Fact Check: "LGBTQ youth are over 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide than peers."
What We Know
Research indicates that LGBTQ youth experience significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their heterosexual peers. A study analyzing data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that LGBTQ youth who faced bullying were more likely to report suicidal ideation, with an odds ratio of 2.71 for planning to attempt suicide (source-1). However, a more specific statistic from a broader review indicates that LGBTQ youth are indeed more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their non-LGBTQ counterparts (source-3).
In a sample of LGBTQ adolescents, 29% reported attempting suicide in the past six months, aligning with findings from other studies that show a similar prevalence of suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth (source-2). Furthermore, a recent study highlighted that transgender and nonbinary youth report suicide attempt rates over four times greater than those of cisgender peers (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that LGBTQ youth are over four times more likely to contemplate suicide than their peers is supported by multiple studies, including those from the Trevor Project, which states that LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (source-8). This statistic is corroborated by various academic studies that consistently find elevated rates of suicidal ideation and attempts among LGBTQ youth compared to their non-LGBTQ peers.
However, it is important to note that the term "contemplate" can be interpreted differently from "attempt." While the studies indicate a higher likelihood of suicide attempts, they do not always specify the rates of contemplation separately. The distinction between contemplating suicide and attempting it is crucial, as the former may encompass a broader range of thoughts and feelings that do not necessarily lead to action.
The sources cited are credible, with peer-reviewed studies and reports from recognized organizations like the Trevor Project. However, some sources, such as Wikipedia (source-7), should be approached with caution as they may not always provide the most reliable or up-to-date information.
Conclusion
The claim that "LGBTQ youth are over 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide than peers" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating that LGBTQ youth are significantly more likely to attempt suicide, the specific statistic regarding contemplation is less clear. The data primarily focuses on attempts rather than contemplation, which may lead to some confusion. Therefore, while the claim is rooted in valid statistics regarding attempts, it does not fully encompass the nuances of suicidal ideation.
Sources
- Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among LGBTQ + Youth ... PubMed
- Predictors of Suicidal Ideation and Attempts among LGBTQ Adolescents ... PMC
- Treatment recommendations and barriers to care for suicidal LGBTQ youth ... PMC
- Association of Gender Identity Acceptance with Fewer ... PMC
- LGB youth more than twice as likely to attempt suicide ... UGA Public Health
- The Trevor Project - Wikipedia Wikipedia
- Suicide among LGBTQ people - Wikipedia Wikipedia
- Facts About Suicide Among LGBTQ+ Young People - The Trevor Project The Trevor Project
