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Increased Gay Suicide Risk Linked to Harassment

Past studies have identified being gay as a risk factor for suicide among adolescents and young adults, increasing an individual's risk of attempting suicide by as much as 400 percent. New research on undergraduates at the University of Washington, however, suggests this increase has more to do with resulting harassment than sexual orientation.

Graduate student Heather Murphy surveyed 526 students between the age of 17 and 26. Of these students 486 identified themselves as heterosexual, 38 as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, 7 were unsure and 79 as same-sex attracted heterosexuals, individuals who identified as heterosexual, but were attracted to, or engaged in sexual activity with members of the same sex. Fifty-six of the students surveyed reported contemplating suicide and 12 had attempted it.

She found that homosexual, bisexual and same-sex attracted heterosexuals reported significantly more harassment, ranging from physical battery to disparaging comments. They were also twice as likely to have planned or attempted suicide.

"There is a lot of hype that gay kids are more suicidal," she said. "My study shows that this is not so. In my study, being victimized for being gay was the risk factor that increased suicidal-behavior risk."

Murphy's research also shed light on a previously overlooked group, same-sex attracted heterosexuals. These students were at an even greater risk for suicide, accounting for six of the 12 students who had attempted suicide, including the only two who required medical attention.

Read more: Victimization for sexual orientation increases suicidal behavior in college students