Bisexual individuals are those who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of more than one gender. While there has been an increase in visibility for this identity group in recent years, they continue to face unique challenges related to their identity that can impact mental health, social integration, and relational satisfaction. This article will explore how disclosure or concealment of bisexual identity influences these areas.
Disclosure refers to the act of revealing one's sexual orientation to others, while concealment involves hiding it from them. Both can have significant effects on well-being.
Studies have shown that bisexuals who disclose experience less internalized biphobia, which is the negative attitudes held towards oneself due to their sexual orientation, compared to those who do not disclose (Mustanski & Newcomb, 2014). In addition, disclosers report greater social support and less loneliness than non-disclosers (Watson et al., 2018).
Disclosure also carries risks such as potential rejection, stigma, and violence (Dreachslin & Bockting, 2017). As a result, some bisexuals choose to conceal their identity for safety reasons.
Concealment may lead to higher levels of psychological distress, including depression and anxiety (Mustanski & Newcomb, 2014). It can also prevent individuals from forming meaningful relationships with both men and women, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness (Brown, 2017).
Concealment can hinder intimacy in relationships by limiting opportunities for open communication and trust (Hill, 2016). Conversely, coming out to a partner can improve relationship satisfaction through increased understanding, empathy, and acceptance (Lewis, 2013). This suggests that disclosure can be beneficial but comes with its own set of challenges.
The decision to disclose or conceal one's bisexual identity has complex implications for mental health, social integration, and relational satisfaction. Disclosure can reduce internalized biphobia, increase social support, and improve self-esteem, while concealment can worsen mental health and limit relational possibilities.
Individuals must weigh these factors when deciding how to navigate their sexual identity in various contexts.
How does disclosure or concealment of bisexual identity influence mental health, social integration, and relational satisfaction?
In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how disclosing one's sexual orientation may impact their wellbeing and social integration. Studies have shown that individuals who identify as bisexual are more likely than heterosexuals or homosexuals to experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression (Bostwick et al. , 2013).