Abstract
Research has found that bisexuals not only experience poorer mental health outcomes when compared to heterosexuals, but that the same holds true when compared to other members of the LGBTQ community (Feinstein & Dyar, 2017; Mackay, Robinson, Pinder, & Ross, 2017; Persson & Pfaus, 2015). From the stigma surrounding mental health and the stresses of non-disclosure up to experiences of discrimination in health care and at times lack of legal protection, the issues faced by bisexual individuals on a daily basis are great (Mackay et al., 2017; Persson & Pfaus, 2015). These battles take a toll on the mental health of this population in a way that is quite unique to others. As mental health continues to become a central aspect of the work of public health, there must be more attention paid to the impact of mental health disparities among groups that go largely ignored in broader health discussion. The socioecological model, as described by McLeroy, Bibeau, Steckler, and Glanz (1998), provides public health researchers and practitioners with a framework through which to understand and tackle the mental health disparities experienced by bisexual individuals. Mental health exists on and is impacted by events at every level of this model; to understand the issue at only one level would be incomplete. This paper investigates the mental health disparities among bisexuals and seeks to provide potential explanations as to the cause utilizing the socioecological model. Additionally, recommendations for additional public health interventions aimed at reducing the disparity are provided.
Recommended Citation
Graham, Kaila K.
(2019)
"Erasure on All Sides: A Public Health Analysis of Mental Health Disparities Experienced by Bisexual Individuals,"
The Hilltop Review: Vol. 11:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/hilltopreview/vol11/iss2/4
