The Consequences of Victimization on Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors: Examining the Moderating Influence of Sexual Orientation

• In Event: The Causes and Consequences of Hate Crime Victimization: Findings from the LHCVS Pilot Study

Abstract

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, making it a pressing public health issue. Scholars have begun to address specific populations that might be at greater risk of suicidal ideation as a consequence of victimization, including the LGBT population. Indeed, scholars have indicated that sexual minorities, compared to their heterosexual counterparts, exhibit higher rates of suicidality. The current study seeks to examine the relationship between identity-based victimization and suicidal ideation, specifically looking at the moderating effect of LGBT status on this relationship. Specifically, we use pilot data from the Longitudinal Hate Crime Victimization Survey (LHCVS) to examine the relationships between victimization and suicidal ideation generally, the impact of bias-motivated victimization directed towards LGBT individuals, and the impact of non-bias motivated victimization directed towards LGBT individuals. This study will be the first, to our knowledge, to examine each of these relationships directly and comparatively, and to do so with longitudinal data.

Authors

• Lexi Faulkner, Florida State University

• Brendan Lantz, Florida State University

• Marin R. Wenger, Florida State University