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Non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal behaviors, and mental health symptoms among sexual minority youth with juvenile justice system involvement

Author

Listed:
  • Vieira, Alyssa
  • Sheerin, Kaitlin M.
  • Williamson-Butler, Shannon
  • Pederson, Casey A.
  • Thompson, Elizabeth C.
  • Soriano, Sheiry
  • Wolff, Jennifer C.
  • Spirito, Anthony
  • Kemp, Kathleen

Abstract

Sexual minority youth have long remained an understudied population within the juvenile justice system, despite emerging evidence suggesting that sexual minority youth are overrepresented. Recent literature indicates that system-involved sexual minority youth may have more behavioral health concerns than their heterosexual counterparts. Even so, more work is needed to elucidate the unique needs of sexual minority youth who become involved in the system, especially as it pertains to suicidal behaviors and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The present study provided a descriptive evaluation of the prevalence of sexual minority youth making early system contact and their mental health concerns. Of the 218 justice-involved youth from a Northeastern family court in the sample, over a quarter identified as a sexual minority (n = 58). Our findings indicated that these youth evidenced significantly higher scores on a mental health screener compared to their heterosexual counterparts, evidencing greater symptomology on scales indicative of depression/anxiety, thought disturbance, etc. Further, sexual minority youth reported higher rates of lifetime, past year, and past month NSSI as well as lifetime and past year suicide attempts. These findings highlight the need to support the well-being of sexual minority youth in the juvenile justice system by screening for and addressing their mental health needs in this unique setting.

Suggested Citation

  • Vieira, Alyssa & Sheerin, Kaitlin M. & Williamson-Butler, Shannon & Pederson, Casey A. & Thompson, Elizabeth C. & Soriano, Sheiry & Wolff, Jennifer C. & Spirito, Anthony & Kemp, Kathleen, 2023. "Non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal behaviors, and mental health symptoms among sexual minority youth with juvenile justice system involvement," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:155:y:2023:i:c:s0190740923003924
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107196
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roberts, A.L. & Rosario, M. & Corliss, H.L. & Koenen, K.C. & Austin, S.B., 2012. "Elevated risk of posttraumatic stress in sexual minority Youths: Mediation by childhood abuse and gender nonconformity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(8), pages 1587-1593.
    2. McKay, Tasseli & Berzofsky, Marcus & Landwehr, Justin & Hsieh, Patrick & Smith, Amanda, 2019. "Suicide etiology in youth: Differences and similarities by sexual and gender minority status," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 79-90.
    3. Smithee, Lauren C. & Sumner, Brock W. & Bean, Roy A., 2019. "Non-suicidal self-injury among sexual minority youth: An etiological and treatment overview," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 212-219.
    4. Corliss, H.L. & Goodenow, C.S. & Nichols, L. & Bryn Austin, S., 2011. "High burden of homelessness among sexual-minority adolescents: Findings from a representative massachusetts high school sample," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(9), pages 1683-1689.
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