Suicide Scripts Among Sexual and/or Gender Minority Adults.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Social norms significantly influence health behaviors, including suicide acceptability.
• Understanding these norms within sexual and gender minority (GM) populations is crucial for effective suicide prevention.
• Previous research indicates varied perceptions, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate social norms of suicide acceptability among GM individuals.
• To replicate and extend prior findings on suicide perceptions in diverse minority groups.
• To examine the influence of general versus LGBTQ+-specific stressors on these perceptions.

Main Methods:

• A large sample (n=1962) of adults aged 18-35 were recruited via social media and university lists.
• Participants were randomly assigned to vignettes depicting non-lethal suicide attempts following various stressors.
• Data analyzed using ANCOVAs to compare perceptions of suicidal behavior, acceptability, empathy, adjustment, and intent across identity types and scenarios.

Main Results:

• Sexual and gender minority participants viewed suicidal behavior as more acceptable than cisgender heterosexual participants.
• Gender minority individuals reported higher emotional adjustment and lower suicidal intent.
• No significant differences in empathy towards the decision to attempt suicide were observed across groups.

Conclusions:

• Suicide may be perceived as permissible and normalized within LGBTQ+ communities, potentially elevating suicide risk.
• Interventions addressing permissive suicide norms are essential for suicide prevention efforts in LGBTQ+ populations.
• Further research should explore the nuances of these social norms and their impact on help-seeking behaviors.