Bisexual and gay men in heterosexual marriage: conflicts and resolutions in therapy

This paper describes 31 men who at the time of entering therapy were married and expressed concern about their same-sex feelings and activity. Each of these man was treated in a "bisexuality group" designed to help him to be more comfortable and accepting of his same-sex feelings and to explore ways of incorporating same-sex and opposite-sex feelings into his life. Following treatment, 11 of the 31 men (36%) decided to end their marriage; twenty men (64%) decided to remain married. In a follow up study, there was a further attrition of marriages so that 14 remain married. The paper further describes attitudes and behavior prior to therapy, immediately following therapy, and at the time of follow up (up to three years). Factors that seem to be important ingredients of of successful adjustment are discussed.