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Stephen T. Russell, PhD and Kara Joyner, PhD

Stephen T. Russell is with the Department of Human and Community Development, University of California, Davis. Kara Joyner is with the Department of Policy and Analysis, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Stephen T. Russell, PhD, Department of Human and Community Development, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616-8523.

Objectives. Sexual orientation has been a debated risk factor for adolescent suicidality over the past 20 years. This study examined the link between sexual orientation and suicidality, using data that are nationally representative and that include other critical youth suicide risk factors.

Methods. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were examined. Survey logistic regression was used to control for sample design effects.

Results. There is a strong link between adolescent sexual orientation and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The strong effect of sexual orientation on suicidal thoughts is mediated by critical youth suicide risk factors, including depression, hopelessness, alcohol abuse, recent suicide attempts by a peer or a family member, and experiences of victimization.

Conclusions. The findings provide strong evidence that sexual minority youths are more likely than their peers to think about and attempt suicide.

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