Bisexual mental health: Findings from the 'Who I Am' study

Aust J Gen Pract. 2019 Mar;48(3):138-144. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-06-18-4615.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / standards*
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation
  • Psychometrics / methods
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / statistics & numerical data
  • Vulnerable Populations / psychology
  • Vulnerable Populations / statistics & numerical data