Trusted Adults as a Protective Factor for Bullying and Suicide Attempts Among Youth Across Differences in Race, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity

Objective: Bullying victimization commonly occurs among young adults and negatively influences their psychosocial functioning. Using the stress-buffering hypothesis as a theoretical framework, this study examines school bullying and online bullying, their relationships with suicide attempts, and the protective role of supportive adults (i.e., parents, teachers). Method: We used multiple regression analyses to identify the association between bullying and suicide attempts and the moderation effects of the availability of support from parents and teachers in a sample of 5,351 Colorado students ages 14–18 (M=15.7 years, SD=1.2). We examined differences across race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Results: School bullying and online bullying were associated with students’ suicide attempts. Asian and African American students reported fewer suicide attempts than white students. Compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers, cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students and transgender LGB youth were more likely to attempt suicide. Only parental support moderated the relationship between bullying and suicide attempts. Conclusions: Results contribute to research exploring the role of parental support in the relationship between experiences of being bullied and suicidality. Findings underscore the need for implementing evidence-based interventions that involve trusted adults and promote their role in reducing youth bullying and suicide risk.