Sexual Fluidity and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Early and Middle Adulthood: Evidence From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health.

Abstract

Objective: The present study seeks to explore the relationship between sexual fluidity and suicidal thoughts (STs) and behaviors (STBs) among adults in early and middle adulthood.

Methods: This study utilized data from Waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (ADD Health). Participants were categorized into four groups: (1) heterosexual at both waves, (2) sexual minority (SM) at Wave IV but heterosexual at Wave V, (3) heterosexual at Wave IV and SM at Wave V, and (4) SM at Wave IV and Wave V.

Results: Hierarchical logistic regression revealed that sexual fluidity between Waves IV and V was associated with STs. Those who were heterosexual-identifying at Wave IV but identified as an SM at Wave V were close to four times as likely to report STs at Wave V than were those who identified as heterosexual at both waves. Those who were an SM at Waves IV and V were almost twice as likely to report STs compared to those who were heterosexual at both waves. Additionally, χ² results showed that suicide attempts (SAs) and sexual fluidity were associated. Similarly, SA prevalence was highest during periods in which participants identified as SMs.

Conclusions: Transitioning into a sexually minoritized status is associated with increased risk of STBs, whereas transitioning into a nonminoritized status was not.