A literature review of social work practice in LGBTQ youth and children at risk for suicide, ages 11 to 19, reveals a need for more research and support. Studies have shown that suicide rates among this population have increased significantly in recent years (Sciamanna, 2020). This has raised many concerns among healthcare providers, as well as in the general public. Cyberbullying has been identified as a significant contributing factor (Abreu & Kenny, 2017). Furthermore, a lack of supportive services for LGBTQ youth has been linked to an increased risk of suicide attempts (Madireddy & Madireddy, 2022). LGBTQ youth are vulnerable to various mental health issues, including suicide, due in part to the lack of supportive services.
Research has demonstrated that an increased risk of suicide attempts is associated with a lack of access to this necessary support (Madireddy & Madireddy, 2022). Studies have shown that when LGBTQ youth experience family rejection and victimization in schools, their risk of suicide attempts is significantly higher (Abreu & Kenny, 2017; Jadva et al., 2021). Furthermore, a lack of access to health services for LGBTQ youth has been linked to an increased prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (Williams et al., 2021). Research indicates that providing support and resources to LGBTQ youth, such as mental health services and education on gender identity and expression, could help decrease their risk of experiencing suicide attempts (Tordoff et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2021). Additionally, increasing awareness within the public sector of the prevalence of suicide among LGBTQ youth is needed to create more equitable access to support services (Wang et al., 2022). Thus, it is clear that LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk of suicidal behavior than their peers due to the lack of resources and support available to them.
A systematic review of the factors associated with suicide attempts among sexual minority adolescents revealed that depression, family relationships, social isolation, and victimization were all significantly associated with increased risk for suicidal behavior (Wang et al., 2022). Furthermore, a study of LGBTQ+ youth found that methods of attempted suicide varied by gender identity and sexual orientation, indicating a need for tailored interventions for this population (Wang et al., 2021). Interventions must be developed to address this issue and create an environment where LGBTQ youth can feel safe, accepted, and supported.
Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis of victimization and mental health prevalence among LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm and suicide found an increased risk for suicidal behavior in those who have experienced discrimination or violence (Williams et al., 2021). Studies point to multiple factors that play a role in the risk of suicide among LGBTQ youth, such as gender, socioeconomic status, bullying, and school experience (Jadva et al., 2021). For example, a recent study found that transgender and nonbinary youths receiving gender-affirmative care were more likely to report suicidal thoughts than other LGBTQ youth (Tordoff et al., 2022). Moreover, risk factors such as victimization, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse have been identified in studies as being strongly associated with suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth (Williams et al., 2021; Wang et al., 20221). Research has also found that specific methods of attempted suicide are more common among this population than their heterosexual counterparts, such as hanging and poisoning (Wang et al., 2021). This shows that LGBTQ youth are particularly vulnerable and may require specialized interventions.
The literature also highlights the need for increased support services for this population to reduce the risk of suicide. Studies suggest that providing mental health care and access to social support are essential in improving the mental health outcomes of LGBTQ youth (Madireddy & Madireddy, 2022). Additionally, bullying prevention and discrimination reduction initiatives have been identified as effective strategies for reducing suicidal ideation (Abreu & Kenny, 2017). Future research should focus on identifying strategies that are effective in reducing suicide risk and promoting mental health among LGBTQ youth. The literature on this topic highlights the need for further research, particularly regarding interventions explicitly tailored to LGBTQ youth that may help reduce their risk of suicide.
Such efforts could be invaluable in helping to protect this vulnerable population from the devastating effects of suicide. It is, therefore, crucial to continue the research in this field, to better understand the risks and protective factors for LGBTQ youth at risk of suicide and develop effective interventions to reduce their risk. There is a need for further research and interventions to address the growing problem of suicide among LGBTQ youth. The literature indicates that multiple factors play a role in the risk of suicide among this population and that providing supportive services such as mental health care and social support can help reduce suicidal ideation. Additionally, interventions such as bullying prevention and discrimination reduction initiatives can also be effective in reducing the risk of suicide. The research on this topic is vital to help reduce the number of lives lost due to suicide among LGBTQ youth.
References
Abreu, R. L., & Kenny, M. C. (2018). Cyberbullying and LGBTQ youth: A systematic literature review and recommendations for prevention and intervention. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 11(1), 81–97. Web.
Jadva, V., Guasp, A., Bradlow, J. H., Bower-Brown, S., & Foley, S. (2021). Predictors of self-harm and suicide in LGBT youth: The role of gender, socio-economic status, bullying and school experience. Journal of Public Health. Web.
Madireddy, S., & Madireddy, S. (2022). Supportive model for the improvement of Mental Health and prevention of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 27(1), 85–101. Web.
Sciamanna John Sciamanna is CWLA’s Vice President of Public Policy., J. (2020). Increased suicide rates among children aged 5 to 11 years in the U.S. CWLA. Web.
Tordoff, D. M., Wanta, J. W., Collin, A., Stepney, C., Inwards-Breland, D. J., & Ahrens, K. (2022). Mental health outcomes in transgender and nonbinary youths receiving gender-affirming care. JAMA Network Open, 5(2). Web.
Wang, X., Gan, Q., Zhou, J., Cosquer, M., Falissard, B., Corruble, E., Jousselme, C., & Gressier, F. (2022). A systematic review of the factors associated with suicide attempts among sexual-minority adolescents. Web.
Wang, Y., Feng, Y., Han, M., Duan, Z., Wilson, A., Fish, J., Sun, S., & Chen, R. (2021). Methods of attempted suicide and risk factors in LGBTQ+ youth. Child Abuse & Neglect, 122, 105352. Web.
Williams, A. J., Jones, C., Arcelus, J., Townsend, E., Lazaridou, A., & Michail, M. (2021). A systematic review and meta-analysis of victimisation and mental health prevalence among LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm and suicide. PLOS ONE, 16(1). Web.