Investigating Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Attempts in Bi+ Youth: A Multi-Method Study

Bi+ youth face unique forms of minority stress, yet little is known about how these relate to their high rates of suicidality. This multi-method study examines risk and protective factors linked to suicidal ideation and attempts among bi+ youth. Quantitative survey data came from Dutch bi+ youth aged 16-22 years old (M age = 18.71, SD = 1.83). We conducted logistic regression on lifetime suicidal ideation (N = 1275) and attempts (N = 1274), including risk and protective factors, as well as interaction effects between sexual orientation, gender identity and risk/protective factors. To contextualize the quantitative findings, 15 interviews with bi+ youth with a history of suicidality were conducted and thematically analyzed. Quantitatively, experienced stigmatization and binegativity-related prejudice were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Enhanced social support, support-seeking coping, and resilience were linked with a lower likelihood of suicidal ideation. Associations between erasure, binegativity, distraction-seeking, and bi+ community connectedness and suicidality varied by sexual identity. Qualitatively, experienced stigmatization and binegativity-related prejudice involved peers perceiving bi+ youth as ‘strange,’ sexualizing their identities, and assuming an incapability of having stable relationships. Findings highlight the need for inclusive mental health interventions that address the challenging experiences of bi+ youth, and improve protective factors such as social support, coping strategies, and resilience.Keywords: bi+ youth, LGBT, minority stress, protective factors, suicidality