Gender Identity, Victimization, and Suicidal Ideation: Comparing Risk Factors Among Transgender and Non‐Transgender Youth

TL;DR

Transgender youth are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than non-transgender youth, even after accounting for other risk factors like victimization.

Contribution

The study highlights transgender identity as a strong independent predictor of suicidal ideation among adolescents.

Findings

Approximately 18.4% of American high school students experience suicidal ideation annually.

Transgender youth are 2.6 times more likely to report suicidal ideation than their non-transgender peers.

Victimization and transgender identity are key risk factors for suicidal ideation.

Abstract

Suicidal ideation affects millions of adolescents, with about one‐in‐eight American high school students experiencing suicidal ideation in a given year. Transgender youth and those who have been victimized are at elevated risk.

Using a sample of over 300,000 American youth, this study examines the prevalence rates of and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation. Differences and similarities between transgender and non‐transgender youth are examined.

Analyses indicate that approximately 18.4% of American high school students have seriously considered suicide within a one‐year period. Transgender youth, however, were 2.6 times as likely (47.1%) to report suicidal ideation than high school students in general. Results of cross‐sectional regression models find that multiple forms of victimization are predictive of suicidal ideation.

Intervention strategies, including counseling, are advisable for youth who are at risk for suicidal ideation, such as those who have been victimized or identify as transgender. Supporting the well‐being of youth through systemic policy and practice changes may also lead to improved mental health for those at risk.

Transgender identity is a strong predictor of suicidal ideation even after controlling for other risk factors, such as victimization and substance use. Expanded prevention and intervention efforts are needed to address this growing mental health crisis.