1. Mental Health Implications of Same-Sex Marriage
- Author
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Shelly K. Kerr, Robin M. Mathy Msw, Lgsw, MSc, MSt, Ma, and Barbara A. Lehmann
- Subjects
media_common.quotation_subject ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Protective factor ,Mental health ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Service utilization ,Secondary analysis ,Same sex ,Sexual orientation ,Homosexuality ,Risk factor ,Psychology ,Applied Psychology ,Clinical psychology ,media_common - Abstract
SUMMARY Marriage is a mental health protective factor and homosexuality is sometimes a risk factor. The combined effect of these factors on mental health was examined in this study. We conducted a secondary analysis of an international, cross-sectional survey completed in 2000 (N = 7,616). We examined risks of suicide ideations and attempts, behavioral problems, and treatment histories for male and female participants from Canada and the United States. We found significant relations between sexual orientation and suicidality in all four gender-country groups. We found significant associations between relationship status and suicidality for men but not women in both countries. Behavioral problems and treatment histories were equivocal. We discuss the mental health implications of these findings for same-sex marriage.
- Published
- 2004