LGB Mental Health: Victimization, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation in Malaysia

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Victimisation, Depression and Suicidal Ideation among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Adults in Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Norhayati IBRAHIM, Magtum AEN, Noh AMIT, Zaini SAID, Ching Sin SIAU


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Victimisation, Depression and Suicidal Ideation among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Adults in Malaysia

Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.4.11

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The psychological well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals is increasingly recognized as a significant area of concern, particularly among marginalized populations. This study examines the prevalence and relationships between victimization, depression, and suicidal ideation among LGB adults in Malaysia, a context where open discussions about sexual orientation are often constricted by cultural and legal limitations. By employing a cross-sectional design, the researchers aimed to provide critical insights into the mental health challenges faced by LGB individuals in Malaysia.

Impact of Victimization on Mental Health

One crucial finding from the study is the significant correlation between victimization and mental health outcomes among LGB individuals. Results indicated that 41.8% of participants reported experiencing sexual minority-specific victimization, with varying levels of depression observed, including 13.2% being moderately depressed and 10.5% severely depressed. Moreover, 44% experienced current suicidal ideation. Through statistical analysis, fair correlations were found between victimization and depression (r_s = 0.30), as well as a moderate correlation between depression and suicidal ideation (r_s = 0.60). This underscores the stressors and psychological risks associated with discrimination and victimization, illustrating the detrimental impact such experiences have on mental health.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the interrelated issues of victimization, depression, and suicidal ideation within the LGB community in Malaysia. The findings indicate a pressing need for increased societal awareness and appropriate mental health services to address the unique challenges faced by sexual minorities. Interventions tailored to the emotional and psychological needs of LGB individuals are imperative to mitigate the adverse effects of victimization and improve their quality of life. The research highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics in fostering supportive environments where LGB individuals can feel safe and valued.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the aim of the study regarding LGB individuals in Malaysia?

The study aimed to examine the relationship between victimisation, depression, and suicidal ideation among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults in Malaysia.

What methods were used to conduct this research study?

The study utilized a cross-sectional design, distributing an online questionnaire to self-identified LGB adults through snowball sampling, and included scales measuring victimisation, depression, and suicidal ideation.

What were the main findings regarding mental health in LGB participants?

41.8% of participants reported LGB-specific victimisation, 39.6% experienced at least mild depression, and 44.0% had current suicidal ideation, indicating significant mental health challenges.

Did the study find differences in victimisation experiences among LGB participants?

The study found no significant differences in victimisation, depression, or suicidal ideation levels among the various LGB identities, suggesting similar experiences across these groups.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “LGB Mental Health: Victimization, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation in Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Depression:
Depression refers to a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It can significantly impact one's emotional and physical well-being, and is commonly linked to other mental health issues, including anxiety and suicidal ideation, especially in vulnerable populations such as the LGB community.

2) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation aimed at discovering new information or validating existing knowledge. In the context of research, studies can take various forms, such as cross-sectional, longitudinal, or experimental designs, providing valuable insights into social, behavioral, and health-related phenomena, and informing policy and practice.

3) Table:
In research, a table is a structured arrangement of data, typically displayed in rows and columns, making it easier to interpret and analyze numerical information. Tables often summarize findings from studies, providing key statistics or group comparisons that facilitate understanding of complex data and supporting the overall conclusions of a research project.

4) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. It affects how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Understanding mental health is crucial as it plays a significant role in emotional resilience and overall quality of life, especially in populations facing discrimination.

5) Reliability:
Reliability refers to the degree to which an assessment tool produces stable and consistent results over time. In psychological research, reliable measures are essential for ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of findings. High reliability strengthens the validity of the conclusions drawn from the data, particularly in studies examining mental health outcomes.

6) Cina:
China is a country in East Asia known for its vast population and rich cultural heritage. In the context of mental health studies, China has been recognized for specific challenges faced by sexual minority individuals, including societal stigma and discrimination, which are pivotal in examining the mental health outcomes and victimization experiences in LGB communities.

7) Pur:
The term 'poor' often refers to inadequate quality, insufficient quantity, or lack of critical resources. In mental health discourse, it is commonly associated with low levels of well-being, such as the poor mental health experienced by individuals exposed to victimization or adverse social conditions, which can lead to severe psychological consequences.

8) Male:
Male refers to the biological sex characterized by the presence of XY chromosomes, typically associated with the production of sperm and certain physical traits. Research involving males often examines how gendered experiences impact mental health, including specific vulnerabilities related to victimization, depression, and societal pressures, especially within marginalized groups.

9) Tai:
Thai refers to anything related to Thailand, a Southeast Asian country known for its unique culture and traditions. In mental health research, especially regarding the LGB population, studies in Thailand have illuminated issues of stigma, discrimination, and mental health challenges faced by sexual minorities within Thai society and the broader Southeast Asian context.

10) Chan:
Chan is a common surname and may refer to individuals involved in various fields. In research contexts, referencing authors or researchers such as Chan indicates contributions to scholarly work, particularly in studies addressing mental health outcomes, strategies for intervention, or cultural influences impacting health among specific populations.

11) Education:
Education is the process of imparting knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes, typically in formal settings like schools. It plays a crucial role in shaping mental health awareness and promoting resilience among individuals, particularly marginalized groups. Education can empower individuals with coping mechanisms and support systems to address mental health challenges.

12) Rules:
Rules are established guidelines or principles governing behavior within various settings, including legal, social, or institutional contexts. In mental health research, rules often dictate ethical practices, data collection protocols, and how participants are treated during studies, ensuring that research is conducted safely and respectfully, particularly with sensitive populations.

