“It’s just a phase”: Identity denial experiences, self-concept clarity, and emotional well-being in bisexual individuals

Alexandra Garr-Schultz*, Wendi Gardner

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bisexual individuals suffer poorer well-being than their gay and lesbian peers. The current work highlights the identity denial experiences of people who identify as gay, lesbian, and bisexual through self-reports and quantitative measures. Study 1 (N = 130) asked participants about unsupportive experiences during sexual identity disclosure and found that experiences of identity denial were more frequently reported by bisexual individuals compared to gay and lesbian peers. Study 2 (N = 202) examined the distinct relationship of identity denial experiences, above and beyond other prejudiced responses and discrimination, with well-being and self-concept outcomes. Results suggest identity denial is a frequent experience for bisexual individuals and is uniquely associated with lower psychological well-being and a less clear self-concept.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)528-544
Number of pages17
JournalSelf and Identity
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Sexualities Project at Northwestern. This work was completed with the support of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship awarded to the first author. This work was also supported by a research grant from The Sexualities Project at Northwestern.

Keywords

  • Identity
  • bisexuality
  • identity denial
  • minority mental health
  • sexual minorities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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