Comparing Harmful Behaviors Among Dancers According to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Utilizing the RISQ

Abstract

Introduction:

There is a dearth of information about whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) dancers, who often experience increased psychosocial risk factors, are at increased risk of engaging in harmful behaviors compared to their heterosexual cisgender counterparts. This study explores harmful behaviors dancers engage in according to their self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), utilizing the validated Risky, Impulsive, and Self-Destructive Behavior Questionnaire (RISQ).

Methods:

Three hundred sixty-four dancers from 7 elite dance entities in New York were contacted by e-mail to participate in the study. Sixty-six participants completed the study through a virtual questionnaire. Chi-square, ANOVA and independent t-test were utilized to assess statistical differences among RISQ outcomes in 4 SOGI groups: Cisgender Heterosexual Female (n = 20); Cisgender Heterosexual Male (n = 7); LGBTQ+ Female (n = 19); and LGBTQ+ Male (n = 20).

Results:

Chi-square comparing SOGI group frequency of participation within each of the RISQ behaviors revealed statistically significant difference with: difficulty stopping eating (P = .05); gambling illegally (P = .036); betting on sports, horses, or other animals (P = .036); buying expensive items that cannot be afforded at the spur of the moment (P = .019); and drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks in 3 hours or less (P = .013). Between-group frequency comparison through ANOVA and independent t-test revealed: the LGBTQ+ Male group were 92% more likely to have unprotected sex with someone they just met or did not know well (P < .001) and 83% more likely to use hallucinogens, LSD, or mushrooms (P = .018); the LGBTQ+ Female and LGBTQ+ Male groups were 4.4 times more likely to buy drugs (P = .01) and 4.88 times more likely to think about killing themselves (P = .023); and both male groups were 12.8 times more likely to steal money (P = .006).

Conclusions:

This study found significant difference in RISQ scores based on a dancer’s SOGI. Harmful behaviors should be taken into consideration when working to improve dancer patient outcomes and quality of life.