Difference-in-Differences Analysis of the Association Between State Same-Sex Marriage Policies and Adolescent Suicide Attempts

Source: JAMA Pediatrics
Contributors: Raifman, J., Moscoe, E., & Austin, B.
Topic: Data Collection/Evaluation, Mental Health/Health, Research Studies, Social Justice
Population Focus: LGBTQ Youth

This study used state-level Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2015. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 years. State same-sex marriage policies were associated with a reduction in the proportion of high school students reporting suicide attempts, providing empirical evidence for an association between same-sex marriage policies and mental health outcomes.