The association of minority stress experienced by gender and sexual minority youth with their self-destructiveness – systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23990/sa.146619Keywords:
gender and sexual minorities, youth, minority stress, self-harm, systematic reviewAbstract
Young people from gender and sexual minorities (LGBTIQ) are at increased risk of suicidality. They experience prejudice, discrimination, violence, bullying at school and loneliness. The purpose of this literature review was to describe the connection between minority stress experienced by gender and sexual minority youth and their self-destructiveness.
A total of 49 studies were selected for the review, for which searches were conducted in six different databases in the health and social sciences, CINAHL Complete (Ebsco), Medline (Ebsco), Medic, Psycinfo (Ovid), SAGE and Scopus. The search was limited to peer-reviewed studies for the time frame 2014-2024. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) criteria. Data analysis was performed using inductive content analysis.
The results showed different associations of both distal and proximal minority stressors with suicidality. The most important findings of the study were the association of experiences of violence and structural determinants with suicidality. Different types of violent experiences, such as abuse and bullying, increased suicidality in adolescents. Negative parental attitudes were reflected in increased suicidality and fear of rejection. Structural distress increased suicidality through societal normativity and discrimination. Lack of understanding of minorities in society and the living environment was associated with suicide risk and suicide attempts. The results also showed that suicidality was reduced by young people's experience of connectedness and support from family and other relatives. Connectedness with teachers, school and other school staff was a protective factor against suicidality. In conclusion, the association of minority stress experienced by gender and sexual minority youth with their suicidality was particularly evident in distal stress factors.
For example, training designed for educational, social and healthcare professionals on the diversity of gender and sexuality, as well as on self-destruction, can be a significant factor in the prevention and early intervention of self-destruction.
