Research shows that bisexual people face chronic discrimination and biphobia. This can result in negative mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.
Some bisexual individuals are able to cope with these challenges and maintain their well-being. Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity and cope effectively with stressful situations. Cognitive mechanisms involve how an individual thinks about themselves and the situation they're in. Emotional mechanisms involve how they feel and react to the situation. What cognitive and emotional mechanisms facilitate resilience in bisexual individuals facing chronic discrimination?
One cognitive mechanism for coping with discrimination is reframing the situation. Reframing means changing one's perspective on a situation to view it more positively.
Instead of seeing discrimination as a personal attack, a bisexual person might see it as a challenge to overcome. They could also focus on positive aspects of being bisexual, like the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. Another cognitive mechanism is self-affirmation. Self-affirmation involves reminding oneself of positive qualities or values outside of sexual orientation. It can help counteract feelings of low self-esteem caused by discrimination.
One emotional mechanism for coping with discrimination is optimism. Optimistic thinking can help bisexuals stay hopeful despite difficult circumstances. They may believe that things will get better or that they have the skills to handle the situation. A second emotion mechanism is emotional regulation. This includes managing negative emotions like anger or sadness and replacing them with positive ones. Bisexuals can use techniques like deep breathing or meditation to calm down and think clearly.
Research suggests that bisexuals can use various cognitive and emotional mechanisms to cope with chronic discrimination. These include reframing, self-affirmation, optimism, and emotional regulation. By using these strategies, bisexuals can maintain their well-being and resilience in the face of adversity.
What cognitive and emotional mechanisms facilitate resilience and coping in bisexual individuals facing chronic discrimination or biphobia?
Bisexuals face widespread stigma that negatively affects their mental health. The reasons are multiple, including the lack of awareness about bisexuality as well as misconceptions like the idea that it is just a phase or temporary experimentation with sexuality. This can lead to isolation, self-doubt, and low self-esteem.