Degree
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. Greta Bauer
Abstract
The literature largely shows that bisexuals are at greater risk for poor mental health compared to heterosexual, gay, and lesbian people. This increased risk has been linked to the 'double' discrimination (e.g. biphobia) that bisexuals face from both the heterosexual and gay communities. This study used previously collected data (n=405) to examine the relationship between biphobia from these sources and two mental health outcomes: anxiety and posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms. Community identification and involvement, positive bisexual identity, and volunteerism/advocacy/activism were tested as moderators. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the measure used for PTSD symptoms (PCL-C) did not perform well in this sample. Structural equation modelling revealed that biphobia had little impact on anxiety. Volunteerism appeared to be the only significant moderator for people with gender identities other than bigendered with volunteerism related to more anxiety and non-volunteerism associated with less anxiety. More research is needed to clarify these relationships.
Recommended Citation
MacLeod, Melissa A., "Experiences of biphobia, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms among Ontarian bisexuals: A cross-sectional view of potential moderators" (2014). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2216.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2216