Social support is defined as a perceived availability of resources that enhance an individual's wellbeing during times of need, such as emotional support, practical assistance, informational help, affection, or even tangible goods. It has been found to be beneficial for reducing stress and promoting mental health among individuals from various backgrounds, including but not limited to LGBTQ+ communities.
Researchers have recently noted that social support may play a significant role in mitigating minority stress and fostering psychological resilience specifically among bisexual populations.
Bisexual people often experience stigma, discrimination, and prejudice due to their sexual orientation, which can lead to negative outcomes such as increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. In contrast, having access to social support has been shown to counteract these negative effects. Studies have demonstrated that bisexual individuals who report higher levels of social support tend to have lower rates of minority stress, indicating that social support serves as a buffer against these experiences.
It has been observed that individuals who receive more social support are more likely to develop positive coping strategies, such as self-affirmation, self-esteem, and personal growth, thereby increasing their psychological resilience in the face of adversity.
Studies have revealed that different types of social support may have varying impacts on mitigating minority stress and enhancing resilience.
Emotional support provided by family members and friends is associated with reduced internalized biphobia, while instrumental support from romantic partners has been linked to improved mental health. Social support from both sources appears to enhance an individual's sense of belonging and connectedness, two factors crucial for building resilience. Moreover, public advocacy efforts aimed at promoting awareness and acceptance of bisexuality also contribute to reducing minority stress and fostering resilience, as they reduce societal barriers and increase visibility within communities.
Not all bisexual individuals may have equal access to social support, particularly those who experience discrimination based on other identities or socioeconomic status. It is therefore essential to provide targeted interventions that address the unique needs of marginalized subgroups within the LGBTQ+ community, including bisexual people of color, bisexual women, and bisexual youth. These interventions could include culturally responsive services, structural changes, policy reforms, and advocacy initiatives that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Social support plays a critical role in mitigating minority stress and promoting psychological resilience among bisexual populations, and further research should explore how to optimize this support system to better serve their diverse needs.
How does social support mitigate minority stress and foster psychological resilience in bisexual populations?
The role of social support in reducing minority stress and fostering psychological resilience among bisexual individuals is well established. Bisexual people are more likely to experience discrimination than both heterosexuals and homosexuals due to the intersectionality of their identities (Lewis et al. , 2018). This can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.