Suicidal ideation among Italian and Spanish young adults. The role of sexual orientation

The purpose of the current study was to identify demographic, social and psychological risk factors for suicidal ideation in an Italian sample and a Spanish sample taking into account the importance of sexual orientation as variable associated with suicide. 320 gay and bisexual men, 396 heterosexual men, 281 lesbians and bisexual women and 835 heterosexual women were recruited. In chi square and multivariable logistic regression analyses we identified several consistent cross-national risk factors for suicidal ideation: Having lower education, not being religious, being homosexual or bisexual, not being engaged in a stable relationship, having lower level of peer and parental attachment and having depressive symptoms. Interestingly, the strongest risk factor, after depression symptoms, was the sexual orientation in both samples.