Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes, most notably suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). The current study examines risk and protective factors for STBs and depression among 1,078 youth in high schools. We examine these outcomes through an intersectional lens, and we extend the use of the minority stress theory framework by focusing on resilience and protective factors and argue that bias against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth should be addressed at the systemic, rather than the individual, level. Our findings suggest that family support is a notable factor protective of depression and suicide-related behavior among LGBTQ youth. Additionally, peer support, help-seeking beliefs, access to medical and counseling services, engaging in healthy activities, spirituality, and having trusted adults are protective factors for some groups. The nuanced findings in this study offer suggestions for school psychologists and professionals to promote healthy and safe school environments.

Impact Statement

The present study addresses the prevalence of suicide among LGBTQ adolescents and protective factors that may buffer their heightened risk. LGBTQ students are not inherently at risk because of their identities, but because of stigmatization they may face in society. As such, recommendations are provided to guide school psychologists and other professionals to foster a safe and inclusive environment for this population to reduce suicide risk.

摘要

性和性别少数 (SGM) 青年的不良心理健康结果发生率较高，尤其是自杀念头和行为 (STB)。目前的研究调查了 1,078 名高中青年的机顶盒和抑郁症的风险和保护因素。我们通过交叉镜头检查这些结果，并通过关注复原力和保护因素来扩展少数压力理论框架的使用，并认为对女同性恋、男同性恋、双性恋、跨性别和酷儿/质疑 (LGBTQ) 青年的偏见应该是在系统而不是个人层面上解决问题。我们的研究结果表明，家庭支持是保护 LGBTQ 青年抑郁和自杀相关行为的一个显着因素。此外，同伴支持、寻求帮助的信念、获得医疗和咨询服务的机会，从事健康的活动、灵性和拥有值得信赖的成年人是某些群体的保护因素。本研究中细致入微的发现为学校心理学家和专业人士提供了促进健康和安全的学校环境的建议。

影响陈述

本研究探讨了 LGBTQ 青少年中的自杀率以及可能缓冲其高风险的保护因素。LGBTQ 学生本身并不因为他们的身份而处于危险之中，而是因为他们在社会中可能面临的污名化。因此，提供了一些建议，以指导学校心理学家和其他专业人员为该人群营造一个安全和包容的环境，以降低自杀风险。