Can Need for Affect and Sexuality Differentiate Suicide Risk in Three Community Samples

Suicide is a pressing community mental health problem, yet remains under investigated in certain vulnerable populations such as the bondage and sadomasochism (BDSM) community. As reflected by the Need for Affect (NFA), the present paper aims to test a new approach to understanding suicide risk from a Preferences in Information Processing perspective. Adult participants (n = 2,097) drawn from community, college, and BDSM community samples completed a health survey via online administration. Bivariate tests were used to identify correlates of elevated suicide risk, and logistic regression was employed to test primary hypotheses. Results yielded the following indicators of elevated suicide risk category membership: (1) female gender, (2) BDSM community membership, (3) lesbian, gay, bisexual and other sexual orientation identity minority status, (4) elevated depressive symptoms, (5) elevated NFA approach, and (6) elevated NFA Avoidance. BDSM and NFA results are largely new, and speak to the need for further attention. Results are discussed with respect to information processing preferences, as well as the intersection of sexuality-based marginalized groups, stigma, and health disparities. Implications for community mental health and suicide prevention are discussed.