Kevin Coffey

Risk and Protective Factors for Gay, Lesbian, Andbisexual Youth: What May Decrease Depression and Suicidal Behaviorfor Gay Youth Kevin Coffey

This study examined what the gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth who participated perceived as risk andprotective factors for them, particularly in regardto suicidal behavior. The study employed focus groups and individualinterviews. Risk factors identified by the youth in this study were: prior family dysfunction; negative family or parental reaction to the youth's alternative sexual orientation; negative school experience; negative experience of religion; isolation; coming out at anearly age; abuse and violence; inappropriate group counseling; and negative interaction with the mentalhealth system. Potective factors identified by these youth were acceptance by peers, family, and wider society;positive parental and family reaction to the youth'salternative sexual orientation; self-acceptance;positive school experience; positive experience ofreligion; the Internet; and participation in theyouth group and center. African American youth in this study were at the most risk for suicidal behavior. The individuals fromlowest socioeconomic levels had the most suicidalbehavior. Higher socioeconomic status was notprotective in this study.