Publication Date
5-2024
Advisor(s) - Committee Chair
Amy Brausch, Diane Lickenbrock, Matthew Woodward
Degree Program
Department of Psychological Sciences
Degree Type
Master of Science
Abstract
Suicide in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) adults is on the rise, as well as those that identify as Latinx LGB. To identify those at risk and prevent future suicide, researchers rely heavily on risk and protective factors to determine those individuals that may be more susceptible to suicide. However, the existing research on these factors is very limited and has been hyper focused on internalizing factors that contribute to suicide risk. Additionally, research in LGB and Latinx populations is limited because researchers have focused mostly on White and heterosexual populations. This study identifies one risk and one protective factor that may be more relevant to Latinx LGB adults in determining if they are more susceptible to suicide risk. These two factors are internalized homophobia (risk factor) and neighborhood acceptance (protective factor). It was predicted that Latinx LGB adults would exhibit higher levels of internalized homophobia and perceive having lower neighborhood acceptance. Suicidal behaviors, such as ideation, planning, and attempt, were expected to be higher in Latinx LGB adults compared to White LGB adults. Finally, race was predicted to be a moderator between internalized homophobia, neighborhood acceptance, and suicidal behaviors.
Results indicated that differences in the rates of internalized homophobia in Latinx LGB and White LGB, which was higher in Latinx LGB individuals. There were no differences found with neighborhood acceptance. It was found that there was a higher likelihood of lifetime suicide attempts in Latinx LGB adults compared to White LGB adults. However, race did not moderate the relationship between internalized homophobia, neighborhood acceptance, and suicidal behaviors.
Disciplines
Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Hernandez, Maria, "Differences in Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide in Latinx and White LGB Adults" (2024). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 3717.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3717
Included in
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychology Commons