Abstract
Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) is a serious concern for the well-being of youth. Stressors relate to greater NSSH risk, such as being non-heterosexual in a heteronormative society. Other stressors may include traumatic experiences. These relationships may be mediated by psychological factors (depressed mood, anxiety, anger, and self-esteem) as well as contextual factors (support from parents and peers). The purpose of this study was to examine NSHH ideation and behavior among Icelandic youth, as well as relationships with stressors and mediators. Students in Icelandic high schools (N = 8921, 50.8% female) completed an in-class survey in the year 2016. Results showed an elevated risk of NSSH ideation and behavior among bisexual and homosexual youth. Mediation analyses showed that, for girls, being bisexual related to greater NSSH ideation and behavior, and these relationships were mediated by depressed mood, anger, and self-esteem, as well as by support from parents and peers. For boys, however, both homosexual and bisexual attraction related to greater risk for NSSH ideation and behavior, which was mediated by depressed mood, anger, and self-esteem. These results suggest that NSSH risk factors vary by gender and, therefore, they may benefit from different interventions to stop and prevent this behavior. This is the first study of its kind in Iceland, where sexual minority stress may need further study within the Nordic context.
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The data used in this study were collected by the Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis, which was supported by grants from the Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.
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Sigurvinsdottir, R., Gisladottir, B., Asgeirsdottir, B.B. et al. Sexual Attraction and Non-Suicidal Self-Harm: The Role of Stressors and Psychological Mediators. Arch Sex Behav 53, 1293–1306 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02792-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02792-3