Suicidal Acts and Ideation in Homosexual and Bisexual Young People: a Study of Prevalence and Risk Factors

The risk of attempted suicide & the effect of potential risk factors on the ocurrence of suicidal ideation & behaviour was examined among Belgian homosexual youth. A questionnaire was used with a general population sample of homosexual or bisexual young people & a control sample of school pupils. A 2-fold increased risk of ideation was associated with a homosexual or bisexual orientation. A significantly increased risk of attempted suicide associated with homosexuality or bisexuality was found in females. Independent of sexual orientation, depression was a significant risk factor for ideation while suicidal behaviour was associated with low self-esteem, higher levels of hopelessness, & suicidal behaviour in someone close. (16 refs.) JA