Areopagita, Gladys Gil V.

PSYC 136 August 10, 2019

JOURNAL CRITIQUE

Developmental Stage: Adolescence

Title: Suicidal risk and sexual orientation in adolescence: A population-based study in Iceland

Authors: Arsaell Arnarsson, Sigrun Sveinbjornsdottir, ,Einar b. Thorsteinsson,

& Thoroddur Bjarnason

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2015

A global health concern among adolescents is suicide, especially more so with lesbians,
gay, bisexual and transgender youth. This study, entitled “Suicidal risk and sexual orientation in
adolescence: A population-based study in Iceland” sought to compare the rate of suicide
ideations and attempts among LGB adolescent to that of non-LGB adolescents in a population-
based sample, and to identify important protective factors and risk factors. This study is based in
Iceland. The specific aims of this study was to (a) compare the rate of suicide ideations and
attempts among LGB and heterosexual adolescents, (b) to determine whether protective factors
(i.e., communication and likes school) would be associated with decreased suicidality, while risk
factors (i.e., being bullied, alcohol consumption and smoking hash) would be associated with an
increased frequency of suicide ideations and attempts for all adolescents regardless of their
sexual orientation.

The author starts with a comprehensive review of literature and studies that concern
lesbian, gay and bisexual youth and mental health issues such as depression and suicidality. A
comparison was also made with heterosexuals , of the same age group. Also reviewed were
factors that prevents suicide and suicide ideation. Gender differences on suicide among
adolescents were also reviewed.

One of the most striking things about this research is that it is population-based, and uses
the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, which is part of the World Health
Organization initiative. The researchers also gained approval from the Icelandic Data Protection
authority, which means they adhere to strict protocol in carrying out this study. It is quite
fascinating to know how supportive Iceland is in research efforts like these. We only ever get to
read very few population-based methodologies. Also because Iceland has a relatively small
population compared to other countries, this makes it a reasonable effort.

Results resemble those in previous research, which makes this study a confirmation of
sample-based studies on lesbian, gay and bisexual youth. Specifically, they found out that lesbian,
Areopagita, Gladys Gil V. PSYC 136 August 10, 2019

gay and bisexual adolescents were five to six times more likely to have had frequent suicidal
ideations. Factors that were associated with less suicide ideations and fewer attempts were easy
communication and liking school. The lesbian, gay and bisexual girls were six times more likely to
have had frequent suicide attempts, while the lesbian, gay and bisexual boys were 17 times more
likely to have attempted suicide that often. No specific protective or risk factors were identified
for suicidality in lesbian, gay and bisexual youth other than bullying. It was also concluded that
adolescents that had engaged in heterosexual activity and those that had lesbian, gay and
bisexual attraction had similarly heightened risk for suicidality, but sexually active LGB
adolescents were far more likely to have suicidal ideations or to have attempted suicide.

These results are very important especially in schools, teachers, parents, counselors, and
the student community. It tells us a lot about how bullying really does affect suicidal behavior. It
also pushes us to educate adolescents more on intimate sexual relationships, that this really does
predict more suicidal ideations and attempted suicide.

In sum, this research is an exemplary one. More population-based research should be

carried out as much as possible. It would take government efforts as well. I salute Iceland for
being very open about researching, and the schools who really collaborated and participated in
this research.