Suicide Disparities among Bisexual Populations (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for:  Clinical psychologists, Counselors, and LMFTs

Course By: Michael Parent, PhD

Content By: Salway, T., Ross, L. E., Fehr, C. P., Burley, J., Asadi, S., Hawkins, B., & Tarasoff, L. A. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of disparities in the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempt among bisexual populations. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48, 89-111. doi: 10.1007/s10508-018-1150-6

Course Description: Suicide rates are elevated among sexual minorities compared to heterosexual people. Bisexual adolescents and adults may be at especially elevated risk for suicide. The authors posited that in examining studies on bisexuality and suicide, gender/sex, age, sample type, and measurement may be moderators of the relationship between bisexuality and suicide-related outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted of 46 studies that met inclusion criteria. Lifetime suicidal ideation was 4.3 times higher, 12-month suicidal ideation was 4.0 times higher, and 12-month suicide attempts were 4.8 times higher, among bisexual individuals compared to heterosexual individuals. Lifetime suicidal ideation was not significantly different, 12-month suicidal ideation was 1.5 times higher, and 12-month suicide attempts were 1.25 times higher, among bisexual individuals compared to gay and lesbian individuals. Differences between gay and bisexual men, and lesbian and bisexual women, in suicide-related outcomes were larger for women than men, and differences between gay/lesbian people and bisexual individuals were larger in population probability samples than in non-probably samples or other samples. The authors review potential reasons for these disparities and emphasize the need for bisexual-affirming health care. Future research may use qualitative methods to further explore causes of and triggers for suicide-related outcomes relevant to bisexual individuals.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the disparities in rates of suicidal ideation and attempts among sexual minority, and particularly bisexual, individuals
2. Recall possible reasons for disparities in suicidal ideation and attempts and bisexual individuals
3. Identify three of the potential moderators of the relationship between bisexuality and suicide-related outcomes
4. Recall the influence of participants gender/sex, age, sample type, and measurement on findings of disparities in suicide-related outcomes

Course Outline:

• Read and understand A systematic review and meta-analysis of disparities in the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempt among bisexual populations.
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives.
• Review the definition of disparities in suicide-related outcomes, potential reasons for these disparities, and the findings of the study with regard to moderators of the link between bisexuality and suicide-related outcomes.
• Complete the post-test questions. Recall that answers should be based on the referenced article.
• Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to understand suicidal ideation and attempts among bisexual individuals.

Approvals: