Sexual orientation and suicide attempt: a longitudinal study of the general Norwegian adolescent population.
Past and future suicide attempt rates among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) young people were compared with those of heterosexual young people. A sample of Norwegian students (N = 2.924; grades 7-12) was followed in 3 data collection waves. Risk factors included previous suicide attempt,depressed mood, eating problems, conduct problems, early sexual debut, number of sexual partners, pubertal timing, self-concept, alcohol and drug use, atypical gender roles, loneliness, peer relations, social support, parental attachment, parental monitoring, and suicidal behavior among family and friends. When homosexual attraction, homosexual identity, and same-sex sexual behavior were entered to predict suicide attempt, only same-sex sexual behavior was significantly predictive. The increased odds could not be attributed to GLB students' greater exposure to risk factors for suicide attempt.
Wichstrøm
Lars
L
Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim. lars.wichstrom@svt.ntnu.no
Hegna
Kristinn
K
D000293:Adolescent; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data