Gender Identity, Victimization, and Suicidal Ideation: Comparing Risk Factors Among Transgender and Non‐Transgender Youth

BACKGROUND: Suicidal ideation affects millions of adolescents, with about one-in-eight American high school students experiencing suicidal ideation in a given year. Transgender youth and those who have been victimized are at elevated risk. METHODS: Using a sample of over 300,000 American youth, this study examines the prevalence rates of and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation. Differences and similarities between transgender and non-transgender youth are examined. RESULTS: Analyses indicate that approximately 18.4% of American high school students have seriously considered suicide within a one-year period. Transgender youth, however, were 2.6 times as likely (47.1%) to report suicidal ideation than high school students in general. Results of cross-sectional regression models find that multiple forms of victimization are predictive of suicidal ideation. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Intervention strategies, including counseling, are advisable for youth who are at risk for suicidal ideation, such as those who have been victimized or identify as transgender. Supporting the well-being of youth through systemic policy and practice changes may also lead to improved mental health for those at risk. CONCLUSIONS: Transgender identity is a strong predictor of suicidal ideation even after controlling for other risk factors, such as victimization and substance use. Expanded prevention and intervention efforts are needed to address this growing mental health crisis.