Bisexual Discrimination, Internalized Binegativity and their Impact on Mental Health

Abstract

Introduction Bisexual individuals experience discrimination both from heterosexual individuals and from the Lesbian and Gay (LG) community. This double discrimination affects their mental health. This study aimed to explore the relationship between binegativity (from heterosexual and LB individuals) and internalized binegativity and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as the mediating role of social support. The second purpose was to explore whether these variables could predict the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methods A sample of 110 bisexual individuals (77.3% cisgender women, Mage = 25.2) completed self-report measures. Results Most participants reported being discriminated against by heterosexual (93.2%) and LG (81.8%) individuals. However, they perceived and experienced higher discrimination from heterosexual people. The majority experienced internalized binegativity. As hypothesized, heterosexual discrimination predicted depressive and anxiety symptoms. Contrary to expectations, discrimination from the LG community and internalized binegativity did not predict symptoms, although bivariate correlations showed a positive relationship. Social support was a moderator of symptoms of depression, but not of anxiety. Conclusions These findings highlight the impact of binegativity on the mental health of bisexual individuals and the importance of social support. Policy implications Our results provide practitioners and policymakers with evidence of the effects of discrimination experienced by bisexual individuals. Educational campaigns and public awareness programs are needed to foster a more inclusive and accepting society.