J Adolesc Health. 2025 Aug 20:S1054-139X(25)00276-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.06.025. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate exposure to others’ suicidal behavior in explaining the heightened risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents.
METHODS: From December 2022 to May 2023, this cross-sectional survey study recruited 1,128 students from four public high schools (grades 9-12) in one historically segregated county in the southeastern United States. We estimated exposure to others’ suicidal behavior and one’s own STBs by SGM status.
RESULTS: SGM adolescents reported significantly higher levels of STBs and more prevalent exposure to friends’ and family members’ suicide attempts and deaths (all p < 0.01), with 50.2% of SGM adolescents reporting exposure to friends’ suicide attempts. In multivariate mediation models adjusted for confounders, exposure to friends’ and family members’ suicide attempts accounted for 7%-12% of the disparities in STBs between SGM and cisgender/heterosexual adolescents.
DISCUSSION: Exposure to others’ suicidal behavior is prevalent among SGM adolescents and associated with the group’s increased risk of STBs. Suicide prevention policies and programs targeting SGM adolescents should enhance school-based screening, increase access to SGM-affirmative mental health resources, and leverage peer-engaged interventions.
PMID:40838905 | DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.06.025