13) Death:
Death refers to the cessation of life and is a significant concern in mental health discussions, particularly in relation to suicidal ideation and behavior. Understanding the factors that lead to heightened risk of death among populations experiencing victimization, such as LGB individuals, is essential for creating effective prevention strategies and support systems.

14) Mental disorder:
Mental disorders are a wide range of conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior. These disorders can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life, often requiring clinical intervention. Mental disorders are prevalent among marginalized communities, highlighting the need for targeted research and treatment approaches to address their unique challenges.

15) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the examination and exploration of findings from research. It serves as a critical section in academic papers, analyzing implications, limitations, and future directions based on study results. In mental health research, discussions often contextualize findings within broader societal issues, informing interventions and policy changes for affected populations.

16) Substance:
Substance refers to any physical material, including drugs and alcohol, that can affect physical and mental health. In the context of mental health, substance use is often examined for its relationship with disorders such as depression and anxiety, and can be a significant factor in understanding the challenges faced by at-risk populations.

17) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness, as well as promoting overall health and well-being. Understanding the intersection of mental health and medicinal treatment is crucial for providing comprehensive care, particularly for populations who experience greater mental health challenges due to societal stigma, such as LGB individuals.

18) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry or fear. It can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, and can significantly impact daily functioning. Anxiety is often comorbid with other mental health issues, including depression, particularly among marginalized populations facing social stressors.

19) Thomas:
Thomas is a common name that may refer to various individuals contributing to research or discussions in specific fields. In academic literature, citing authors like Thomas underscores contributions to understanding complex societal issues, including mental health disparities and the experiences of sexual minorities in various sociocultural contexts.

20) Family:
Family typically denotes a social unit consisting of parents and their children, or a broader network of relatives. Family dynamics and relationships can significantly influence mental health, providing support or, conversely, contributing to stress and victimization experiences, particularly among sexual minority individuals facing societal rejection.

21) Shame (Same):
Shame is a complex emotion involving feelings of humiliation or distress over perceived failures or shortcomings. It can impact mental health dramatically, leading to detrimental effects such as low self-esteem or social withdrawal, particularly among individuals from marginalized backgrounds, where societal stereotypes may amplify feelings of shame.

22) Joshi (Josi):
Josi may refer to individuals or terms related to specific studies or concepts in mental health research, emphasizing contributions to the understanding of psychological phenomena. In academic contexts, recognizing the work of researchers like Josi is essential to crediting findings that address mental health disparities and related issues.

23) Fish:
Fish may refer to individuals or concepts within social or psychological studies, often symbolizing various theories or methodologies. In the context of mental health, researchers examining the experiences of sexual minorities often draw correspondences using metaphors related to fish, linking them to broader discussions about identity and society.

24) Post:
Post refers to materials or topics discussed or shared after an event. In mental health discourse, posts often denote reflections on research findings, implications for practice, or personal experiences shared within communities. Posts can serve as platforms for advocacy or awareness regarding mental health and social issues.

25) Mud:
Mood refers to the emotional state of an individual, ranging from happiness to sadness. It plays a significant role in mental well-being, influencing behavior and thought processes. Changes in mood can be symptomatic of various mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, highlighting the necessity for monitoring in vulnerable populations.

26) Life:
Life encompasses the state of being alive, including physical, emotional, and social experiences. In mental health, quality of life is often assessed to determine the impact of mental disorders and societal acceptance on overall well-being. Understanding the interplay between life experiences and mental health is critical for providing support.

27) Hinduism:
Hinduism is a major world religion characterized by a belief in karma and dharma, influencing various cultural and social practices. In the context of mental health, understanding religious beliefs such as those in Hinduism can inform approaches to psychological well-being, especially within communities that are often subjected to societal pressures regarding sexual orientation.

28) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
Buddhist pertains to individuals or practices related to Buddhism. In mental health contexts, the philosophies of Buddhism emphasize mindfulness and compassion, offering therapeutic strategies that can help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly for those facing societal challenges related to sexual orientation.

29) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of something as measured against other things. In mental health research, quality of life assessments are crucial for understanding how mental disorders, societal acceptance, and personal experiences affect individuals' overall well-being, particularly for marginalized communities where discrimination may play a significant role.

30) Account:
Account generally refers to a narrative or report of experiences or events. In mental health contexts, individuals may provide accounts of their psychological struggles, which can inform understanding of disorders and the impact of societal stigma on well-being. Such accounts are invaluable for qualitative studies addressing the experiences of marginalized groups.

31) Reason:
Reason entails logical explanation or justification for actions, beliefs, or events. Understanding the reasons behind mental health outcomes can be crucial for promoting effective interventions and preventive measures in populations facing victimization. Analyzing reasons can also guide personal resilience and coping strategies among those experiencing mental health challenges.

32) Crying:
Crying is a natural emotional response, often associated with feelings of sadness, frustration, or relief. It can serve as a release mechanism, reflecting mental states such as depression or anxiety. Understanding the contexts in which individuals cry can provide insights into their emotional health and coping strategies, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘LGB Mental Health: Victimization, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation in Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mental health, Depression, Present study, Better understanding, Informed consent, Conflict of interest, Quality of life, Emotional health, Psychological condition, Data analysis, Research limitations, Social worker, Multivariate analysis, Research design, Cross-sectional study, Correlation coefficient, Public health professionals, Non-probability sampling, Declaration of Helsinki, Kruskal Wallis test, Interpersonal relationship, Interquartile Range, Mental health issue, Beck Depression inventory, Coping Skills, Significant positive correlation, Correlation analysis, Mental health professional, Suicidal ideation, Sexual orientation, Descriptive analysis, Sampling procedure, Cross-sectional design, Severity of Depression, Internal consistency reliability, Psychological outcomes, Mental health outcomes, Correlation test.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

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