Childhood Gender Nonconformity and Suicidal Behavior in Chinese Gay and Bisexual Men: The Roles of Childhood Abuse and Social Inhibition.

The relationship between childhood gender nonconformity (CGN) and suicidal behavior among gay and bisexual men, along with its underlying mechanisms, need more exploration, especially in the Chinese context, a collectivistic culture emphasizing conformity to strict gender norms. This study aimed to examine the relationship between CGN and suicidal behavior and the mediating role of childhood abuse (i.e., physical, psychological, and sexual abuse) and social inhibition in this relationship among gay and bisexual men. A sample of 450 Chinese participants, consisting of 211 gay men and 239 bisexual men (age M = 23.14, SD = 3.38), was recruited via an online survey between May and July 2023. Participants completed measures of CGN, childhood abuse, social inhibition, and suicidal behavior. A serial mediation analysis was conducted to examine associations among core variables. A positive relationship between CGN and suicidal behavior (β = 0.25, 95% CI = [0.18, 0.33]) was found. Childhood abuse (particularly emotional and physical abuse, indirect effects = 0.05, 0.07) significantly partially mediated this relationship. Moreover, the serial mediation link from CGN to suicidal behavior via childhood abuse (emotional abuse) and social inhibition was significant (indirect effect = 0.02). This study underlines the important role of CGN in suicidal behavior among gay and bisexual men in the Chinese context and highlights the potential mechanisms regarding how CGN is associated with suicidal behavior. These findings provide support for the extended minority stress theory in understanding mental health challenges faced by this population.