Understanding the distribution of recent deliberate self-harm among young LGBTQ+ Australians
Journal article
Lim, Gene, Amos, Natalie, Anderson, Joel, Norman, Thomas, Power, Jennifer, Jones, Jami and Bourne, Adam. (2025). Understanding the distribution of recent deliberate self-harm among young LGBTQ+ Australians. Psychology and Sexuality. 16(2), pp. 405-423. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2024.2439354
Authors | Lim, Gene, Amos, Natalie, Anderson, Joel, Norman, Thomas, Power, Jennifer, Jones, Jami and Bourne, Adam |
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Abstract | Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a high prevalence experience for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary and queer (LGBTQ) youth. These behaviours are associated with significant morbidity and suicidality and constitute a risk factor for future impairment. Presently, there is little understanding about how DSH burden is distributed among LGBTQ youth in Australia, and how engagement is shaped by biographic factors. A national cross-sectional online survey was conducted involving 5,660 LGBTQ participants in Australia aged 14–21. Univariable logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors associated with recent DSH. Independent variables included demographic traits as well as experiences of verbal, physical and sexual harassment and attachment to one’s school. DSH is strongly associated with suicidality and clinically significant psychological distress. Likelihood of recent (<12 months) engagement did not differ by sexual orientation but was more likely among trans and non-binary youth, with the highest odds of engagement noted among trans men. DSH engagement was significantly associated with most domains of harassment experiences (physical and sexual), but attachment to one’s school or educational appeared to exert a protective effect. DSH engagement is unevenly distributed among LGBTQ youths; interventions should focus on fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment for those most impacted. |
Keywords | deliberate self-harm; DSH; LGBTQ; young people; Australia |
Year | 2025 |
Journal | Psychology and Sexuality |
Journal citation | 16 (2), pp. 405-423 |
Publisher | Routledge |
ISSN | 1941-9899 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2024.2439354 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85212417413 |
Page range | 405-423 |
Funder | Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victorian Government |
Office for LGBTIQ+ Affairs, Australian Capital Territory Government | |
Department of Health, New South Wales | |
SHINE SA (Sexual Health Information Networking and Education, South Australia) | |
Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, Government of South Australia | |
Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government | |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 18 Dec 2024 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 27 Nov 2024 |
Deposited | 16 Jun 2025 |
Additional information | © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/91z36/understanding-the-distribution-of-recent-deliberate-self-harm-among-young-lgbtq-australians
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