Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by an attraction to both men and women. It can be expressed differently depending on the individual's personal circumstances and environment.
Some individuals may experience internal conflict due to societal pressures that view monosexuality as more accepted than bisexuality. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and confusion about their identity. Bisexuals who face these challenges may find it difficult to develop a coherent self-concept and may struggle with authenticity in their relationships.
Self-concept is the way someone perceives themselves and includes traits like physical appearance, abilities, personality, values, beliefs, and behaviors. Bisexuals may question their own authenticity and struggle to align their self-concept with their sexual desires. They may feel pressure from others to choose one side or conform to heteronormative expectations.
They may grapple with internalized biphobia and shame surrounding their identity.
Authenticity refers to being true to oneself and living according to one's values. For bisexuals, this can mean acknowledging and embracing their attractions without fear of judgment or ridicule.
External factors such as family, friends, and workplace can impact how comfortable they are with expressing their sexuality. The desire for acceptance can make it difficult to be honest about their identity and limit their ability to form meaningful connections.
Psychological coherence refers to having a sense of wholeness and integration within oneself. Bisexuals may have difficulty achieving this because of conflicting societal messages about sexual orientation. They may experience cognitive dissonance between their thoughts and actions or experience emotional distress due to internal conflicts. It can take time to reconcile these tensions and create a unified sense of self.
Bisexuality intersects with self-concept, authenticity, and psychological coherence in complex ways that require introspection and understanding. By recognizing and accepting their identity, individuals can overcome the challenges associated with bisexuality and live authentically while maintaining a healthy sense of self.
How does bisexuality intersect with self-concept, authenticity, and psychological coherence?
Bisexuality is an orientation characterized by an attraction towards both men and women (Shere, 2016). Individuals who identify as bisexual may experience challenges related to their identity due to stigmatization from heterosexual and homosexual communities alike (Drescher, 2013).