Examining the development of sense of coherence in the LGB college student population and its relationship with protecting against distress and suicidality

Past research has shown LGBTQ adolescents are at higher risk to experience distress and suicidal ideation, compared to their heterosexual peers (Haas et al., 2011, Marshal et al., 2011). However little research has specifically examined how the cisgender LGB college population experiences suicidality, or how this populations ‘sense of self’ may be related to experiences of suicidality while in the college environment. Using a national sampling of college students, this study found that members of the cisgender LGB college population experience increased risk for distress and suicidalty compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers. This study also found that the protective sense of self factor Sense of Coherence, was lower among the cisgender LGB college population, and that the cisgender LGB population was entering the college environment having experienced a higher rate of negative early life experiences which were correlated with an increased risk for developing future distress and suicidality, compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers. These results add to our understanding of the rates of suicidal distress and suicidaltity in the cisgender LGB college population, as well as help identity possible new area for future clinical intervention.