Citation

Molloy M, McLaren S. J. Gay Lesbian Iss. Educ. 2004; 2(2): 27-51.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Haworth Press)

DOI

10.1300/J367v02n02_03

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study sought to examine the attitudes of heterosexual university students to peer suicide when that peer was gay, lesbian, or heterosexual. University students (n = 206) completed several questionnaires, including The Suicide Attitude Vignette Experience.

RESULTS indicated that the suicide act was seen as more justified, acceptable, and necessary when the adolescent was gay or lesbian. Further, gay and lesbian youth suicide victims were shown significantly less empathy than heterosexual suicide victims. Participants' level of homophobia was found to be a significant predictor of attitudes toward gay and lesbian youth suicide.

RESULTS indicate that the peer group of gay and lesbian youth is unsupportive of their sexual orientation, and these attitudes may be an additional risk factor for gay and lesbian youth suicide. © 2004, by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Australia; Suicide; Attitudes; Homophobia; Undergraduate students