Bisexuality and Identity Formation

Date Issued:: 2013
Abstract/Description:: This study explores the identity development and psychological adjustment of bisexual individuals (n = 122) as compared to homosexual (n = 38) and heterosexual participants (n = 490). Undergraduate students recruited from psychology classes at a large metropolitan university in Florida (67% female, 64% Caucasian) took an online survey for course extra credit. Bisexual and homosexual participants scored higher in identity exploration than the heterosexual participants. Bisexual participants scored significantly higher in psychological symptom severity than heterosexual participants. The three groups were not significantly different in identity commitment nor in identity distress. Female bisexual participants scored more similar to the homosexual participants in identity exploration, while the male bisexual participants were more similar to the heterosexual participants. Among males, bisexual and homosexual participants reported greater psychological symptom severity than heterosexual participants. There were no differences between groups for female participants in regard to symptom severity. This study highlights the need for more research into the psychological correlates of bisexuality as a distinct group from homosexuality, as well as the need to focus on gender as a significant moderator of these relationships.

Title:	Bisexuality and Identity Formation.	37 views 18 downloads
Name(s):	Fuoss, Jessica, Author Berman, Steven, Committee Chair Fouty, Homer, Committee Member Upchurch, Rosaria, Committee Member , Committee Member University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource:	text
Date Issued:	2013
Publisher:	University of Central Florida
Language(s):	English
Abstract/Description:	This study explores the identity development and psychological adjustment of bisexual individuals (n = 122) as compared to homosexual (n = 38) and heterosexual participants (n = 490). Undergraduate students recruited from psychology classes at a large metropolitan university in Florida (67% female, 64% Caucasian) took an online survey for course extra credit. Bisexual and homosexual participants scored higher in identity exploration than the heterosexual participants. Bisexual participants scored significantly higher in psychological symptom severity than heterosexual participants. The three groups were not significantly different in identity commitment nor in identity distress. Female bisexual participants scored more similar to the homosexual participants in identity exploration, while the male bisexual participants were more similar to the heterosexual participants. Among males, bisexual and homosexual participants reported greater psychological symptom severity than heterosexual participants. There were no differences between groups for female participants in regard to symptom severity. This study highlights the need for more research into the psychological correlates of bisexuality as a distinct group from homosexuality, as well as the need to focus on gender as a significant moderator of these relationships.
Identifier:	CFE0004844 (IID), ucf:49703 (fedora)
Note(s):	2013-08-01 M.A. Sciences, Psychology Masters This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s):	Bisexual -- sexual fluidity -- bisexuals -- bisexuality -- homosexuality -- sexuality -- identity formation -- sexual identity -- gay and lesbian research -- homosexual -- homosexuals
Persistent Link to This Record:	http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004844
Restrictions on Access:	public 2013-08-15
Host Institution:	UCF

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