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Bisexual mental health: Findings from the 'Who I Am' study
Julia Taylor1, Jennifer Power2, Elizabeth Smith3
1RN, BN, MHlthSc (Sexual Health), PhD candidate, La Trobe University, Vic; College of Science, Health and Engineering, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Vic. J.Taylor@latrobe.edu.au.
Method:
A cross-sectional survey was completed by 2651 adults living in Australia who had bisexual attraction, identity and/or experience. Ordinal regression identified significant (P <0.05) predictors of poor mental health.
Results:
Higher levels of internalised biphobia, being in a heterosexual relationship and having a less supportive partner significantly (P <0.05) predicted higher psychological distress in this sample.
Discussion:
While there has been an increased focus on lesbian and gay health in recent years, general practitioners may be less familiar with the specific health needs of bisexual people. This is the largest study of bisexual Australians to date and provides detailed information about the relationships between bisexual life experiences and poor mental health.