Associations Between Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors, Sexual Violence Victimization, and Sexual Orientation in Youth: A Secondary Data Analysis of the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between sexual violence victimization (SVV) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) has been established. However, when applied to LGBTQ+ (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) populations, the impact of SVV on the severity of STBs experienced requires further exploration. Suicide is a major public health problem, with youth aged 10-24 years accounting for 14% of all suicides seen in the United States. The association between SVV, STBs, and other psychopathologies, such as anxiety and depression, is stronger in sexual minorities (LGBQT+) than in the heterosexual population. A cross-sectional secondary analysis of the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was completed to investigate the association between SVV and STBs in LGBTQ+ youth populations when compared with their heterosexual peers and to determine if sexual orientation is a potential moderator in this relationship.

Methods: Sexual orientation, questions related to STBs, and sexual assault/rape and intimate partner violence experiences were extracted from the 2021 YRBS. Binary logistic regression considering the complex sample survey design of the YRBS was utilized to assess associations of SVV with STBs while controlling for sexual orientation.

Results: Sexual minority youth exhibit higher odds of both experiencing SVV and exhibiting STBs compared with their heterosexual peers. Some aspects of STBs in the presence of SVV are moderated by sexual orientation.

Conclusion: Further investigation is needed into this association in LGBTQ+ youth populations who have experienced sexual violence to better understand this relationship.