Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice
Published on: March 5, 2020
A dynamic-ecological model of identity formation and conflict among bisexually-behaving African-American men
1Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. pw2219@columbia.edu
Abstract:
Understanding how ethnic, sexual, and masculine (ESM) identities form and possibly conflict among African-American men may be important to consider in explaining bisexual behavior in this population. It is proposed that the bisexual behavior among African-American who are primarily sexually attracted to other men may be a function of conflicting ESM identities. Comprehensively understanding the formation and conflict of ESM identities requires an examination of individuals, social contexts, and interactions between individuals and contexts. The current article presents a dynamic-ecological model of identity formation and conflict among ethnic minority men who have sex with men and uses the model to demonstrate how bisexual behavior among African-American men may be examined.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Marcia's Theory of Identity Status
Social Identity
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Role-Based Identity

