Bisexuals are often subjected to harassment from both straight and gay peers due to their ambiguous identity. Bullying is one of the most common forms of mistreatment they experience, which can take several forms like verbal abuse, physical violence, threats of violence, and humiliation. The negative effects of this treatment include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicidal ideations. Bisexual adolescents develop resilience and strengthen their self-concept through various means such as finding supportive friends, seeking professional help, taking part in LGBTQ+ activities, and engaging in positive self-talk.
Finding Supportive Friends
1.1 One way bisexuals build resilience is by forming alliances with other queer individuals who share similar experiences. Finding people who understand them and validate their feelings helps them feel less alone, more accepted, and more confident in their identity. These relationships provide comfort and reassurance that it is okay to be different and offer opportunities for socializing outside of school or work where they may feel judged.
2.1 Seeking professional help is another method bisexuals use to cope with bullying. Counselors specialize in helping teens deal with these issues and create a safe space for discussing challenges without fear of judgment. They also teach coping skills like deep breathing techniques, mindfulness exercises, and relaxation strategies that reduce stress levels while increasing awareness and acceptance of oneself.
3.1 Another technique used by bisexuals is participating in LGBTQ+ organizations or clubs at school or online communities. Joining groups promotes camaraderie among peers and provides educational resources on topics related to sexuality, mental health, relationships, etc., which increases knowledge about the world around them while fostering positive interactions with others who understand them better than straight classmates.
Connecting via social media allows bisexuals access to information from all over the globe – expanding perspectives beyond local norms.
Engaging In Positive Self-Talk
4.1 Lastly, engaging in self-talk encourages adolescents to view themselves positively despite external pressures regarding their orientation. Affirmations such as "I am proud of who I am"; "My identity does not define me"; and "It's okay if people don't understand me," can combat negative internalized messages created through exposure to stigmatization within society. This strategy helps build confidence and resilience towards future encounters with discrimination or rejection based on one's identity.
How do bisexual adolescents develop resilience and self-concept in the face of bullying, social exclusion, and peer pressure related to their sexual orientation?
Bisexual adolescents can develop resilience and self-concept through positive coping strategies such as seeking support from trusted friends and family members, practicing self-care activities like meditation and journaling, engaging in hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment, and finding resources and information about LGBTQ+ communities and identities (Klein & Hershberger, 2018).