Clark, K. A., Kellerman, J. K., et al. (2024).
JAMA Pediatrics.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.3133
Abstract
Importance With a recent surge in anti–lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) policies and associated news and media coverage, there is a need to study the association of LGBTQ+ focused news or media exposure and short-term changes in suicidal ideation (SI) among LGBTQ+ youth.
Objective To examine within-person direct and indirect associations between exposure to general and LGBTQ+ negative news or media and SI intensity through expectations of rejection.
Conclusions and Relevance This intensive longitudinal cohort study found that SI intensity modestly increased in the hours immediately following exposure to LGBTQ+ negative news or media among LGBTQ+ young adults. These findings have timely implications for research and intervention, particularly within sociopolitical and geographic contexts where news or media coverage about LGBTQ+ topics is intensified.
Key Points
Question Is real-time exposure to negative news or media (eg, a news headline) associated with short-term changes in suicidal ideation (SI) intensity among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) young adults?
Findings In this intensive longitudinal cohort study of 31 LGBTQ+ young adults aged 18 to 24 years, participants completed 3 assessments per day for 28 consecutive days, resulting in 2189 total assessments. Real-time exposure to LGBTQ+ negative news or media, but not general negative news or media, was significantly associated with heightened intensity of active SI, passive SI, and self-harm ideation.
Meaning These findings suggest that SI intensity may modestly increase in the hours immediately following identity-specific, but not general, negative news or media exposure among LGBTQ+ young adults.
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Here are some thoughts:
This intensive longitudinal cohort study conducted in Tennessee examined the impact of negative LGBTQ+ news and media exposure on suicidal ideation (SI) among LGBTQ+ young adults. The findings revealed that participants reported exposure to negative LGBTQ+ news and media in 11.8% of total assessments over the 28-day study period. Notably, recent exposure to LGBTQ+ negative news and media was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in the intensity of active SI, passive SI, and self-harm ideation. Importantly, no significant associations were observed with exposure to general negative news and media, underscoring the unique impact of identity-specific negative media. Furthermore, a moderate proportion of the association between LGBTQ+ negative media exposure and SI intensity was mediated by expectations of rejection. The study also found stronger associations among participants who reported some active SI during the study period, indicating heightened vulnerability.
The context of this study is particularly relevant given the sociopolitical climate in Tennessee during the data collection period, which coincided with the introduction of numerous bills targeting LGBTQ+ residents. These findings suggest that interventions targeting media organizations could promote responsible reporting practices and increase awareness of the potential suicidogenic impact of negative LGBTQ+ news coverage. Additionally, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence documenting the mental health harms associated with policies that restrict LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, while also highlighting that inclusive and affirming policies are linked to mental health benefits.
From a clinical perspective, the results indicate that routinely assessing the impact of negative media exposure among LGBTQ+ young adults receiving clinical services may be warranted, especially during periods of heightened negative public discourse. Implementing LGBTQ+ affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy could help these individuals cope with minority stress experiences, particularly in high-stigma contexts.
However, the study does have several limitations. It did not assess the type or content of negative media exposure, which could influence SI intensity. The generalizability of the findings may be constrained due to a relatively small sample size from one Southern state, and the focus was solely on SI intensity rather than suicidal behavior. Additionally, the study did not evaluate positive news and media exposure, which could also play a role in mental health outcomes. Lastly, due to sample size constraints, it was not possible to explore potential heterogeneity of effects across different social identities. Overall, this study provides rigorous evidence of the impact of negative LGBTQ+ news and media on mental health among LGBTQ+ young adults, emphasizing the need for responsible media practices and supportive policies and interventions.
