Suicide Scripts Among Sexual and/or Gender Minority Adults

This study investigates the social norms of suicide acceptability among sexual and gender minority (GM) individuals, aiming to replicate and extend previous findings.

Participants (n = 1962) aged 18-35 were recruited through social media and university email lists. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five vignettes depicting a non-lethal suicide attempt following either general (e.g., failed relationship) or LGBTQ+ specific stressors (e.g., same-sex encounter). Measures assessed perceptions of suicidal behavior, acceptability of suicide, empathy with the decision to attempt suicide, perceived emotional adjustment, suicide intent, and character of the suicidal person. Data were analyzed using a 4 (identity type) × 5 (scenario) between-subject ANCOVAs.

Significant differences were found across minority types. Sexual and gender minority participants viewed suicidal behavior more positively and as more acceptable compared to cisgender heterosexual participants. Gender minority participants perceived higher levels of emotional adjustment and lower suicidal intent than all other groups. No significant group differences were found in empathy toward the decision to attempt suicide.

The findings suggest that suicide is viewed as permissible and perhaps normalized within LGBTQ+ communities, potentially increasing risk. Interventions targeting permissive suicide scripts may be crucial for suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ populations.