An Examination of the Patterns of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning Youth Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts and State-Level LGBQ+ Equality

2026/01/02 by Corbin J. Standley, Ryan Robertson, John F. Gunn · 1 voice
Psychology · #LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy #Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology #Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/26924951.2025.2598570

openalex publication_date 2026/01/02 · openalex created_date 2026/02/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth report higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) than their peers. Using minority stress and socioecological theories, this study examined how state-level factors impact these disparities. Using Generalized Estimating Equations with secondary data, state equality index (SEI) scores were used to predict STBs among LGBQ youth. LGBQ youth in states with high SEI scores reported fewer STBs. Sadness, hopelessness, and bullying were positively associated with suicidal thoughts among LGBQ youth. Findings highlight the need for public health approaches to prevention that also create safe and affirming environments for LGBQ youth.

Citations

• Heterosexuals' attitudes toward bisexual men and women in the United States
• Toward an experimental ecology of human development.
• Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence.
• Expanding our paradigms: Intersectional and socioecological approaches to suicide prevention
• Structural Racism and Suicide Prevention for Ethnoracially Minoritized Youth: A Conceptual Framework and Illustration Across Systems

Discussions

• 🏳️‍🌈 Excited to share our new article in the Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling on how affirming state laws are linked to lower suicide risk among LGBQ youth. Grateful to collaborate with Ryan R [bsky, 3 points, 0 comments]

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