title: Nonsuicidal self-injury in sexual minority college students: a test of theoretical integration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Individuals identifying as a sexual minority report engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) at substantially higher rates compared to their heterosexual peers. Given that NSSI is a known risk factor for suicide, it is important to understand the processes unique to being a sexual minority that increases risk for NSSI so that adequate prevention efforts can be established. The current study integrated Minority Stress Theory and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to test a model of NSSI and suicide risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 137 college students who identified as a sexual minority completed an anonymous on-line study assessing NSSI, suicidal thoughts/behaviors, and constructs of the minority stress and interpersonal theories. Two linear regressions using bootstrapping analyses were conducted to test our hypotheses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Minority stress was directly associated with NSSI and via perceived burdensomeness, explaining 27 % of the variance. NSSI was associated with increased risk for suicide thoughts/behaviors directly, and through acquired capability, explaining 45 % of the variance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings provide evidence that unique stressors individuals face as a result of their sexual minority status increases risk for self-harm by influencing cognitive and emotional processes such as burdensomeness and acquired capability. Implications for prevention, intervention, and future research are briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54702 USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Muehlenkamp
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Lawrence University, 347 Briggs Hall, 711 E. Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911 USA.
authors.forename: Lori M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hilt
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA.
authors.forename: Peter P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Ehlinger
authors.affiliation: Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920 USA.
authors.forename: Taylor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: McMillan
keywords: Burdensomeness; College; Minority stress; NSSI; Self-harm; Self-injury; Sexual minority; Suicide; Youth