Bisexuals’ Experiences of Mental Health Services: Findings from the Who I Am Study

Taylor, Julia; Power, Jennifer; Smith, Elizabeth

doi:10.1007/s13178-020-00440-2

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Suicidality was found to be significantly more prevalent in one sample of bisexuals with suicidal thoughts being at almost 78% compared to 13% in the general population and suicide attempts at 28% compared with 3% of the general population. The effects of minority stress, biphobia, victimization, stigma and discriminatory experiences have had a pronounced detrimental effect upon the mental health and psychological well‐being of bisexuals (Dodge et al, 2012; Flanders et al, 2015; Legge et al, 2018; Ross et al, 2010; Taylor et al, 2020).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These factors can have a profound and detrimental effect upon a person's mental health and overall well‐being. Consequently, the discrimination experienced by bisexuals can lead to a lack of access to the necessary health care and social supports and may result in poorer mental health outcomes (Eady et al, 2011; Loi et al, 2017; Ross et al, 2010; Taylor et al, 2020). Despite the obvious challenges that bisexual people sustain, some are able to develop coping strategies and cultivate resilience through their experiences and build self‐esteem.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Discriminatory experiences can have a serious and detrimental impact upon an individual's physical, psychological and social well‐being (Flanders et al, 2017; Legge et al, 2018; MacLeod et al, 2015). This can lead to exacerbations of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD (Ross et al, 2010; Ross et al, 2016; Taylor et al, 2020). Discrimination in health care can affect help‐seeking behaviours and effective access to necessary supports and interventions.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In one study, family and friends were seen as the most important source of support for bisexual people concerned about their mental health. Some 50% of respondents in the same study felt that health professionals lacked the necessary knowledge, attitudes and values regarding bisexual‐specific issues and 56% would like access to specialist bisexual supports and services (Taylor et al, 2020).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Over half of the included studies utilized qualitative designs (n = 7) (Dodge et al, 2012; Eady et al, 2011; Flanders et al, 2015; Flanders et al, 2017; Li et al, 2013; Legge et al, 2018; Ross et al, 2010). Quantitative designs were used in five studies (Flanders et al, 2019; Loi et al, 2017; MacLeod et al, 2015; Taylor et al, 2019; Taylor et al, 2020). The remaining studies (n = 3) used a combination of methods (Ross et al, 2012; Ross et al, 2016; Van et al, 2019).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The views and experiences of bisexual people regarding their psychosocial support needs: a qualitative evidence synthesis

McCann

Brown

Taylor

2020

Psychiatric Ment Health Nurs

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Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? Bisexual people experience significantly poorer mental health and higher rates of self‐harm and suicidality than their gay, lesbian or heterosexual counterparts. Although little is understood about why these disparities exist, bisexual people have been found to have unique life experiences that separate them from other sexual minority groups. Despite these health disparities and unique experiences, in research and in clinical settings, bisexual people are often incorporated under the LGBTQI+ umbrella and their needs are not seen as being different to those of other sub‐groups. What the paper adds to existing knowledge? This paper brings together the findings of the small but growing body of literature reporting on the psychosocial support needs of bisexual people. The findings reported on herein provide novel insights, collated and synthesized that will prove valuable to policy makers, service providers and researchers. What are the implications for practice? This paper clearly illustrates that bisexual people experience significant barriers to accessing the support services they need and that current competent service provision for this population is severely limited. The findings presented in this paper shed light on the unique psychosocial needs of bisexual people and highlight the need for practice change to reduce barriers to service access and ensure inclusive and culturally competent care for this community. Abstract IntroductionDespite consistent evidence of poor mental health among what is a relatively large population group, research examining bisexual mental health remains sparse. AimTo identify the psychosocial needs of people who are bisexual and establish factors that may support or inhibit access to appropriate psychosocial interventions and supports. MethodA qualitative evidence syntheses of the empirical evidence. ResultsA total of 15 papers were included in the review. The PRISMA process was used. Following data analysis, four main themes emerged that were (a) experiences of being bisexual, (b) mental health experiences and concerns, (c) service access and responses and (iv) communities and supports. DiscussionBisexual people have unique and specific psychosocial support needs that relate to, but are also different from, the needs of the broader LGBTIQ+ community. This study provides valuable insights into how future policy, practice, education and training and research can better address the needs of this highly vulnerable group. Implications for PracticeThis study highlights the psychosocial complexities associated with bisexuality and provides evidence for the need for improvement in current support services to ensure inclusivity and culturally competent care.

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