Effect of Sexual Orientation Victimization on Suicidality: Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness As Mediators, and Independent Self-Construal As Moderator

Sexual minorities are at heightened risks of suicidal ideation, attempts, and behaviors. Previous researchers demonstrated that sexual orientation victimization (SOV; e.g., harassment, rejection, and discrimination) was associated with perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB), which would in turn lead to suicidality. However, the role of independent self-construal (SC) remains less explored. This study aimed to (a) revisit the relationship between the aforementioned psychological constructs in a nonwestern sample and (b) examine whether independent SC would moderate the mediating effects of PB and TB on the link between SOV and suicidality. A sample of 477 Chinese sexual minority adults (66.5% male; age: M = 26.61, SD = 5.95) completed a demographic sheet and a battery of self-report measures on SOV, PB/TB, independent SC, and suicidality. Results indicated that SOV was positively associated with suicidality and PB and TB fully mediated this association. Independent SC was found to buffer the negative impact of SOV on PB and TB. Two moderated mediation effects emerged in the present study. Specifically, the indirect associations between SOV and suicidality via PB and TB were greater at low rather than high levels of independent SC. These findings could promote our understanding about how SOV, independent SC, PB, and TB may contribute to suicidality among Chinese sexual minorities.