(PS8-47) Examining the Relationships between Hope and Suicidal Cognitions across LGBTQ+ Populations

Abstract Text: Research has shown that hope is a protective factor against suicide and low hope significantly predicts suicidal behavior (Anestis et al., 2014; Moe et al., 2023). There is not a consensus in the research about levels of hope in LGBTQ+ samples (Hirsch et al., 2017; Hull, 2024). However, research has shown that hope and hopelessness differently moderate the relationship between variables measuring distress and wellbeing based on demographics (Edwards & McConnell, 2023; Fulginiti, et al., 2021). This study seeks to investigate potential differences in the relationship between hope and suicide cognitions based on sexuality and gender. Suicide cognitions are an individual’s suicide belief system, including beliefs that relate to long term vulnerabilities for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Bryan & Harris, 2019). This study examined the relationship between hope and suicide cognitions, using two subscales of the suicide cognitions scale (SCS): unlovability and unbearability. Data were collected from college students struggling with suicidality (n=227). Self-identified sexuality was 35.2% heterosexual and 64.8% non-heterosexual. Self-identified gender was 79.3% cisgender and 20.7% transgender and gender diverse. Participants reported demographic information and completed the Optimism Hope Scale and the SCS. Moderated linear regression results consistently indicated that hope was negatively associated with suicide cognitions. Hope was significantly negatively correlated with suicide cognitions, r = -.451, p < .001. Results showed that cisgender women reported less suicide cognitions (β = -.17, SE = 1.77, p = .004) and that nonbinary individuals reported more suicide cognitions (β = .13, SE = 3.50, p = .03). When investigating relationships on subdomains of the SCS, it was found that the significant difference in suicide cognitions for cisgender women was driven by unlovability. Previous research has shown mixed results about utility of SCS subscales, which will be further discussed (Bryan & Harris, 2019; Gupta & Pandey, 2015). The results align with previous studies showing that hope and suicidality have an inverse relationship. Although gender and sexuality did not moderate the relationship between hope and suicidality, it is important to consider that individuals with different gender identities may be at greater or less risk for suicidal cognitions. Future research is needed to understand why suicide cognitions differ by gender. These findings highlight the importance of breaking down LGBTQ+ populations in research to better understand the experiences of those with differing identities.