Suicide Ideation in Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth

 
The previous researches, had been conducted on the topic, similar to the one under study, reveal the very fact that gay, lesbian and bisexual youth has more than twice probability of committing suicidal attempt in comparison with the heterosexual adolescents. A report, Halpert (2002) views, released by the statistical department of the U.S.A. on youth suicide, estimated that 30% of the annual completed suicides were belonged of the gay, lesbian and bisexual youth.

In the same way, previous studies have discovered that the lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents are reported to have higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than their heterosexual counterparts (Silenzo, 2000; Abelson, Lambevski, Crawford et al. 2008) Only few researches have been conducted on this topic, among which mere two researches indicate suicide among homosexuals, while the number of researches revealing completed suicidal attempt is five. (Lebon, 2002) Hence, there is an urgent need of conducting a comprehensive study in order to measure the indicators that push homosexuals towards suicidal ideation.

Since the subject maintains great significance for the social workers, due to the very fact that they have to deal with the gay adolescents as their clients, so study of various topics particularly related to homosexuality, including chemical dependency, drug addiction and suicidal ideation, contains imperative significance in this regards. Moreover, as the literature suggests that there is a higher rate of homosexual youth engaging in suicidal ideation and behaviors there is clearly a need to develop more intervention programs aimed at protecting this understudied population.

The literature available on the same topic views that the high rates of suicidal ideation among homosexual youth have not been adequately examined. Relative to their heterosexual peers, sexual minority adolescents (SMAs) are at increased risk for substance use, suicide, and HIV-infection. Emerging research suggests that experiences of parental acceptance and rejection are important predictors of these SMA risk behaviors. (Huebner & Arter, 2006)

The previous researches have been limited to mere one dimension i.e. gender while elaborating the causes of homosexuality. They neglect the very fact that modern civilization and technological advancement are also responsible for the sexual perversion among children. Doweiko (2006) declares both sexual perversion and drug addiction in this scenario. According to him, child abuse is one of the most significant causes of sexual perversion among adolescents. Further, decline in family relationship has also paved the way in this direction. As family is the basic unit of a society and plays primary role in nourishment and socialization of young generation.

The decline of family bondage as well as negligence from observing moral obligations results in the deterioration of the youth of society. Stigma lies at the root of many problems typically experienced by homosexual clients and their families. Sociological theory and research shed light on the dynamics of stigma and its consequences, both for the stigmatized population and for their heterosexual families and associates. (Kiefer, 1987: 178: quoted in Journal of Homosexuality)

Subsequently, homosexuals are more likely to be subjected to verbal and/or physical abuse and increased rejection and social isolation, which may increase the risk factor of suicidal ideation. While both heterosexual and homosexual youth share few same normative risk factors including depression, trouble at school, self esteem etc., there are other risk factors that have a higher impact on gay youth. Some of these include internalized homophobia, awareness of their sexuality, sexual identity, disclosing their sexual orientation, family conflict and the societal stigma attached to being homosexual.