Each week, one of the CSPH interns reviews a sexuality or gender related issue that appears in the media and reflects upon how it challenged them in ways they didn’t expect. This section is devoted to showing the growth process in becoming a sexuality professional. This week, we’re reflecting on a study from Brown University examining the risk factors behind suicidal thoughts in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.
When growing up, one’s peers may be unkind, bully, or even make fun of others for being different; for instance, due to skin color or ethnic background. In most cases, kids who are victimized for their ethnicity, have the option of receiving support at home or at their church. What is significant about LGBT youth—in contrast to youth victimized for other reasons—is that, in too many cases, these kids do not receive support from their home or church environment. When these avenues are closed to them, where do these kids turn?
I believe that the recurrent denial of love and support to LGBT youth has a profound effect on those affected, leading to a greater risk of suicide. In a two-and-a-half-year study, Dr. Brian Mustanski of the Feinberg School of Medicine and Dr. Richard Liu of Brown University examined the risk factors behind suicidal thoughts in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth that contribute to these individuals taking their own lives. Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, this was the first-ever longitudinal study of this topic. The study showed that the lack of two factors, love and support, are the principle reason for LGBT youth suicide.
So why are love and support so important? A famous experiment conducted in the 1950s by psychologist Harry Harlow demonstrates the importance of love and support. In this experiment, Harlow isolated a newborn monkey and gave the monkey the option of choosing between two figure representations of mothers: one mother was made of a plush cushion and provided soft comfort, while the other mother was made of wire and provided milk. The monkey, to the surprise of many, spent the most time with the figure that provided him with comfort, not with the figure that provided him food. My own interpretation of this experiment is that we all need someone to make us feel warm, comforted, and loved. This experiment—like the longitudinal study on LGBT youth suicide—shows that each and every one of us not only wants, but also needs someone in our lives who will accept us for who we are and will provide us with a sense of comfort and care. Food may keep us alive, but love and support give us a reason to live.
If victimized LGBT children are not receiving love and support from home, I propose the implementation of anti-bullying programs in schools. According to Dr. Mustanski, the presence of social support systems for LGBT youth and comprehensive anti-bullying programs in schools are important because “[w]e believe this will help save young lives.” Dear America, let’s save lives.
Very true and an excellent way to explain the issue. What saddens me (from the perspective of someone a bit older) is how few of us are willing to be the ‘plush monkeys’ and give the people around us (especially young people) the unconditional love and support. It’s easy to do and it helps so much.