Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jill Kaspszak

Abstract

Secondary data was used to examine the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and the association between cyberbullying by high school-aged students (Grades 9–12) both heterosexual and sexual minority youth (SMY) and suicidal behaviors experienced by high school-aged students (Grades 9–12) in the United States using data from the 2017 CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). The YRBSS used in this research was the newest and most comprehensive data. The YRBSS is a national school-based survey, that is used to monitor health-related behaviors including violence, sexual behaviors (heterosexual and SMY students), intentional and unintentional injuries that contribute to suicide behaviors. Results demonstrated the trends of suicidal behaviors over the last 20 years for this population have not decreased. Suicide rates were higher for those students who exhibited an increase in suicidal behaviors. More specifically, there was a disproportionately higher level of suicidal behaviors exhibited by female students. Additionally, this study identified a shrinking difference in suicide rates among males and females. Positive social change implications from this research can provide a framework that informs public health workers, teachers, parents, and students about the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and the association of victimization. An association was identified between cyberbullying by high school-aged students (Grades 9–12) both heterosexual and SMY and suicidal behaviors, it also provides a basis for primary prevention measures for future research to reduce those behaviors associated with victimization and suicidal behaviors. Cyberbullying is a nontraditional form of victimization requiring newer antibullying strategies.

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