Suicidal Ideation and Internalized Sexual Stigma In an Italian and Spanish Sample

Strong consensus in research literature exists that suicide risk is higher among gays, lesbians and bisexuals. Internalization of societal sexual stigma may contribute to increase the risk for suicidal ideation for sexual minorities. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, social and psychological associated risk factors for suicidal ideation in gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescent and young adults and to understand the influence of institutional discrimination on the mental health of sexual minorities. We compared a sample from Spain, a country that has the most progressive laws about same-sex marriage and adoption in Europe, and a sample from Italy that currently provides few rights for homosexual and bisexual people. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Italy (n = 375) and Spain (n = 289) using snowball sampling in order to recruit gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents and young adults. We obtained data using a structured questionnaire addressing suicidal ideation, peer and parental attachment, past experiences of victimization at school, depression, internalized sexual stigma, and disclosure of sexual orientation. Using the Chi square and multivariable logistic regression analyses we identified consistent cross-national risk factors for suicidal ideation: having lower level of peer and parental attachment, having depressive symptoms, having high levels of internalized sexual stigma and past experiences of victimization at school. A 2X2 (Gender x Nation) MANOVA was conducted on Internalized Sexual Stigma. There were a main effect of gender, Nation and an interaction effect gender x Nation. The highest levels of sexual stigma were reported by Spanish gay men. We assume that higher prevalence of suicidal ideation among LGB is not merely indicative of persistent stress that may have had its origins in the sexual orientation, but rather should be understood in a stigmatizing and discriminating context of belonging