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Social Support, Identity Affirmation, and Psychological Well-Being: A Developmental and Intersectional Comparison between Italian Cisgender and Non-Binary People with Bisexual Orientation

Author

Listed:
  • Cristiano Scandurra

    (Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy)

  • Concetta Esposito

    (Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy)

  • Francesco Fantacci

    (Centro Integrato di Sessuologia Clinica Il Ponte, 50136 Florence, Italy)

  • Lorenzo Borrello

    (Centro Integrato di Sessuologia Clinica Il Ponte, 50136 Florence, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Bochicchio

    (Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Daniel Giunti

    (Centro Integrato di Sessuologia Clinica Il Ponte, 50136 Florence, Italy)

  • Paolo Antonelli

    (Centro Integrato di Sessuologia Clinica Il Ponte, 50136 Florence, Italy
    Department of Health Sciences, Psychology and Psychiatry Unit, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy)

Abstract

Incorporating the perspectives of positive psychology, intersectionality, and life course into minority stress theory, this study aimed to examine the relationships between social support, identity affirmation, and psychological well-being among 483 Italian individuals with bisexual orientation, accounting for differences in gender identity (cisgender vs. non-binary) and age groups (young, early, and middle adult). A mediation model was tested in which identity affirmation served as a presumed mediator between social support and psychological well-being. We also examined whether gender identity and age group moderated the hypothesized associations. Multivariate ANOVA and multigroup mediation analyses were conducted. Results showed that (a) cisgender individuals had higher social support and psychological well-being than non-binary individuals, but not identity affirmation, which was higher in the latter group, (b) psychological well-being, but not social support and identity affirmation, differed between groups, with the youngest cohort reporting worse health than their elders, (c) identity affirmation mediated the relationship between social support and psychological well-being, (d) mediation was significant only in binary individuals (compared to cisgender), whereas no age differences were found. Overall, this study highlights the need to consider bisexual individuals as a nonhomogeneous population living multiple life experiences, especially when minority identities intersect.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristiano Scandurra & Concetta Esposito & Francesco Fantacci & Lorenzo Borrello & Vincenzo Bochicchio & Daniel Giunti & Paolo Antonelli, 2023. "Social Support, Identity Affirmation, and Psychological Well-Being: A Developmental and Intersectional Comparison between Italian Cisgender and Non-Binary People with Bisexual Orientation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3237-:d:1066343
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristiano Scandurra & Andrea Pennasilico & Concetta Esposito & Fabrizio Mezza & Roberto Vitelli & Vincenzo Bochicchio & Nelson Mauro Maldonato & Anna Lisa Amodeo, 2020. "Minority Stress and Mental Health in Italian Bisexual People," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Cristiano Scandurra & Agostino Carbone & Roberto Baiocco & Selene Mezzalira & Nelson Mauro Maldonato & Vincenzo Bochicchio, 2021. "Gender Identity Milestones, Minority Stress and Mental Health in Three Generational Cohorts of Italian Binary and Nonbinary Transgender People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, August.
    3. Bostwick, W.B. & Boyd, C.J. & Hughes, T.L. & McCabe, S.E., 2010. "Dimensions of sexual orientation and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(3), pages 468-475.
    4. Cristiano Scandurra & Vincenzo Bochicchio & Anna Lisa Amodeo & Concetta Esposito & Paolo Valerio & Nelson Mauro Maldonato & Dario Bacchini & Roberto Vitelli, 2018. "Internalized Transphobia, Resilience, and Mental Health: Applying the Psychological Mediation Framework to Italian Transgender Individuals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-19, March.
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