2 - (SYM 27) Associations Between Intersectional Minority Stress, Outness, and Suicidality Among a National Sample of Sexual Minority Adolescents of Color

Background: Minority stressors are associated with greater risk for suicide ideation and attempts among sexual minority adolescents. However, prior research has not adequately explored the relationship between minority stress and suicidality for sexual minority adolescents who are also Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). Factors that mitigate the associations between unique and intersectional minority stress (IMS) and suicidality are also largely understudied. This study examined the associations between IMS and suicide ideation and behaviors among BIPOC sexual minority adolescents, while also exploring identity outness as a potential moderator of this relationship.

Methods: Baseline data from the Adolescent Stress Experiences over Time Study (ASETS) were analyzed. A sample of 1,009 BIPOC sexual minority adolescents (M = 15.98, SD = 0.93; 62.04% cisgender girls, 50.05% plurisexual) were recruited online. Participants identified with the following racial/ethnic groups: Hispanic or Latino/a/x/e (36.67%); Black/African American (19.72%); Asian/Asian American (16.25%); American Indian or Alaska Native (5.85%); and Multiracial (21.51%). Participants self-reported IMS experiences, suicide ideation, intent, and attempts, and outness.

Results: IMS was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of suicide ideation (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.01), intent (AOR = 1.01), and attempts (AOR = 1.01), while accounting for sociodemographic characteristics. Identity outness was also associated with a greater likelihood of suicide ideation, intent, and attempts (AORs = 1.01, respectively). However, identity outness did not serve as a moderator between IMS and the three suicidality outcomes.

Discussion: Findings suggest that IMS and outness may serve as risk factors for suicide thoughts and behaviors in BIPOC sexual minority adolescents. Given that identity outness did not attenuate the associations between IMS and suicidality, further research is needed to identify factors which can help protect against the negative mental health outcomes associated with IMS. Future clinical interventions should explore IMS as a potential intervenable factor for reducing suicidality in BIPOC sexual minority adolescents.