An Examination of Protective Factors for Bisexual Stigma and Alcohol Use among Heavy Drinking Young Bisexual Women

Abstract

Bisexual women are an at-risk population for hazardous drinking. One factor contributing to their risk is binegativity (discrimination from heterosexual and lesbian/gay communities). Research has found a positive association between binegativity and alcohol use, but few studies have explored protective factors (bisexual identity affirmation, connectedness to bisexual community) that may buffer this relationship. Consequently, we examined the impact of bisexual identity and connectedness on the association between binegativity and alcohol use and problems. Participants were 225 self-identified young bisexual women 18 to 30 years old (M = 22.77, SD = 3.45) who reported heavy drinking at least once in the past month. Participants completed an online survey about their experiences of binegativity, alcohol use and problems, bisexual identity, and connectedness to the bisexual community. Results revealed that binegativity was positively associated with connectedness, but not bisexual identity. Binegativity was positively associated with alcohol use and alcohol problems, but moderation analyses revealed that neither identity nor connectedness impacted these associations. Thus, although binegativity was linked to greater alcohol use and problems, bisexual identity and connectedness did not serve as protective factors. It may be that bisexual women who are more “out” have a stronger connection to the bisexual community. However, they may experience greater external stigma within the sexual minoritized community due to their sexual attractions and relationships with both men and women. Future research is needed to identify other protective factors for the bisexual community.