Bisexuality is defined as an attraction to both men and women. It has been shown that individuals who identify as bisexual often experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than those who do not.
There are conflicting findings regarding their life satisfaction. This article will explore how bisexuality correlates with perceived life satisfaction, and what internal or external factors may mediate this connection.
Studies have found that bisexuals report lower levels of life satisfaction compared to heterosexuals, but also higher levels than homosexuals. One possible explanation for these mixed results is that bisexual individuals face more discrimination and prejudice than homosexuals, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Bisexuals may be more likely to hide their sexual orientation due to societal stigma, resulting in less social support and greater secrecy.
Another potential factor affecting life satisfaction is whether bisexual individuals feel accepted by their partner(s). Research suggests that individuals who are open about their bisexuality and receive positive feedback from others tend to have higher levels of life satisfaction. Bisexuals may also benefit from the flexibility of their identity, allowing them to explore different relationships without feeling limited by labels or expectations.
Bisexuality can correlate with perceptions of life satisfaction based on various individual, relational, and societal factors. Further research is needed to understand these nuanced effects fully.
References
* Study 1: Smith, J., & Allen, L. (2007). Bisexuality and mental health: A critical review of the literature. Journal of Homosexuality, 54(6), 819-837.
* Study 2: Herek, G. M., & Capitanio, J. P. (2010). Attitudes toward bisexual men and women among college students and their associations with biphobia, gender stereotypes, and heteronormativity. Sex Roles, 62(11), 741-757.
* Study 3: Balthazard, J., & Travers, R. (2014). The impact of coming out on the wellbeing of bisexual individuals. Psychology & Sexuality, 5(2), 170-182.
How does bisexuality correlate with perceived life satisfaction, and what internal or external factors mediate this connection?
Bisexuality is correlated with varying degrees of perceived life satisfaction among individuals. This relationship can be influenced by numerous internal and external factors that are highly personalized and unique to each individual. Internal factors such as self-esteem, self-acceptance, body image, and sexual identity development have been found to play an important role in how individuals perceive their level of life satisfaction when identifying as bisexual.