(PS13-13) Online Identity-based Victimization, Online Support, and Community Acceptance Influence Suicide and Depression Among Minoritized Youths

Minoritized youths often report experiencing and witnessing identity-based victimization (IBV) online, which can contribute to suicidal ideation (SI) and depression. Yet, limited studies explore whether online identity-based support and acceptance, including online or in one’s community, affect SI or whether these experiences buffer the adverse effects of online IBV among SGM teens. This study examines the main and interactive effects of the online experience of IBV, online support, and community acceptance on SI and depression symptoms among minoritized youths.

A subgroup of youths who identified as racial minority and/or sexual and gender minority (N =175) reported the frequency of online exposure to IBV, direct experience of IBV, perceived online support, perceived community acceptance of diverse identities, depression symptoms, and past-month SI. Linear and logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the main and interactive effects of online direct experience and exposure to IBV in the past three months, online support, and community acceptance on depression symptoms and SI. 

Overall, online exposure to IBV in the past three months was linked to a higher likelihood of past-month SI (B = 0.16, p = .05) and worsened depression (B = 0.89, p = .001) among minoritized teens. However, there is no effect of direct IBV on SI (p = .93) or depression (p =.50). Identity-based acceptance from one’s community was associated with a reduced likelihood of SI (B = -0.14, p = .006) and lower level of depression symptom (B = -0.46, p = .005), but there was no association between identity-based support with SI (p = .78) or depression (p = .17). There was no interactive effect or buffering between IBV and SI (ps > .23) or depression (ps > .51).

Indirect IBV is associated with worsened depression and a higher likelihood of SI, while community acceptance is linked to reduced depression and a lower likelihood of SI among minoritized youths. Identity-based support or acceptance did not buffer the harm of IBV. Results suggest the importance of validating the harm of IBV and providing evidence of the protective effect of an inclusive community environment against suicide and depression among minoritized youths.