Study Finds Gay and Bisexual Students More Likely to Self-Harm

A new study has found that LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) students are more likely to self-harm and attempt suicide than their straight counterparts.

The study was carried by the University of Manchester, Leeds Beckett University, Lancaster University and Edith Cowan University in Australiaand surveyed 707 students from two different English universities. 119 respondents were LGB.

The study found 65 percent of LGB students said they had self-harmed compared to 41 percent of straight students. They also found that 35 percent of LGB students had attempted suicide compared 14 percent of straight students.

“This data highlights how low self-esteem may leave some LGB students more at risk,” said Dr Peter Taylor, one of the researchers from the study.

“Interestingly, anxiety and depressive symptoms did not appear to be important once self-esteem was taken into account.

“So, prevention and intervention efforts directed at these psychological mediators by Universities may help to reduce risks in this population.”

Dr Taylor suggested that universities should actively try and tackle LGB discrimination on campus, as that can have a direct effect on a gay or bisexual student’s self-esteem.

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