LGBT Youth Suicide: A Growing Crisis - Essay Sample

Introduction

The major problem is that since the 1980s, Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual youths have been reported to have a high prevalence in committing suicide. Several studies show that the least half of these youths have committed suicide, and a quarter has had suicidal thoughts. LGBT have a high prevalence of committing suicide based on their sexual orientation compared to the heterosexuals. Some of the mentioned factors that contribute to their death include family rejection, public stigmatization, poor school safety, bullying, and discrimination, among others.

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The research, "Suicidality among Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth: The Role of Protective Factors" by Marla E. Eisenberg and Michael D. Resnick and "Inclusive Anti-bullying Policies and Reduced Risk of Suicide Attempts in Lesbian and Gay Youth" by Mark L. Hatzenbuehler and Katherine M. Keyes is very credible. The results of the two studies are proven accurate because they had similar findings to those of researches conducted in the past. For instance, the survey by Eisenberg and Resnick matched its results to those of studies conducted in the 1980s, thus proofing accuracy.

I discerned the credibility of the researches by comparing the introduction part to with the found results. The results parts matched the introduction information, thus proving credibility. The introduction part analyses the findings of the past studies, which indicates that there are two to three times chances that the LGBT are likely to commit suicide at a particular time compared to heterosexuals. Poor family and society relationships are some of the most common factors mentioned in both studies. Their results also reported similar concepts.

Use of credible evidence will help me by providing the best platform to bring an appropriate action plan into action. The results of the two pieces of research will provide the bases and suggestions of the appropriate action. Wrong or inaccurate findings are likely to suggest an incorrect course of action. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that the results prove quality and not quantity. Reliable evidence will recommend long-lasting and workable solutions to the existing problem.

The two studies align with fundamental theories such as personality, social psychology, humanistic, and behavioral. Personality theory applies in the studies by showing how the personal feelings of the LGBT make them unique. Social psychology explains their weak social interactions with people who are not LGB. The humanistic theory explains the need to show humanity and kindness to the LGBT. The behavioral theory explains the consequences of being LGBT and how the environment affects their decision-making processes.

The two pieces of the research align with the ethical guidelines of psychology in the following ways. Even though the study does not mention the agreement between the researchers and the participants on who to take the credit of the study, the credit is given to the researchers by naming them as the owner of the study. The researches were conscious of multiple roles, thus the smooth investigation. They did not engage in various relationships, which could deter their purpose of investigation. The studies provide that the participants voluntarily involved in the research. The confidentiality and privacy of the participants were respected. They only answered the questions with which they were okay. Also, their names were withheld for privacy purposes.

Plan Support

Some of the fundamental theories that could be applied to solve the problem are social psychology, personality, and humanistic.

Personality theory will apply to address the sexual orientation of the LGBT. The theory states that the unique feelings of this group are what defines their personalities, thus should be respected. Social psychology theory could be used to describe how the disconnectedness of LGBT from society affects them. Lack of social influence has led to added cases of suicide. LGBT need more acceptance and appreciation from the community. The humanistic theory will address the need to be more kind to the LGBT. LGBT also need counseling, which will help them accept their images and feel worthwhile.

The perspectives of psychology, such as humanistic, cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic, could be used to solve the LGBT suicide problem. Humanistic perspective could teach the LGBTs to realize their potentials, come out of their closet, and focus on how to feel good about themselves. Cognitive will help them to minimize their expectations and emotions to control their behaviors. LGBT should not expect to b treated like heterosexuals in society. The behavioral perspective will prepare the minds of LGBT to learn that their reactions will be influenced by the society they live in; therefore, they should be conscious of their actions. Psychodynamic will teach this group that their impulses are driven by sex. Therefore, their consciousness should begin at childhood because it is then that the experiences kick in, which tends to be controlled by society. Such experiences should be managed by knowledge, and the LGBT should grow, knowing that the community will rise against their sexual orientations.

The following are the ethical implications that need to be considered in the application of the solution. The first one is objectivity. It is vital to avoid any kind of bias in the in the interpretation and suggestion of the action plan based on the problem. Secondly, carefulness; while formulating the action plan, it is necessary to be careful to avoid mistakes which could harm the group under research. Also, there should be respect for other people's work. If the solution or the action plan is borrowed from other people's work, it is crucial to mention. Finally, the action plan should be within the legal limits.

Action Plan

The overall action plan is to test whether the protective factors like family connectedness adults care, teachers care, and anti-bullying in school works towards the prevention or reduction of suicide cases in the LGBT society. The action plan involves researching the LGBT and non- LGBT in the community in the presence and absence of such protective factors to find out the difference. The results show that in the presence of protective measures, the LGBT are less likely to commit suicide than in the absence of such actions.

I recommend the employment of protective factors in the LGBT society. Hatzenbuehler and Keyes (2012) provide that in school with anti-bullying policies, the rate at which LGBT commit suicide is lower compared to schools without the policies. According to Eisenberg and Resnick (2006), LGB youths with caring adults, teachers, and families, fewer cases of suicide were reported. Therefore, society needs to practice protective measures and accept the sexual orientations of these youths.

The fundamental theories and perspectives align with the action plan in the following ways. Personality theory seeks to protect and respect the feelings of the youths. Social psychology theory help with social influence towards showing love and kindness to the LGBT. The humanistic approach tries to urge for the appreciation and acceptance of the LGBT. The humanistic perspective influence and motivate the LGBT to stand for their rights and demand their respects. Cognitive perspective helps them to build self-acceptance and have fewer expectations from the society that if denied, could lead to disappointments. Behavioral aspects help the youths learn that they will be judged based on their behaviors; therefore, they should behave the way they would want to be judged.

The action plan is with alignment with ethical guidelines of psychology. The researchers made clear to the participants that they will take the research credit. They also did not engage in unauthorized relationships, thus the success of the study. Besides, the researches made sure that the participants voluntarily involved in the study by informing them about the conventional procedures and the types of questions to be answered. They also protected the privacy and confidentiality of the participants. Their private details based on the inquiries and the questions they answered were kept secret.

References

Eisenberg, M. E., & Resnick, M. D. (2006). Suicidality among gay, lesbian and bisexual youth: The role of protective factors. Journal of Adolescent Health, 39(5), 662-668. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X06001716

Hatzenbuehler, M. L., & Keyes, K. M. (2012). Inclusive anti-bullying policies and reduced risk of suicide attempts in lesbian and gay youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 53(1), S21-S26. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X12003540