Nonsuicidal self-injury in sexual minority college students: a test of theoretical integration

Chinese Medicine

Taylor McMillan⁴  Peter P. Ehlinger¹  Lori M. Hilt²  Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp³ 

[1] Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, MA, USA;Department of Psychology, Lawrence University, 347 Briggs Hall, 711 E. Boldt Way, Appleton 54911, WI, USA;Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire 54702, WI, USA;Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston 61920, IL, USA

关键词: Burdensomeness;    Minority stress;    College;    Self-harm;    Self-injury;    Suicide;    NSSI;    Youth;    Sexual minority;   

Others  :  1223203
DOI  :  10.1186/s13034-015-0050-y

 received in 2015-03-24, accepted in 2015-06-03,  发布年份 2015

【 摘 要 】

Background

Individuals identifying as a sexual minority report engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) at substantially higher rates compared to their heterosexual peers. Given that NSSI is a known risk factor for suicide, it is important to understand the processes unique to being a sexual minority that increases risk for NSSI so that adequate prevention efforts can be established. The current study integrated Minority Stress Theory and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to test a model of NSSI and suicide risk.

Methods

A total of 137 college students who identified as a sexual minority completed an anonymous on-line study assessing NSSI, suicidal thoughts/behaviors, and constructs of the minority stress and interpersonal theories. Two linear regressions using bootstrapping analyses were conducted to test our hypotheses.

Results

Minority stress was directly associated with NSSI and via perceived burdensomeness, explaining 27 % of the variance. NSSI was associated with increased risk for suicide thoughts/behaviors directly, and through acquired capability, explaining 45 % of the variance.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that unique stressors individuals face as a result of their sexual minority status increases risk for self-harm by influencing cognitive and emotional processes such as burdensomeness and acquired capability. Implications for prevention, intervention, and future research are briefly discussed.

【 授权许可】

   
2015 Muehlenkamp et al.

【 图 表 】

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