Meta-Perceptions of Others’ Attitudes Toward Bisexual Men and Women Among a Nationally Representative Probability Sample

Abstract

Researchers posit that negative attitudes, prejudice, and discrimination (i.e., binegativity) from heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals may contribute to health disparities among bisexual individuals relative to heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. Recent studies have focused on gay, lesbian, and heterosexual people’s (e.g., “others”) attitudes toward bisexual people. No studies have investigated how bisexual individuals perceive others’ attitudes toward bisexual people, which are generally known as “meta-perceptions.” As part of the 2015 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB), we collected data from a nationally representative probability sample of 2,999 adults, including from a subsample of 33 men and 61 women self-identified as “bisexual.” The Bisexualities: Indiana Attitudes Scale–bisexual (BIAS-b), a modified 5-item scale assessing bisexual people’s perceptions of others’ attitudes toward bisexual individuals, was included and was followed by an open-ended textbox question. Quantitative scale data were analyzed using descriptive and gamma regression methods. Two coders thematically analyzed the open-ended textbox data. The internal consistency of the BIAS-b was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.85). An exploratory factor analysis supported a one-factor solution. Participants responded to statements regarding others’ attitudes toward them as bisexual people, including the domains of confusion, HIV/STD risk, incapability of monogamy, promiscuity, and instability (“just a phase”). Participants’ textbox descriptions largely aligned with these five domains, with the exception of HIV/STD risk. Additionally, some participants reported others’ positive perceptions of them as bisexual individuals. In sum, we observed a range of meta-perceptions, primarily neutral to negative, but also including some relatively positive. These results show the need for interventions to promote acceptance of bisexual individuals among heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals.

Internalized Sexual Stigma among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan: Its Related Factors and Association with Mental Health Problems

“…The present study further revealed an association between the ISS dimension of identity and the sexual orientation of bisexuality in men, but not in women. Research has demonstrated that bisexual individuals experience prejudice, for example sexual orientation instability and sexual irresponsibility, from both heterosexuals and lesbians and gay men [ 66 , 67 , 68 ], which may increase the risk of developing ISS as part of a value system and in relation to identity [ 69 ]. The result indicated that the effect of social prejudice on internalizing stigma toward the sexual orientation of bisexuality might be stronger in men than in women.…”

Prevalence and Correlates of PrEP Awareness and Use Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW) in the United States

“…At the same time, behavioral HIV prevention interventions tailored for MSMW are thin on the ground (13)(14)(15). PrEP may offer Black MSMW a wider-scale opportunity to receive efficacious HIV prevention, thereby lowering their risk for HIV acquisition and transmission and associated internalized bi-negativity (40), than existing behavioral interventions may offer them. Our results demonstrating that gay community support mediates the relationship between bisexual behavior and PrEP awareness among Black MSM provides additional confirmation for the value of sexual minority community support networks for public health promotion within sexual and gender minority communities.…”

“In order to be bi, you have to prove it”: A qualitative examination of plurisexual women’s experiences with external and internalized pressure to prove their identities.

“…While much research attention has been paid to certain forms of binegativity among plurisexual women (e.g., assumptions of promiscuity; Beach et al, 2019; Brewster & Moradi, 2010; Klesse, 2011; Schick et al, 2012; Zivony & Saguy, 2018), other forms of binegativity have not yet been as thoroughly explored. One understudied form of binegativity affecting plurisexual women is the pressure plurisexual women face to prove their plurisexuality to others with behavioral “evidence” (e.g., through sexual behavior; Flanders et al, 2017).…”