Abstract
Romantic and sexual relationships can provide people with support and satisfaction, contributing to improved well-being. However, bisexual individuals face unique dating and relationship challenges, which can have negative effects on their well-being. The goal of this chapter is to review the empirical literature on bisexual individuals’ experiences in romantic and sexual relationships, including the unique challenges associated with different types of relationships (e.g., same-sex and different-sex) and the specific challenges within relationships, such as facing rejection from potential partners, having their sexual identity become invisible in the context of monogamous relationships, and increased exposure to intimate partner violence. Most of this chapter focuses on self-identified bisexual individuals, but we briefly describe some of the relationship challenges facing people who report bisexual attractions and/or sexual behaviors but do not self-identify as bisexual. Finally, we discuss sexual health concerns among bisexual individuals, including increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancy, which are partially due to engagement in sexual risk behavior and exposure to victimization. Despite increased empirical attention to bisexual individuals, there is still a need for additional research to better understand their unique romantic and sexual relationship experiences.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Agronick, G., O'Donnell, L., Stueve, A., Doval, A. S., Duran, R., & Vargo, S. (2004). Sexual behaviors and risks among bisexually- and gay-identified young Latino men. AIDS and Behavior, 8(2), 185–197. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:AIBE.0000030249.11679.d0
Armstrong, H. L., & Reissing, E. D. (2014). Attitudes toward casual sex, dating, and committed relationships with bisexual partners. Journal of Bisexuality, 14, 236–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2014.902784
Ayala, J., & Coleman, H. (2000). Predictors of depression among lesbian women. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 4, 71–86. https://doi.org/10.1300/J155v04n03_04
Baldwin, A., Dodge, B., Schick, V., Hubach, R. D., Bowling, J., Malebranche, D., et al. (2015). Sexual self-identification among behaviorally bisexual men in the midwestern United States. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44, 2015–2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0376-1
Baldwin, A., Schick, V. R., Dodge, B., van Der Pol, B., Herbenick, D., Sanders, S. A., et al. (2016). Variation in sexual identification among behaviorally bisexual women in the Midwestern united States: Challenging the Established Methods for Collecting Data on Sexual Identity and Orientation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46, 1337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0817-0
Bauermeister, J. A., Johns, M. M., Sandfort, T. G., Eisenberg, A., Grossman, A. H., & D'Augelli, A. R. (2010). Relationship trajectories and psychological well-being among sexual minority youth. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39, 1148–1163. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-010-9557-y
Bostwick, W., & Hequembourg, A. (2014). 'Just a little hint': Bisexual-specific microaggressions and their connection to epistemic injustices. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 16, 488–503. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2014.889754
Bostwick, W. B., Boyd, C. J., Hughes, T. L., & McCabe, S. E. (2010). Dimensions of sexual orientation and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 200, 468–475. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.152942
Breno, A. L., & Galupo, M. P. (2008). Bias toward bisexual women and men in a marriage- matching task. Journal of Bisexuality, 7, 217–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299710802171308
Brewster, M. E., & Moradi, B. (2010). Perceived experiences of anti-bisexual prejudice: Instrument development and evaluation. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57, 451–468. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021116
Buxton, A. P. (2006). Counseling heterosexual spouses of bisexual men and women and bisexual-heterosexual couples: Affirmative approaches. Journal of Bisexuality, 6, 105–135. https://doi.org/10.1300/J159v06n01_07
Buzzella, B. A., Whitton, S. W., & Tompson, M. C. (2012). A preliminary evaluation of a relationship education program for male same-sex couples. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 1, 306–322. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030380
Charlton, B. M., Corliss, H. L., Missmer, S. A., Rosario, M., Spiegelman, D., & Austin, S. B. (2013). Sexual orientation differences in teen pregnancy and hormonal contraceptive use: An examination across 2 generations. American Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology, 209(3), 204 e201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2013.06.036
Copen, C. E., Chandra, A., & Febo-Vazquez, I. (2016). Sexual behavior, sexual attraction, and sexual identity among adults aged 18-44 in the United States: Data from the 2011-2013 National Survey of family growth. National Health Statistics Report, 88, 1–14.
