health and mental health needs, service use, and barriers to services among sexual minority youths (SMYs) and heterosexual peers. SMYs were defined by ever having a same-sex romantic attraction or having a recent same-sex romantic relationship or sexual partner. SMYs accounted for 7.5 percent of the sample. Data were analyzed to ascertain prevalence of risks and explore group differences. Compared with peers, SMY self-reports indicated higher prevalence rates on all indicators of health and mental health need. SMYs reported more sexual activity, more sexually transmitted disease diagnoses, a higher perceived risk for HIV/AIDS, and more forgone medical care than peers. Also compared with peers, SMYs reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, suicidality, and physical and sexual victimization and higher rates of unmet mental health need. SMYs also reported greater concerns about confidentiality and were less likely to use school-based services. The majority of SMYs reported same-sex attraction only. Social work and other helping professionals should incorporate same-sex attraction questions into assessment protocols to target services for this population. School- and office-based providers must consider whether their services are welcoming and offer sufficient assurances of confidentiality to facilitate access by SMYs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: mental health service needs; health care barriers; peers; sexual minority youths; Adolescent; Child; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Needs and Demand; Homosexuality, Female; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental Health Services; Minority Groups; Peer Group; Young Adult; Health Service Needs; Mental Health Services; Minority Groups; Sexual Orientation; Treatment Barriers; Peers; Sexual Minority Groups

Suicide attempts among gay and bisexual men: Lifetime prevalence and antecedents - Paul, Jay P.; Catania, Joseph; Pollack, Lance; Moskowitz, Judith; Canchola, Jesse; Mills, Thomas; Binson, Diane; Stall, Ron (American Journal of Public Health, 2002)
Examined lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts and psychosocial correlates in 2,881 men (aged 18-86 yrs) who have sex with men (MSM). Telephone interviews were conducted. 21% had made a suicide plan; 12% had attempted suicide (almost half were multiple attempters). Most who attempted suicide made their 1st attempt before age 25. Although prevalence of parasuicide (i.e., attempted suicide) remained constant across birth cohorts, mean age at initial attempts declined. The results suggest that MSM are at elevated risk for suicide attempts, with such risk clustered earlier in life. Some risk factors were specific to being gay or bisexual in a hostile environment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: suicide attempts; psychosocial correlates; men who have sex with men; homosexuality; bisexuality; epidemiology; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Bisexuality; Chi-Square Distribution; Chicago; Decision Making; Homosexuality, Male; Hostility; Humans; Los Angeles; Male; Middle Aged; New York City; Prevalence; Probability; Risk Factors; San Francisco; Sexual Harassment; Social Environment; Suicide, Attempted; Urban Population; Attempted Suicide; Bisexuality; Epidemiology; Male Homosexuality; Psychosocial Factors

Correlates of cutting behavior among sexual minority youths and young adults - Walls, N. Eugene; Laser, Julie; Nickels, Sarah J.; Wisneski, Hope (Social Work Research, 2010)
Using secondary analyses of data from a sample of 265 sexual minority youths, the authors examined correlates of cutting behavior to determine whether patterns are similar to those found in studies of self-injury with community samples of predominately heterosexual youths. The sample consisted of youths who received services at an urban social service agency serving the sexual minority community, youths from the region attending social events, who located the survey through the Internet, or who were referred from other youth-serving agencies; and youths from out of state who found the survey through the Internet or were referred by youth-serving agencies. Prevalence of cutting was higher than that found in community-based samples of similar age groups. However, similar patterns of risk were found with regard to peer victimization, homelessness, suicidality, and depression. Female and transgender respondents were more likely to have engaged in cutting behavior than were male respondents. No significant race-based differences emerged Both age and having knowledge of a supportive adult were associated with decreased likelihood of cutting. Additional findings link higher levels of 'outness,' higher occurrence of suicidality among social network, and higher rates of smoking to increased likelihood of cutting Implications for practice and future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: cutting behavior; sexual minority; self injuries; youths; young adults; Homosexuality; Self-Destructive Behavior; Sexual Orientation; Transgender; Sexual Minority Groups; Heterosexuality