the evolving mind

Oh-oh. New research has surfaced that is tailor made for conservatives to abuse. Conveniently, they need read no further than the headline.

Youth who self-identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual at higher suicide risk, say Montreal researchers

You know what it means, don’t you?! Deep down inside, gays and lesbians know they are sinning sinners, and this is why they hate themselves.

Wrong. How is it wrong? Let’s read the first paragraph, at least.

Mental health professionals have long-known that gay, lesbian and bisexual (GLB) teens face significantly elevated risks of mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts. However, a group of McGill University researchers in Montreal has now come to the conclusion that self-identity is the crucial risk-factor, rather than actual sexual behaviours. Their results were published in February in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. [bold added]

Well, that’s not much of a help. And it actually contains an error itself. An error of omission. How so?

If you study psychological development you learn that personal identity develops in a social context. Not only are relationships a huge part of our identities, but a person’s identity is fashioned relative to their social context. They compare and contrast themselves with others. How are they alike, how are they different. And while being different in some regards can have positive mental health consequences (being better or the best at some valued ability or skill, etc.), being different from others can have negative mental health consequences (being the only black person in a white southern school, etc.).

The actual data itself is pretty interesting.

The researchers administered a detailed, anonymous questionnaire to nearly 1,900 students in 14 Montreal-area high schools, and found that those teens who self-identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual, or who were unsure of their sexual identity, were indeed at higher risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. However, teens who had same-sex attractions or sexual experiences – but thought of themselves as heterosexual – were at no greater risk than the population at large. Perhaps surprisingly, but consistent with previous studies, the majority of teens with same-sex sexual attraction or experience considered themselves to be heterosexual.

Yes, it really does appear that the self-identity part is key. It’s not until deep into the article, however — a place where conservatives are less likely to venture (or will find it easier to ignore) that what I see as the second crucial element is brought to light. Co-author Dr. Richard Montoro explains,

“The main message is that it’s the interface between individuals and society that causes students who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual the most distress.” [bold added]

Yes, it’s the interface. Both elements count. It doesn’t take a genius to imagine a hypothetical society in which homosexuality is popular and highly valued, with the minority heterosexuals are viewed as different, odd, and so heterosexuals may feel unworthy and alone. My guess is that in such a circumstance — given that particular interface — the heterosexual individuals who self-identify as heterosexual would be the ones with the higher risk for suicide.

So to conservatives who abuse this research I say, “Congratulations. You have shown to the world you are part of the problem.”

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