Protective School Climates and Reduced Risk for Suicide Ideation in Sexual Minority Youths

April 2014

This study uses data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey to compare suicide ideation among LGB youth living in states with more protective school climates to those living in less protective climates. It was published in the American Journal of Public Health in January 2014.

AUTHORS

Mark L. Hatzenbuehler
Associate Professor, Columbia University
Michelle Birkett
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University
Aimee Van Wagenen
Fenway Institute
Ilan H. Meyer
Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy

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Highlights

School climate is a critical component to comprehensive suicide prevention programs aimed at reducing LGB disparities in suicide risk.

LGB youth living in states and cities with more protective school climates are significantly less likely to report one-year suicidal thoughts.

In the most protective school climates, lesbian and gay students had about a one third reduction in suicidal thoughts.

Data Points

45%

of schools had a Gay-Straight Alliance or similar club

90%

of schools prohibited harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity

45%

of schools provided curricula on health matters relevant to LGBTQ youth

73%

of schools encouraged staff to attend trainings on creating supportive environments for LGBTQ youth

62%

of schools facilitated access to providers off school property that provided health and other services for LGBTQ youth

Please contact our communications office for a full copy of the study.

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