Suicidal ideation in LGBT youth: a literature review

Abstract

A review of the literature on experiences and meanings surrounding suicide ideation in LGBT youth was conducted. It was found that a large part of the studies were carried out in Anglo-Saxon populations that tended to compare "heteronormative" with "non-heteronormative" populations, through eminently quantitative designs, where the main results were greater vulnerability in comparison to the heterosexual population, internalized homophobia and rejection of one's own sexual orientation. Social and family vulnerability that fed the experience of diverse violence in different areas of their lives. In addition, alcohol and drugs were predictors of suicidal ideation. These living conditions favored mood disturbances and affected mental health, as well as a tendency to develop self-injurious behaviors. However, family and social support were protective against suicidal ideation. Few authors used the recognized categories within the LGBT community to describe their participants, the category most commonly used was "non-heteronormative population", tending to reproduce heterosexist models. Most of the papers on experiences and meanings did not give their participants a voice.