Who is More Likely to Self-Injure? Exploring the Risk and Protective Factors for the Engagement of NSSI Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Abstract

Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) youth have been identified as a high-risk group for those who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, there has been little research in understanding the nature of self-injury among SGM youth. This thesis aims to explore the demographics of SGM youth who are most at-risk for engaging in NSSI. Furthermore, this thesis also aims to explore which stressors and protective factors may influence NSSI engagement. The data used for this thesis served as a pilot study for a national resilience survey, which will launch in the fall of 2016. There were a total of 121 SGM youth between the ages of 12 and 29 who participated in this study. The results revealed that certain demographics were more likely to engage in NSSI, in particular those who identify as bisexual, were female, or were between the ages of 15-17 were the most likely to have engaged in NSSI. Those who engaged in NSSI were more likely to be engaged in other risk behaviours and were also more likely to have negative perceptions of themselves. Contrary, those who refrained from NSSI were more likely to have positive self-perceptions and were more likely to have a stronger social support network compared to SGM youth who engaged in NSSI. These results have important implications for furthering research in this topic, and informing prevention and intervention initiatives that work with SGM youth.