Risk Behavior, Personal Assets And Social Support In The Lesbian And Gay Adult Populations: How These Contribute To Suicidality?

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study is threefold 1) to assess whether risk factors for suicide among LG individuals older than age 18 are the same as those among heterosexual individuals; 2) to assess whether suicidality decreases for the LG population; and 3) to identify what factors are associated with this decrease if there is one. Are the risk behaviors that are correlated with suicide risk among heterosexuals comparably correlated among LG individuals? What is the relationship between developmental assets and suicide risk among LG? The research was done online, through social networking sites. The findings were that the main risk behaviors correlated to suicide were violence, substance abuse, hopeless and running away, along with certain internal and external Developmental Assets. This implies that the need for a strong support system is vital to helping maintain a healthy life.