Unique Issues Bisexual People Face in Intimate Relationships: A Descriptive Exploration of Lived Experience

Abstract

Bisexuality is associated with worse mental health than both heterosexuality and homosexuality on a range of outcomes. Healthy relationships extend a protective effect on one's mental health, but little research has explored the issues faced by bisexuals in developing and maintaining intimate relationships. This study uses qualitative methodology to identify some of these issues. The results show that bisexual people in intimate relationships have unique experiences, due to the nature of bisexuality and the social context in which they experience their bisexual identities. Findings of this study have implications for the provision of mental health services to bisexual clients. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.