Methodology
In order to investigate whether friendships can mitigate the negative impact of familial rejection on bisexual individuals' mental health, this study examines data from a sample of self-identified bisexuals who were either rejected or accepted by their families during adolescence. The researchers used an online survey to collect demographic information and measures of self-reported psychological distress and social support from participants. These variables included the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), which assesses various types of support, including emotional, tangible, appraisal, informational, and affectionate support, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), which measures depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, and stress levels. In addition, participants were asked about their experiences of family rejection and acceptance using the Family Rejection Scale for Bisexual Adolescents and Young Adults (FRS-BAYA), as well as their current level of friendship satisfaction using the Friendship Satisfaction Scale (FRIENDS).
The researchers used structural equation modeling to examine the relationships between family rejection, friendship networks, and mental health outcomes among bisexual adults.
Results
The results revealed that bisexuals who reported higher levels of family rejection had significantly lower friendship satisfaction and higher levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms than those with more accepting family environments.
When controlling for factors such as gender, age, education, and sexual orientation identity, these associations were not significant. This suggests that while family rejection may negatively impact bisexual individuals' overall mental health, it does not appear to directly influence their friendships or perceptions of social support. The findings also indicate that strong friendships can act as a buffer against the negative effects of familial rejection on mental health outcomes.
Discussion
These findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that close personal relationships play an important role in mitigating the impact of stigma on psychological distress. Specifically, this study highlights the importance of understanding how different forms of social support, including both familial and non-familial relationships, interact to affect mental health outcomes.
The study suggests that bisexual individuals may benefit from developing strong ties within their broader social network, which can provide emotional and instrumental support even in the face of negative experiences with family members.
These findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving bisexuals' mental health should prioritize building meaningful connections with friends and other supportive individuals outside of their immediate families.
How do friendship networks buffer the effects of familial rejection on mental health among bisexuals?
Friendship networks can be an important source of social support for individuals who experience familial rejection based on their sexual orientation. Studies have shown that bisexual individuals who report higher levels of acceptance from family members tend to have better mental health outcomes than those who experience more negative attitudes towards their sexuality within the family (Hatzenbuehler et al. , 2017).