Previous studies have indicated that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth have higher rates of suicide attempts than heterosexual youth. The study, "The Social Environment and Suicide Attempts in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth," in the May issue of Pediatrics (published online April 18), begins to explain why these disparities exist.
A total of 31,852 students in 11th grade in Oregon completed the Oregon Healthy Teens survey in 2006-2008. The study author created a composite index of the social environment in 34 counties and found that the risk of suicide attempts among LGB youth living in counties that were less supportive of homosexuality was 20 percent higher than LGB youth living in supportive counties.
Many of the aspects of the social environment that were included in the measure (i.e., presence of gay-straight alliances, anti-bullying policies, and anti-discrimination policies) can be addressed through implementing school-level policies that create supportive and inclusive environments. Results suggest that these school-level policies will not only decrease suicide attempts among LGB youth, but also among heterosexual youth.
Healthy Children Radio
Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, Ph.D, the lead author of this study, comes on the show to discuss the results of his research.
Segment 1: Environmental Impact on Suicide Attempts in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth
