Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4917-4039

Advisor

Nadorff, Michael R.

Committee Member

Stafford, Ty W.D.

Committee Member

DeShong, Hilary L.

Committee Member

Rogers, Megan L.

Date of Degree

8-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Embargo 2 years

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Abstract

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempt rates are far higher among gender minority individuals than in the general population. In the wake of an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being proposed and passed in 2023 in the United States, this study sought to examine the impact of this legislation on gender minority stress and suicidal desire and intent among gender minority adults. Results indicated that anxiety about the legislation was associated with the desire to die, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and the likelihood of attempting suicide in the future. The perceived impact of the legislation was associated with intent to die and thwarted belongingness. Knowledge of the legislation being proposed or passed in their state was associated with anxiety about legislation and its perceived impact on them. Awareness of laws passed in their state was also associated with distal and proximal factors of gender minority stress. Distal stress factors were also associated with the perceived impact of the legislation. Taken together, these results suggest that the discriminatory legislation is negatively impacting the mental well-being of gender minority individuals across the United States and may put them at greater risk for suicidal thoughts.

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