Davila, J., Jabbour, J., Dyar, C., & Feinstein, B. A. (2017). Bi-visibility: Characteristics of those who attempt to make their bisexual identity visible and the strategies they use. Manuscript submitted for publication.
de Bruin, K., & Arndt, M. (2010). Attitudes toward bisexual men and women in a university context: Relations with race, gender, knowing a bisexual man or woman and sexual orientation. Journal of Bisexuality, 10, 233–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2010.500955
Dodge, B., Jeffries, W. L. t., & Sandfort, T. G. (2008). Beyond the down low: Sexual risk, protection, and disclosure among at-risk black men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW). Archives of Sexual Behavior, 37, 683–696. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-008-9356-7
Dyar, C., Feinstein, B. A., & London, B. (2014). Dimensions of sexual identity and minority stress among bisexual women: The role of partner gender. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 1, 441–451. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000063
Eliason, M. J. (1997). The prevalence and nature of biphobia in heterosexual undergraduate students. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 26, 317–326. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024527032040
Everett, B. G. (2013). Sexual orientation disparities in sexually transmitted infections: Examining the intersection between sexual identity and sexual behavior. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(2), 225–236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-9902-1
Everett, B. G., Schnarrs, P. W., Rosario, M., Garofalo, R., & Mustanski, B. (2014). Sexual orientation disparities in sexually transmitted infection risk behaviors and risk determinants among sexually active adolescent males: Results from a school-based sample. American Journal of Public Health, 104(6), 1107–1112. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301759
Feinstein, B. A., Dyar, C., Bhatia, V., Latack, J. A., & Davila, J. (2014). Willingness to engage in romantic and sexual activities with bisexual partners: Gender and sexual orientation differences. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 1, 255–262. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000047
Feinstein, B. A., Dyar, C., Bhatia, V., Latack, J. A., & Davila, J. (2016). Conservative beliefs, attitudes toward bisexuality, and willingness to engage in romantic and sexual activities with a bisexual partner. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45, 1535–1550. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-015-0642-x
Feinstein, B. A., Latack, J. A., Bhatia, V., Davila, J., & Eaton, N. R. (2016). Romantic relationship involvement as a minority stress buffer in gay/lesbian versus bisexual individuals. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 20, 237–257. https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2016.1147401
Freedner, N., Freed, L. H., Yang, Y. W., & Austin, S. B. (2002). Dating violence among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: Results from a community survey. Journal of Adolescent Health, 31, 469–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1054-139X(02)00407-X
Gates, G. J. (2011). How many people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender? Retrieved from http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People- LGBT-Apr-2011.Pdf
Goldberg, S. K., Reese, B. M., & Halpern, C. T. (2016). Teen pregnancy among sexual minority women: Results from the National Longitudinal Study of adolescent to adult health. Journal of Adolescent Health, 59(4), 429–437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.05.009
Harawa, N. T., Obregon, N. B., & McCuller, W. J. (2014). Partnerships between black women and behaviorally bisexual men: Implications for HIV risk and prevention. Sexuality and Culture, 18(4), 570–891. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-014-9227-4
Hartman-Linck, J. E. (2014). Keeping bisexuality alive: Maintaining bisexual visibility in monogamous relationships. Journal of Bisexuality, 14, 177–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2014.903220
Hartman, J. E. (2013). Creating a bisexual display: Making bisexuality visible. Journal of Bisexuality, 13, 39–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2013.755727
Hequembourg, A. L., & Brallier, S. A. (2009). An exploration of sexual minority stress across the lines of gender and sexual identity. Journal of Homosexuality, 56, 273–298. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918360902728517
Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Schick, V., Sanders, S. A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2010). Sexual behavior in the United States: Results from a national probability sample of men and women ages 14-94. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7, 255–265. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02012.x
Horn, E. E., Xu, Y., Beam, C. R., Turkheimer, E., & Emery, R. E. (2013). Accounting for the physical and mental health benefits of entry into marriage: A genetically informed study of selection and causation. Journal of Family Psychology, 27, 30–41. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029803
Jeffries, W. L., & Dodge, B. (2007). Male bisexuality and condom use at last sexual encounter: Results from a national survey. Journal of Sex Research, 44, 278–289. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490701443973
