Youth suicide risk and sexual orientation

Using a broad suicide risk assessment (suicidal ideation, hopelessness, hostility) with 100 youth ages 17 to 19, this study examined the relationship between sexual orientation and youth suicide risk. Participants were compared across sexual orientation, as well as level of perceived external support, which may be a mitigating variable in suicide risk. The suicide risk demonstrated by sexual minorities in this study was no greater than that of their heterosexual peers. Youth who reported more external support demonstrated lower overall suicide risk and, specifically, lower levels of hostility, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The results indicated that suicide risk is not determined by demographic criteria alone, and may be influenced by psychosocial variables, such as support.