Suicide Risk among Transgender People: A Prevalent Problem in Critical Need of Empirical and Theoretical Research

Abstract

Transgender individuals are at increased risk for suicide relative to nontransgender people. Despite this, research on transgender people's risk for suicide mirrors their marginalization at the societal level; there is simply not enough research dedicated to understanding increased suicide risk among transgender people. This article presents a brief review of what is known regarding the prevalence and correlates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among transgender people and offers perspective regarding what theories of suicide may be pertinent to understanding and addressing increased suicide risk within this population. We also summarize strengths and limitations of the current body of work to provide impetus for additional and improved research on this important problem.