Outness and suicidal ideation: Examining the roles of thwarted interpersonal needs and minority stress in sexual and gender minority individuals
Abstract
Introduction Outness relates to lower suicidal ideation (SI) among LGBTQ individuals, but benefits may vary with minority stress.Method In a large sample of U.S. LGBTQ adults, we examined cross-sectional associations between outness, minority stress, interpersonal needs, and recent SI using tests of mediation and moderated mediation.Result Consistent with prior work, the outness-SI relationship was fully mediated by thwarted interpersonal needs; minority stress did not moderate the outness-interpersonal needs relationship.Conclusion Outness may be (indirectly) related to reduced SI in LGBTQ people regardless of minority stress. Results will inform longitudinal research with and clinical care for suicidal LGBTQ adults.
Fields of Study & Subjects
LGBTQ Health
Identity
and Policy
Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
Gender and Feminist Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Journal of LGBTQ+ Mental Health
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 48–67
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN