Addressing LGBTQIA+ Suicide Risk through Relational Cultural Therapy

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) people are at elevated risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and deaths by suicide compared with cisgender, heterosexual people (Movement Advancement Project, 2017). There are several posited explanations for this disparity, including minority stress (Meyer, 2003), experiences of victimization and violence (Bouris et al., 2016), and low social support (Liu & Mustanski, 2012). All of these proposed explanations share one thing in common: disrupted relationships. The interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS; Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010), which is the preeminent theory of suicide, may better explain the high prevalence of suicide and suicidality in LGBTQIA+ persons. This theory identifies two causal risk factors for suicidal ideation: thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (Van Orden et al., 2010). This workshop will explore LGBTQIA+ suicide risk through a relational lens informed by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, as well as propose interventions to address suicide risk through a Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) lens. Attendees will learn about LGBTQIA+ suicide risk, including unique risk factors, the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, and how RCT interventions can address suicide risk in LGBTQIA+ clients.