Jeffries, W. L. (2010). HIV testing among bisexual men in the United States. AIDS Education and Prevention, 22(4), 356–370. https://doi.org/10.1521/aeap.2010.22.4.356
Jeffries, W. L. (2014). Beyond the bisexual bridge: Sexual health among U.S. men who have sex with men and women. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 47(3), 320–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2014.05.002
Kamp Dush, C. M., & Amato, P. R. (2005). Consequences of relationship status and quality for subjective well-being. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 22, 607–627. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407505056438
Kornblith, E., Green, R. J., Casey, S., & Tiet, Q. (2016). Marital status, social support, and depressive symptoms among lesbian and heterosexual women. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 20, 157–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10894160.2015.1061882
Li, T., Dobinson, C., Scheim, A. I., & Ross, L. E. (2013). Unique issues bisexual people face in intimate relationships: A descriptive exploration of lived experience. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 17, 21–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2012.723607
Logie, C. H., Navia, D., & Loutfy, M. R. (2015). Correlates of a lifetime history of sexually transmitted infections among women who have sex with women in Toronto, Canada: Results from a cross-sectional internet-based survey. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 91(4), 278–283. https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2014-051745
Luo, F., Stone, D. M., & Tharp, A. T. (2014). Physical dating violence victimization among sexual minority youth. American Journal of Public Health, 104, e66–e73. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302051
Malebranche, D. J., Arriola, K. J., Jenkins, T. R., Dauria, E., & Patel, S. N. (2010). Exploring the “bisexual bridge”: A qualitative study of risk behavior and disclosure of same-sex behavior among black bisexual men. American Journal of Public Health, 100, 159–164. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.158725
McLean, K. (2004). Negotiating (non)monogamy. Journal of Bisexuality, 4, 83–97. https://doi.org/10.1300/J159v04n01_07
Mercer, C. H., Hart, G. J., Johnson, A. M., & Cassell, J. A. (2009). Behaviourally bisexual men as a bridge population for HIV and sexually transmitted infections? Evidence from a national probability survey. International Journal of STD and AIDS, 20, 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1258/ijsa.2008.008215
Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129, 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674
Mohr, J. J., Jackson, S. D., & Sheets, R. L. (2017). Sexual orientation self-presentation among bisexual-identified women and men: Patterns and predictors. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(5), 1465–1479. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0808-1
Mohr, J. J., & Rochlen, A. B. (1999). Measuring attitudes regarding bisexuality in lesbian, gay male, and heterosexual populations. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 46, 353–369. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.46.3.353
Molina, Y., Marquez, J. H., Logan, D. E., Leeson, C. J., Balsam, K. F., & Kaysen, D. L. (2015). Current intimate relationship status, depression, and alcohol use among bisexual women: The mediating roles of bisexual-specific minority stressors. Sex Roles, 73, 43–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-015-0483-z
Mulick, P. S., & Wright, L. W. (2002). Examining the existence of biphobia in the heterosexual and homosexual populations. Journal of Bisexuality, 2, 48–64. https://doi.org/10.1300/J159v02n04_03
Mustanski, B., Newcomb, M. E., & Clerkin, E. M. (2011). Relationship characteristics and sexual risk-taking in young men who have sex with men. Health Psychology, 30, 597–605. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023858
Muzny, C. A., Austin, E. L., Harbison, H. S., & Hook, E. W., 3rd. (2014). Sexual partnership characteristics of African American women who have sex with women; impact on sexually transmitted infection risk. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 41(10), 611–617. https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000194
Oetjen, H., & Rothblum, E. D. (2000). When lesbians aren't gay: Factors affecting depression among lesbians. Journal of Homosexuality, 39, 49–73. https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v39n01_04
Parker, K. (2015). Among LGBT Americans, bisexuals stand out when it comes to identity, acceptance. Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/02/20/among-lgbt-americans-bisexuals-stand-out-when-it-comes-to-identity-acceptance/
Proulx, C. M., Helms, H. M., & Buehler, C. (2007). Marital quality and personal well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69, 576–593. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031859
Reuter, T., Newcomb, M. E., Whitton, S. W., & Mustanski, B. (2017). Intimate partner violence victimization in LGBT young adults: Demographic differences and associations with health behaviors. Psychology of Violence, 7, 101–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000031
Riskind, R. G., Tornello, S. L., Younger, B. C., & Patterson, C. J. (2014). Sexual identity, partner gender, and sexual health among adolescent girls in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 104(10), 1957–1963. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302037
