The Role of Sexual Minority Stigma and Depressive Symptoms Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Relationship Between Coming Out and Suicidal Ideation: A Prospective Cohort Study

Suicide has become a significant issue globally and in China in recent years. Research has shown that stigma toward young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and depressive symptoms are associated with suicidal ideation among YMSM after coming out. However, the potential mechanisms are not fully understood. This study used cohort data from three cities in central China, including a total of 372 participants. The study analyzed the relationship between coming out type and suicidal ideation, with sexual minority stigma and depressive symptoms as mediating factors. The data was analyzed using a chain mediation model. The relationship between total out of the coming out score and suicidal ideation was mediated by sexual minority stigma, while depressive symptoms did not have a significant mediating effect. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between coming out to family or other intimates and suicidal ideation. Additionally, we observed a chain mediation mechanism, which continuously mediated the relationship between suicidal ideation and coming out through sexual minority stigma and depressive symptoms The study concludes that coming out affects YMSM suicidal ideation through sexual minority stigma and depressive symptoms. The impact of different coming out types on YMSM suicidal ideation varies.