Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: a Systematic Review of Recent Research

Research has demonstrated that sexual and gender minority youth are at elevated risk for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically examine research published within the last 5 years, with a particular emphasis on (1) prevalence rates; (2) disparities over time; and (3) individual- and macro-level risk and protective factors contributing to risk for SITBs within this population. Overall, 97 peer-reviewed articles, published since 2015, were identified for inclusion. Across studies, rates of SITBs among sexual and gender minority youth were substantially elevated compared to heterosexual and/or cisgender youth and the general population. Studies identified several common risk factors, including bullying and other forms of victimization, minority-specific discrimination and harassment, and general mental health factors, as well as several common protective factors, including support from close others, school-based programs, and statewide policies. Further research is needed in numerous domains, including the examination of identity-specific factors in large, representative samples, additional protective factors, disparities across subgroups of LGBTQ youth, and intersectionality, as well as the use of longitudinal designs and randomized controlled trials examining interventions in this population. Critical areas for further research on SITBs among this high-risk population are discussed.