Bisexuality - Theories, Research, and Recommendations for the Invisible Sexuality

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Contents

Contributors

1: Mapping Bisexual Studies: Past and Present, and Implications for the Future

Introduction

Ninteenth and Twentieth Centuries: Conceptions and Research about Bisexuality

Bisexuality and Research

Studies of Bisexual Identity Development/Management

Health/Disparities Research: Bisexual as Risk?

Bisexuality within Academia

Mapping the Future of Bisexuality Studies

References

2: Models and Measures of Sexual Orientation

Introduction

The Kinsey Homosexual–Heterosexual Rating Scale

Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG)

Storms Erotic Response and Orientation Scale

Sexual Identity Model

The Multidimensional Scale of Sexuality

Savin-Williams Assessment of Sexual Orientation

Sexual Configurations Theory

Conclusion

General Critiques of the Models and Measures

References

3: Defining Bisexuality: Challenges and Importance of and Toward a Unifying Definition

Why we need a definition of bisexuality

Who should define bisexuality? Society, the self, and science

Society as the definer. At the macro level, particularly in the USA, categorizing people based on their sexual orientation is widespread and triggers ingroup/outgroup social striations. For example, when heterosexual (Swan & Habibi, 2015) and e

The self as definer. The social belief that bisexuality is not a true orientation for either men or women exacerbates the problem of bisexual invisibility as well as the problem of defining a bisexual orientation. One way to negate social definit

Science as the definer. As I noted previously, the lack of a standardized definition of bisexuality has important consequences for researchers and their research. Without such a definition, not only are cross-study comparisons difficult, but w

What constructs should be included in a definition of bisexuality?

Summary, conclusions, and, at long last, a definition

References

4: Plurisexual Identity Labels and the Marking of Bisexual Desire

Conceptualizing Sexual Orientation

Sexual Identity and Sexual Marking

Marking Bisexuality across Time and Context

References

5: Bisexuality in Society

Introduction

Dominant Views of Sexuality

The Invisibility of Bisexuality: Absence, Appropriation, and Assimilation

Invisible Lives: Implications for Bisexual People

New Movements Towards bi-Visibility

Conclusion

References

6: Binegativity: Attitudes Toward and Stereotypes About Bisexual Individuals

Introduction

Content of Binegativity

Attitudes toward Bisexual Individuals—Gender and Sexual Orientation Differences

Factors Associated with Binegativity

Experimental Studies Examining Binegativity

Reducing Binegativity—Interventions and Promising Directions

General Conclusion

References

7: Female Bisexuality: Identity, Fluidity, and Cultural Expectations

Introduction

Self-Identity

Sexual Fluidity

Performative Bisexuality

Cultural Framings of Female Bisexuality

Conclusion: The Future of Female Bisexuality

References

8: The Male Bisexual Experience

The Number of Bisexual Men in the USA

Stigma toward Bisexual Men

Identity Development and Disclosure

Bisexual Men and Relationships

Bisexual Men’s Health

Bisexual Men and Resilience

Conclusion

Future Directions

References

9: Romantic and Sexual Relationship Experiences Among Bisexual Individuals

Introduction

Stigma Related to Dating Bisexual Individuals

Relationship Involvement, Mental Health, and Stigma Experiences

Maintaining a Bisexual Identity in the Context of a Relationship

Relationship Challenges Experienced by Behaviorally Bisexual Individuals Who Do Not Self-Identify as Bisexual

Intimate Partner Violence

Sexual Health

Conclusion

References

10: Well-Being: Bisexuality and Mental and Physical Health

Introduction

Mental and Physical Health

Mental Health

Physical Health

Considerations for Mental Health Practitioners

Assessment

Coming out

Education and Training

Case Management

Advocacy

Conclusion

References

Concluding Remarks: A Perspective on Envisioning Bisexuality as Inclusive, Celebratory, and Liberatory

Introduction

Inclusive Bisexuality

Celebratory Bisexuality

Liberatory Bisexuality

References

Correction to: Bisexuality: Theories, Research, and Recommendations for the Invisible Sexuality

Correction to: D. J. Swan and S. Habibi (eds), Bisexuality, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71535-3

Index