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Acta Sociologica, Vol. 50, No. 1, 21-37 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0001699307074880
© 2007 Scandinavian Sociological Association

Suicide Attempts among Norwegian Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youths

General and Specific Risk Factors

Kristinn Hegna

Norwegian Social Research (NOVA), Oslo, Norway

Lars Wichstrøm

Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway

The aim of the study was to identify the specific factors that affect the risk of attempted suicide in Norwegian gay, lesbian and bisexual (GLB) youths beyond the effect of general risk factors presumed to be of importance irrespective of sexual orientation. The national non-probability sample included 407 GLB youths aged between 16 and 25 years of age, among whom 26 per cent of both genders reported a previous suicide attempt. General risk factors for attempted suicide among GLB youths were: lack of parental contact, internalizing problems (depression/anxiety), low self-esteem, regular smoking and victimization. The following risk factors specific for GLB youths increased the risk of attempted suicide even when controlling for general risk factors: currently being in a steady heterosexual relationship, early heterosexual debut (<16), young age of coming out (<15), infrequent contact with heterosexual friends and openness to all heterosexual friends. For practitioners engaged in social work among young people in general or GLB youths in particular, these results show that while coming out is a vital aspect of sexual identity formation that enhances psychological well-being and should be celebrated, in another sense it is a serious stressor with potentially negative consequences unless a strong social support network is there to be relied upon.

Key Words: adolescence • identity • risk factors • sexual orientation • suicidal behaviour • young adult


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