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. 2012;60(2):141-9.
doi: 10.1080/07448481.2011.623332.

Drivers of disparity: differences in socially based risk factors of self-injurious and suicidal behaviors among sexual minority college students

John Blosnich  1 , Robert Bossarte
Affiliations

Drivers of disparity: differences in socially based risk factors of self-injurious and suicidal behaviors among sexual minority college students

John Blosnich et al. J Am Coll Health. 2012.

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (ie, sexual minority) populations have increased prevalence of both self-injurious and suicidal behaviors, but reasons for these disparities are poorly understood.

Objective: To test the association between socially based stressors (eg, victimization, discrimination) and self-injurious behavior, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt.

Participants: A national sample of college-attending 18- to 24-year-olds.

Methods: Random or census samples from postsecondary educational institutions that administered the National College Health Assessment during the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters.

Results: Sexual minorities reported more socially based stressors than heterosexuals. Bisexuals exhibited greatest prevalence of self-injurious and suicidal behaviors. In adjusted models, intimate partner violence was most consistently associated with self-injurious behaviors.

Conclusions: Sexual minorities' elevated risks of self-injurious and suicidal behaviors may stem from higher exposure to socially based stressors. Within-group differences among sexual minorities offer insight to specific risk factors that may contribute to elevated self-injurious and suicidal behaviors in sexual minority populations.

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References

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