Robles, T. F., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2003). The physiology of marriage: Pathways to health. Physiology & Behavior, 79, 409–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9384(03)00160-4
Ross, L. E., Dobinson, C., & Eady, A. (2010). Perceived determinants of mental health for bisexual people: A qualitative examination. American Journal of Public Health, 100, 496–502. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156307
Russell, S. T., & Consolacion, T. B. (2003). Adolescent romance and emotional health in the United States: Beyond binaries. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 32, 499–508. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15374424JCCP3204_2
Rust, P. C. (2001). Too many and not enough: The meanings of bisexual identities. Journal of Bisexuality, 1, 31–68. https://doi.org/10.1300/J159v01n01_04
Schrimshaw, E. W., Downing, M. J., Jr., & Cohn, D. J. (2016). Reasons for non-disclosure of sexual orientation among behaviorally bisexual men: Non-disclosure as stigma management. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0762-y
Schrimshaw, E. W., Siegel, K., Downing, M. J., & Parsons, J. T. (2013). Disclosure and concealment of sexual orientation and the mental health of non-gay-identified, behaviorally bisexual men. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81, 141–153. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031272
Scott, S. B., & Rhoades, G. K. (2014). Relationship education for lesbian couples: Perceived barriers and content considerations. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 13, 339–364. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2014.930704
Spalding, L. R., & Peplau, L. A. (1997). The unfaithful lover: Heterosexuals' perceptions of bisexuals and their relationships. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21, 611–624. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.1997.tb00134.x
Stokes, J. P., McKirnan, D. J., Doll, L., & Burzette, R. G. (1996). Female partners of bisexual men: What they don't know might hurt them. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 20, 267–284. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.1996.tb00470.x
Vanassche, S., Swicegood, G., & Matthijs, K. (2013). Marriage and children as a key to happiness? Cross-national differences in the effects of marital status and children on wellbeing. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(2), 501–524. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9340-8
Wade, T. J., & Pevalin, D. J. (2004). Marital transitions and mental health. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 45, 155–170. https://doi.org/10.1177/002214650404500203
Walters, M. L., Chen, J., & Breiding, M. J. (2013). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 findings on victimization by sexual orientation. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs/2010_soreport.html
Wayment, H. A., & Peplau, L. A. (1995). Social support and well-being among lesbian and heterosexual women. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21, 1189–1199. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672952111007
Whisman, M. A. (1999). Marital dissatisfaction and psychiatric disorders: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 108, 701–706. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.108.4.701
Whisman, M. A. (2007). Marital distress and DSM-IV psychiatric disorders in a population- based national survey. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 116, 638–643. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.116.3.638
Whitton, S. W., & Buzzella, B. A. (2012). Using relationship education programs with same- sex couples: A preliminary evaluation of program utility and needed modifications. Marriage & Family Review, 48, 667–688. https://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2012.700908
Whitton, S. W., Dyar, C., Newcomb, M. E., & Mustanski, B. (in press). Romantic relationship involvement: A protective factor for mental health among some but not all sexual minorities. Journal of Abnormal Psychology.
Whitton, S. W., Weitbrecht, E. M., Kuryluk, A. D., & Hutsell, D. W. (2016). A randomized waitlist-controlled trial of culturally sensitive relationship education for male same-sex couples. Journal of Family Psychology, 30, 763–768. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000199
Wienke, C., & Hill, G. J. (2009). Does the "marriage benefit" extend to partners in gay and lesbian relationships? Evidence from a random sample of sexually active adults. Journal of Family Issues, 30, 259–289. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X08324382
Yost, M. R., & Thomas, G. D. (2012). Gender and binegativity: men's and women's attitudes toward male and female bisexuals. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41, 691–702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-011-9767-8
Zivony, A., & Lobel, T. (2014). The invisible stereotypes of bisexual men. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43, 1165–1176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0263-9
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Feinstein, B.A., Dyar, C. (2018). 9 Romantic and Sexual Relationship Experiences Among Bisexual Individuals. In: Swan, D., Habibi, S. (eds) Bisexuality. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71535-3_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71535-3_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-71534-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71535-3
eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)