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Bisexuality, poverty and mental health: A mixed methods analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Ross, Lori E.
  • O'Gorman, Laurel
  • MacLeod, Melissa A.
  • Bauer, Greta R.
  • MacKay, Jenna
  • Robinson, Margaret

Abstract

Bisexuality is consistently associated with poor mental health outcomes. In population-based data, this is partially explained by income differences between bisexual people and lesbian, gay, and/or heterosexual individuals. However, the interrelationships between bisexuality, poverty, and mental health are poorly understood. In this paper, we examine the relationships between these variables using a mixed methods study of 302 adult bisexuals from Ontario, Canada. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling to complete an internet-based survey including measures of psychological distress and minority stress. A subset of participants completed a semi-structured qualitative interview to contextualize their mental health experiences. Using information regarding household income, number of individuals supported by the income and geographic location, participants were categorized as living below or above the Canadian Low Income Cut Off (LICO). Accounting for the networked nature of the sample, participants living below the LICO had significantly higher mean scores for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and reported significantly more perceived discrimination compared to individuals living above the LICO. Grounded theory analysis of the qualitative interviews suggested four pathways through which bisexuality and poverty may intersect to impact mental health: through early life experiences linked to bisexuality or poverty that impacted future financial stability; through effects of bisexual identity on employment and earning potential; through the impact of class and sexual orientation discrimination on access to communities of support; and through lack of access to mental health services that could provide culturally competent care. These mixed methods data help us understand the income disparities associated with bisexual identity in population-based data, and suggest points of intervention to address their impact on bisexual mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Ross, Lori E. & O'Gorman, Laurel & MacLeod, Melissa A. & Bauer, Greta R. & MacKay, Jenna & Robinson, Margaret, 2016. "Bisexuality, poverty and mental health: A mixed methods analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 64-72.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:156:y:2016:i:c:p:64-72
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.03.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christopher S. Carpenter, 2005. "Self-Reported Sexual Orientation and Earnings: Evidence from California," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 58(2), pages 258-273, January.
    2. Gamarel, K.E. & Reisner, S.L. & Parsons, J.T. & Golub, S.A., 2012. "Association between socioeconomic position discrimination and psychological distress: Findings from a community-based sample of gay and bisexual men in New York City," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(11), pages 2094-2101.
    3. Bridget Gorman & Justin Denney & Hilary Dowdy & Rose Medeiros, 2015. "A New Piece of the Puzzle: Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Physical Health Status," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 52(4), pages 1357-1382, August.
    4. Ross, L.E. & Dobinson, C. & Eady, A., 2010. "Perceived determinants of mental health for bisexual people: A qualitative examination," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(3), pages 496-502.
    5. Ali M. Ahmed & Lina Andersson & Mats Hammarstedt, 2011. "Inter‐ and Intra‐Household Earnings Differentials among Homosexual and Heterosexual Couples," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 49(Supplemen), pages 258-278, July.
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    1. M. V. Lee Badgett, 2018. "Left Out? Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Poverty in the U.S," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 37(5), pages 667-702, October.

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