Risk and protective factors for self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts in LGBTQ+ young people in the Republic of Ireland: the XXXX study (blinded for review)

Coughlan, Barry, Downes, Carmel, Paul, Aviejay, Keogh, Brian, Kavalidou, Katerina, Cox, Gemma, Doyle, Louise and Higgins, Agnes (2026) Risk and protective factors for self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts in LGBTQ+ young people in the Republic of Ireland: the XXXX study (blinded for review). In: Trinity Health and Education International Research Conference 2026 (THEconf2026) 'Healthcare in a Changing Landscape'. Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

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Abstract

Title and Background: Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts (hereafter SH, ST, and SA) are increasingly prevalent among young people in Ireland and there is some evidence that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) young people may experience particularly high rates. There are also gaps in our understanding of the risk and protective correlates of SH, SA, and ST in this population.

Aim and objectives: This study aimed to provide an account of prevalence and the risk and protective correlates of SH, ST, and SA in LGBTQ+ young people in the Republic of Ireland (RoI).

Methods: Data from a national survey of 1,191 LGBTQ+ young people aged between 14 and 25 years were analysed. This self-report epidemiological survey assessed lifetime incidence of SH, ST, and suicide attempt. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, mental health (including depression, anxiety, and stress), alcohol and/or drug use, self-esteem and resilience, supportive family and friends, in-person abuse, online abuse and LGBTQ+ bullying in school was collected. Following ethical approval, data were collected between in 2022 via an online survey.

Findings: The prevalence of lifetime SH, ST and SA were 68.5% (n=758/1106), 75.5% (n=831/1100) and 32.6% (n=339/1041) respectively. Some gendered differences were identified, with transgender and cisgender-women reporting higher rates of SH compared to cisgender-men. Similarly, participants who reported physical and neurodevelopmental disabilities had comparatively higher odds of SH, ST and SA compared to those without. In general, anxiety and depression, but not stress were associated with increased odds of any suicide-related outcome explored. A lack of support of one’s LGBTQ+ identity from immediate family was further found to increase risk.

Conclusions and impact: These findings highlight high rates of SH, ST, and SA experienced by LGBTQ+ young people. Several risk correlates were identified including gender, anxiety and depression, drug use, and abuse. Although many of these factors may be regarded as ‘universal determinants’ of suicidality, these risks may be qualitatively different for LGBTQ+ young people. Support of one’s gender or sexual identity is a protective factor. A combination of universal and tailored supports could help LGBTQ+ young people experiencing SH, ST and suicide attempt.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Suicidality; Gay; Lesbian; Risk; Protective
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Children R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Sexual life > Sexual minorities
Divisions:	School of Business and Social Sciences > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	26 Mar 2026 15:58
Last Modified:	26 Mar 2026 15:58
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9235

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