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Understanding the distribution of recent deliberate self-harm among young LGBTQ+ Australians
Lim, Gene Amos, Natalie Anderson, Joel Norman, Thomas Power, Jennifer Jones, Jami Bourne, Adam
Lim, Gene
Amos, Natalie
Anderson, Joel
Norman, Thomas
Power, Jennifer
Jones, Jami
Bourne, Adam
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
Date
2025
Type
Journal article
Journal
Psychology and Sexuality
Book
Volume
16
Issue
2
Page Range
405-423
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
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