Understanding the processes underlying self-harm ideation and behaviors within LGBTQ+ young people: A qualitative study

Figures & data

TABLE 1. Participants’ descriptives.

Gender	Sexuality	Age (years)	Interview method
Cis Female	Bisexual	21	Phone
Trans Male	Gay	16	Phone
Cis Male	Gay	22	Phone
Trans Male	Bisexual	23	Skype (video chat)
Trans Female	Polysexual	24	Skype (non-video chat)
Cis Female	Lesbian	19	Phone
Cis Female	Bisexual	21	Skype (video chat)
Non-Binary	Asexual	22	Phone
Cis Female	Lesbian	18	Phone
Cis Female	Lesbian	24	Phone
Non-Binary	Queer	19	Skype (video chat)
Cis Female	Lesbian	25	Phone
Cis Female	Bisexual	18	Phone
Cis Female	Bisexual	25	Phone
Cis Female	Bisexual	19	Phone
Trans Female	Pansexual	23	Skype (non-video chat)
Cis Female	Bisexual	22	Phone
Trans Male	Bisexual	18	Skype (video chat)
Trans Male	Queer	23	Skype (video chat)

TABLE 2. Thematic framework of LGBTQ + young people’s experiences of self-harm and suicide.

Theme	N (%)	Subtheme	N (%)
Struggling with processing and understanding one’s own LGBTQ + identity	16 (84%)	Not having the words to describe feelings and thoughts associated with LGBTQ + identity	12 (63%)
		Internalized hatred relating to LGBTQ + identity	7 (37%)
		Coping with gender dysphoria	8 (42%)
		Difficulties of medical transition	4 (21%)
Negative responses to being LGBTQ+	16 (84%)	Peer abuse and bullying	8 (42%)
		Unaccepted and unsupported by family	13 (68%)
Life stressors	14 (74%)	Abusive experiences	6 (32%)
		Stress of feeling responsible for others	7 (37%)
		Difficulties relating to physical injuries and illnesses	6 (32%)
		Academic pressures	5 (26%)