Relations Between Binegativity, Proximal Stressors, and Mental Health Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Authenticity

Abstract

The relationships between distal stressors and mental health are well established within sexual minority populations (e.g., Brewster et al., 2016; Lehavot & Simoni, 2011; Mereish & Poteat, 2015). However, research specifically focused on the unique stressors of bisexual+ people, or nonmonosexual individuals, is still emerging. Individuals’ experiences with monogamy and mixed-orientation relationships represent another aspect of bisexuality that has rarely been explored. The current study used the framework of minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003) to examine the relationships between distal and proximal stressors with psychological outcomes among a sample of bisexual women in monogamous relationships. To this end, binegativity was examined in relation to well-being and psychological distress through the mediating roles of anticipated binegativity, internalized binegativity, and identity uncertainty. In addition, the limited findings that exist on the role of authenticity for bisexual+ individuals suggest that authenticity is of great importance to the wellness of bisexual individuals (Hartman-Linck, 2014; Riggle at al., 2008; Riggle et al., 2017). In response, this study examined authenticity as a possible moderator to the relationships between distal and proximal stressors with mental health outcomes. Results from this study provide greater insight into how bisexual individuals in monogamous relationships experience stress, and its relationship with well-being.