More Than Simply Getting Bi: An Examination of Coming Out Growth for Bisexual Individuals

• Published in: Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversity 2018-06, Vol.5 (2), p.220-232
• Main Authors: Brownfield, Jenna M., Brown, Chris, Jeevanba, Sathya Baanu, VanMattson, Sarah B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bisexuality; Female; Human; Male; Positive Psychology; Self-Disclosure; Stress
• ISSN: 2329-0382; 2329-0390
• DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000282

Research on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals has primarily focused on experiences of distress and discrimination (Bonet, Wells, & Parsons, 2007; Riggle, Whitman, Olson, Rostosky, & Strong, 2008). Although these findings are informative, little has been done to examine these identities within a positive psychology framework. Coming Out Growth (COG) presents itself as a positive psychology phenomenon being studied in the LGB population (Vaughan & Waehler, 2010), but has focused mostly on lesbian and gay (LG) individuals. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, the present study sought to examine the experiences of bisexual individuals who reported COG, thereby looking at bisexual identities within a positive psychology framework. Thirteen participants who self-identified as bisexual and had experienced positive growth/changes since coming out were interviewed about their COG experiences. Participants' ages ranged from 23 to 61 (M = 36). Nine participants identified as European American and the remaining participants (n = 4) identified as Latina. Participants reported COG in three primary forms: intrapersonal growth (e.g., living more authentically, improved mental health), interpersonal growth (e.g., improved relationships, greater advocacy in daily interactions), and increased critical consciousness (i.e., greater awareness of privilege and oppression). They reported various contextual factors (e.g., family support, bisexual role models, and sociopolitical climate), resources (e.g., mental health treatment, higher education institutions), and experiences of discrimination impacting their growth. These results and their implications offer insight into how therapists can better identify and facilitate coming out growth for bisexual individuals. Public Significance Statement This study illuminates the benefits of coming out as bisexual, such as having noticeable positive changes within oneself, in relation with others, and in society. Various factors influence one's ability to achieve these positive changes, such as one's cultural environment, their resources, and their experiences of discrimination.