Sexual orientation and suicide attempt: a longitudinal study of the general Norwegian adolescent population

J Abnorm Psychol. 2003 Feb;112(1):144-51.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Conduct Disorder / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Norway / epidemiology
  • Self Concept
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data