Factors Related to Suicide in LGBT Populations

Crisis. 2016 Sep;37(5):361-369. doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000423. Epub 2016 Sep 23.

Abstract

Background: There is evidence of heightened vulnerability to nonfatal suicidal behaviors among LGBT populations yet a paucity of studies into fatal behaviors.

Aim: The specific aim of this article was to identify factors related to suicide in LGBT individuals in Australia.

Method: The psychological autopsy (PA) method with a matched case-control study design was used. PA interviews were conducted with 27 next-of-kin of an LGBT person that had died by suicide. Three living LGBT controls per suicide case, matched by age and gender, were also interviewed.

Results: The key factors relating to suicide in LGBT people were a lack of acceptance by family and self (reflected in higher internalized homophobia and shame), negative feelings about own sexuality/gender, and dissatisfaction with appearance. LGBT people who died by suicide also tended to go through coming out milestones 2 years earlier than controls. There was a higher prevalence of aggressive behaviors and a more predominant history of physical and sexual abuse. Additionally, there was greater incidence of depression and anxiety and alcohol and substance use disorders.

Conclusion: Specific predictive factors for suicide in LGBT populations in Australia were identified, including significantly poorer mental health outcomes and more violence across an array of measures.

Keywords: LGBT; psychological autopsy; risk factors; suicide.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / epidemiology*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Employment / psychology
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult