Bisexuality is the attraction to multiple genders simultaneously. It has been studied extensively since the early 1900s, but it remains a poorly understood phenomenon that challenges many traditional theories about human behavior and sexuality. Psychology has historically conceptualized sexual orientation as a binary construct; either you are straight/heterosexual or gay/homosexual. This view posits that individuals' sexual orientations are determined solely by gendered attractions towards members of the opposite sex or same sex. Bisexuals complicate this binary because they have both heterosexual and homosexual desires. While bisexuality is commonly dismissed as a phase or an act of experimentation, evidence suggests that it reflects a genuine expression of sexual identity. Researchers continue to grapple with how to understand bisexuality within the context of existing psychological models and whether it can be integrated into current theories. In this article, I will explore how bisexuality complicates traditional theories of gendered attraction and intimacy in psychology.
One of the most influential theories of gendered attraction is the social learning theory proposed by Albert Bandura in the late 20th century. The theory argues that individuals learn through observation and imitation, shaping their behaviors based on what they see in their environment. According to the social learning model, children observe adults and other peers engaging in various sexual acts, which affects their own sexual preferences.
If a child sees their mother interacting positively with men, they may develop a preference for males.
Since bisexuality involves dual sexual orientations, the theory falls short of explaining why some people are attracted to multiple genders simultaneously. Another challenge for the social learning theory is that it fails to account for non-sexual factors such as emotional connection, affection, love, and intimacy that influence individual attraction decisions.
Another theoretical framework that attempts to explain human sexual behavior is the evolutionary perspective. This theory emphasizes survival and reproductive success, positing that humans evolved to seek out mates who would increase their chances of passing on genes. Proponents argue that homosexuals and bisexuals do not contribute to reproduction, making them 'deviant' from natural selection.
Evidence suggests that sexual orientation has little to no effect on reproductive fitness. There are many cases wherein gay/lesbian couples adopt or foster children, while others choose to remain single or celibate throughout their lives without compromising their sexual identity.
Research shows that bisexuals often form stable relationships and have healthy families despite being attracted to both sexes. While evolutionary psychology may provide insights into why individuals gravitate towards opposite-gender partners, it does not adequately explain the complexities of bisexuality.
The cognitive dissonance theory seeks to reconcile conflicts between conflicting beliefs and values by reducing one or more elements. It postulates that individuals experience tension when they act contrary to their internal beliefs and resolve this conflict through rationalization.
A bisexual person could justify their feelings of attraction to members of multiple genders with the idea that they can be attracted to anyone regardless of gender.
This explanation falls short since it assumes that bisexuals have heterosexual tendencies that require justification.
Cognitive dissonance theory fails to address how bisexuality develops in early childhood before one is exposed to external stimuli.
Bisexuality also complicates traditional theories of intimacy because it involves the simultaneous presence of different genders within a relationship. According to attachment theory, individuals seek emotional security from others based on their early childhood experiences and attachments. This model suggests that people form bonds based on similarity rather than differences. Therefore, heterosexuals tend to prefer partners who share their gender, while homosexuals favor same-sex partnerships. But bisexuals do not fit neatly into either category. They may choose to enter relationships wherein one partner is male and another female, or they may alternate between both. These dynamics create unique challenges for attachment theory.
Bisexuality challenges existing psychological theories of gendered attraction and intimacy because it presents a third option that does not easily fit into binary categories. Future research should focus on developing new models that incorporate the complexities of human sexuality and intimacy.
How does bisexuality complicate traditional psychological theories of gendered attraction and intimacy?
Bisexuality presents an interesting challenge for traditional psychological models that focus on gendered attraction and intimacy, as it blurs the boundaries between male/female and heterosexual/homosexual categories. Bisexuals are typically attracted to both men and women, which can confound theories that view sexual orientation as fixed and rigidly defined by biology or socialization.