A Narrative Review of the Relationship between Victimization, Depression and Suicide Ideation among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Individuals

Objective: To study the relationship between victimization, depression, and suicide ideation among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Methods: From a narrative overview of the literature, synthesizing the findings of the relationship between victimization, depression, and suicide ideation among LGB individuals, from a search of relevant database, 3,685 journal articles were retrieved – of which 16 met the study’s inclusion criteria. Results and Discussion: Victimization represents a highly stressful experience for the individual involved. Individuals perceived as sexual minorities (i.e., gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered) are specific targets of victimization. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, sexual minority individuals are more likely to report sexual minority-specific victimization. Sexual minorities are more vulnerable to poor mental health outcomes (e.g., the symptoms of depression) than sexual majorities. This is related to LGBT victimization. Sexual minorities are more likely to report having suicide ideation and attempt than heterosexual individuals. This is associated with LGBT victimization. There is a significant relationship between symptoms of depression and the lifetime history of suicide ideation and attempt among LGBT individuals.