Suicide and Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Youth: Implications for Clinicians

The research indicating the incidence rates & specific risks for suicide in the gay, lesbian, bisexual & questioning adolescent population is reviewed. An ecological model of suicide risk assessment is presented based on Bronfenbrenner’s model of human development. The model argues for individual, micro, & macro levels of assessment to increase clinical judgment & accuracy n determining high risk gay, lesbian, bisexual & questioning adolescent. The model also delineates both primary & secondary intervention strategies which could be utilized to prevent suicide in this population. (42 refs.)