Suicidality among Gender Minority Youth: Analysis of 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data

Abstract

We examined differences in suicidality based on gender identity while adjusting for known suicide risk factors in a sample of United States adolescents. Using data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey we used logistic regression models to examine three suicide-related outcomes. Youth were categorized as transgender (1.3%), gender-questioning (1.4%), or cisgender (97.3%). In fully adjusted models, compared to cisgender youth, transgender youth had 2.71 (95% CI 1.50–4.92) higher odds of past-year suicide attempts and 2.54 (95% CI 1.05–6.15) higher odds of past-year suicide attempts requiring treatment. Gender-questioning youth had 2.31 (95% CI 1.48–3.60) higher odds of past-year suicidal ideation compared to cisgender youth. Policies and interventions are needed to reduce suicidality among gender minority youth, improve access to mental healthcare, and reduce peer victimization and substance use.

Keywords:

•  adolescent
• gender identity
• mental health
• suicide
• transgender

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The authors report no competing or potential conflicts of interest.

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at publisher’s weblink.

Additional information

Funding

Dr. Jackman is supported by National Institute of Nursing Research [T32NR007969] (PI: Bakken). At the time of this study, Drs. Caceres and Kreuze were supported by National Institute of Nursing Research [T32NR014205] (PI: Stone).

Notes on contributors

Kasey B. Jackman

Kasey B. Jackman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, Billy A. Caceres, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, and Elizabeth J. Kreuze, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, USA.

Billy A. Caceres

Kasey B. Jackman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, Billy A. Caceres, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, and Elizabeth J. Kreuze, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, USA.

Elizabeth J. Kreuze

Kasey B. Jackman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, Billy A. Caceres, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, and Elizabeth J. Kreuze, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, USA.

Walter O. Bockting

Walter O. Bockting, PhD, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, USA, and New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia Psychiatry, New York, USA.