Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 6-11-2019

Abstract

Participants who identify as heterosexual comprise a proportion of those who report same-sex contact that is as large as or larger than their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning peers. However, little research has explored psychosocial outcomes among heterosexuals with same- or both-sex contact, referred to herein as heterosexual-identified sexual minority (HSM) participants. This study examined the impact of persistent sadness, bullying victimization, and sexual orientation on the probability of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in a sample of heterosexual- and LGBQ-identified adolescents. Results showed that the probability the probability of STBs was higher for bisexual and questioning participants compared with their heterosexual peers even when considering bullying victimization and persistent sadness simultaneously. Notable sex differences in were found in outcomes for HSM participants. The results are discussed in terms of the effects of stigma and male gender role norms on outcomes for sexual minority males.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Steven Verney, PhD

Second Committee Member

Steven Gangestad, PhD

Third Committee Member

Kevin Vowles, PhD

Fourth Committee Member

Kristine Tollestrup, PhD

Language

English

Keywords

suicidality, bullying, sexual minorities, LGBQ, adolescents

Document Type

Dissertation

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS