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Bisexuality, romantic relationships, and depression: The role of relationship quality

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  • Hsu, Jaime
  • Mernitz, Sara

Abstract

This study provides a population-level assessment of relationship quality among partnered bisexual adults and evaluates whether high-quality romantic relationships are linked to fewer depressive symptoms. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1998–2008; n = 15,701), we estimated linear regression models to compare relationship quality across sexual identity groups and to examine associations between relationship quality and mental health. Results indicate that bisexual adults report significantly lower relationship quality than heterosexual adults but not significantly lower than lesbian or gay adults, after controlling for relationship type and other covariates. Although high-quality romantic relationships are linked to improved mental health for bisexual individuals, this association is weaker compared to heterosexual individuals. Our findings suggest that bisexual adults experience unique relationship-specific and broader societal stressors that challenge the promotion of mental health through romantic involvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Hsu, Jaime & Mernitz, Sara, 2026. "Bisexuality, romantic relationships, and depression: The role of relationship quality," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 388(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:388:y:2026:i:c:s0277953625010755
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118744
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Ning Hsieh & Hui Liu, 2019. "Bisexuality, Union Status, and Gender Composition of the Couple: Reexamining Marital Advantage in Health," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 56(5), pages 1791-1825, October.
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