Suicidal ideation in LGBT youth: a literature review

Keywords: Suicidal risk, protective factors, risk factors, sexual minorities

Abstract

A review of the literature on experiences and meanings surrounding suicide ideation in LGBT youth was conducted. It was found that a large part of the studies were carried out in Anglo-Saxon populations that tended to compare "heteronormative" with "non-heteronormative" populations, through eminently quantitative designs, where the main results were greater vulnerability in comparison to the heterosexual population, internalized homophobia and rejection of one's own sexual orientation. Social and family vulnerability that fed the experience of diverse violence in different areas of their lives. In addition, alcohol and drugs were predictors of suicidal ideation. These living conditions favored mood disturbances and affected mental health, as well as a tendency to develop self-injurious behaviors. However, family and social support were protective against suicidal ideation. Few authors used the recognized categories within the LGBT community to describe their participants, the category most commonly used was "non-heteronormative population", tending to reproduce heterosexist models. Most of the papers on experiences and meanings did not give their participants a voice.

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Author Biographies

Cynthia Y. Santoyo-Báez, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas

Pasante de la Licenciatura en Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. 

Elizabeth A. Pérez-Hernández, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas

Doctora en Ciencias de la Salud Públicapor la Universidad de Guadalajara, catedrática CONACYT adscrita a la UATSCDH de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. 

Luz A. Orozco-Ramírez, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas

Doctora en psicología por la Universidad de Sevilla, España. Docente Investigador de tiempo completo categoría "D" en la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. Miembro del Sistema Nacional de Investigadores Nivel 1. 

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Published
2021-07-05