Previous research has found a relationship between discrimination and negative health outcomes, particularly pertaining to mental health, among sexual minorities. It has been found that sexual minorities have higher rates of suicidal ideation than non-minority college students. Suicidal ideation refers to an individual’s thoughts, plans, or considerations of taking one’s life. Heavy drinking also continues to be problematic on college campuses. There are studies that examine the presence of suicidal ideation in college students, however, there is a lack of research examining how feelings of discrimination in minoritized groups impact drinking behaviors and suicidal ideation. Therefore, this research examines the impact of feelings of discrimination among sexual minority college students and its relationship with suicidal ideation and drinking behaviors. The results of this study show that discrimination and stigma, alcohol use, and sexual minority identity all predict higher rates of suicidal ideation in college students. Of these factors, identifying as a sexual minority was the strongest predictor of suicidal ideation, however, the other factors were also found to be significant. This research is important for suicide prevention and intervention, as well as future studies looking at the mental health of sexual minority individuals.
Author: Morgann Hendrixson
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rose Marie Ward
You must be logged in to post a comment.