LGBTQ+ college students are significantly less likely to seriously consider or attempt suicide because they have access to mental health and LGBTQ+-specific services through their institution, according to new research from the Trevor Project.

A non-profit organization dedicated to preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, the organization surveyed 33,993 LGBTQ+ college students attending two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and graduate schools. Participants were recruited through targeted social media advertisements.

About a third of respondents said they had seriously considered suicide within the past year, and 7% said they had attempted suicide during that time. Both numbers were higher among students of color and those who identified as transgender or nonbinary.

However, research found that suicidal ideation and suicide attempts decreased when mental health and LGBTQ+ support services were available at colleges. While 46% of students without access to mental health services said they had seriously considered suicide and 22% said they had attempted suicide within the past year, among students with access to such services: Their proportions were 32% and 6%, respectively.

Access to LGBTQ+-specific resources showed a similar effect. His 30% of students with access to her LGBTQ+ services at the university had serious suicidal thoughts and 6% had attempted suicide, compared with 41% and 9% of those without access, respectively. did.

The researchers who conducted the study said they weren’t surprised by the results. But he said the results show why it’s so important for universities to invest in mental health and LGBTQ+ services.

Miesia Price, Research and Scientific Director of the Trevor Project, said: “I think universities sometimes have a reputation of, ‘Of course we’re open, of course we’re positive, of course we’re supportive of LGBTQ+ people,’ but what can we do to show that?” I think it’s important to do as much as possible, and young people don’t question whether that’s the case.”

The majority (86%) of LGBTQ+ students surveyed reported that their college or university provides mental health services. However, some said they experienced barriers in accessing these services: 33% reported being unable to get to them comfortably, 29% had long waiting lists for mental health centers on campus, 17% expressed privacy concerns.

63% of LGBTQ+ college students report that their university has some LGBTQ+-specific resources, such as an LGBTQ+ center, available to students.

The survey also found that 89% of respondents believe their school is welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. This means that when asked, “How accepting of LGBTQ people is your university?” (Other possible answers were “not at all” and “a little”). That number was lower among students who reported that their campus did not provide her LGBTQ+-specific services, with 45% of her in that group saying that her university had her LGBTQ+ students. He said he didn’t accept it.

Shane Mendes-Windmeier, executive director of Campus Pride, a non-profit organization dedicated to making colleges and universities safer for LGBTQ+ people, says so many college students feel their schools are inclusive. I was surprised to see you.

“Most LGBTQ students report that the atmosphere – belonging, safety, and inclusion – at college is superior to what they experienced in high school. There is evidence that it has improved in “However, this progress has not been consistent across institutions. Reports of harassment and discrimination against transgender students, especially at a time when student learning and persistence are central issues for higher education leaders. But it’s still a problem.”

According to Windmeyer, LGBTQ+ college students have recently reported instances of classroom harassment, cyberbullying related to homophobic and transphobic rhetoric, and racist and sexist language.

“Research on campus climate in general and LGBTQ climate specifically points to the negative effects of hostile climates on student learning, college persistence, and mental health and wellness,” they said.

They speculated that the data may have been positively skewed because the Trevor Project used what they called a “snowball sample.”

According to Windmeyer, the method is necessary when researching LGBTQ+ people, and although they say there is no good way to reach out only to individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, the results are exaggerated. may lead to

“It’s an ongoing challenge that we have because when you’re asking a question, [only] Gathering people who want to share can skew the results in some way,” they said. Inside higher education in an interview.

Price of the Trevor Project acknowledged the methodology’s shortcomings, but said the findings still have merit.

“All research is potentially subject to bias, not only from the participants in the study, but also from things like how questions are structured and the dissemination of the study,” they said. There is no way to completely remove bias from research, and it is also possible that there is an overabundance of a sample of college students who have negative experiences on campus and turn to online communities for affirmation and support. There is no way to offset a student’s positive experience, and different assessments of LGBTQ acceptance can lead to different approval ratings and cannot be compared head-to-head.”

Overall, Windmeyer agreed that the survey was useful. Specifically, to make a clear call to administrators to start or continue to invest in supporting LGBTQ+ students.

“Campuses that take responsibility and provide support services for LGBTQ students have a lower risk of their students committing suicide or other forms of depression,” they said. They will get good grades, and with that support, they will be able to succeed academically.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7, free and confidential service that can provide support, information, and community resources to those experiencing or around a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Dial 988 for help.