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Mapping the Lived Experiences of Bisexuals

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Mapping the Lived Experiences of Bisexuals Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2021 Mapping the Lived Experiences of Bisexuals Barbara Ann Hopkins Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Barbara A. Hopkins has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Gary Burkholder, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Ethel Perry, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Jessica Tischner, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2021 Abstract Mapping the Lived Experiences of Bisexuals by Barbara A. Hopkins MS, Walden University, 2005 BS, University of Maryland University College, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2021 Abstract Bisexuality is often met with binegativity, dismissal, and marginalization due to misconception of identity and behavior and its consideration as a transitional phase before the adoption of a monosexual identity. There is a lack of in-depth research regarding bisexuality apart from lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender/sexual studies; it is important to understand and differentiate bisexuality as a separate identity rather than a subset of heterosexual or homosexual identities. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of bisexuals through the lens of sexual configurations theory (SCT). SCT is a relatively new theory that has yet to enjoy broad empirical support; it theorizes sexuality as a social construct grounded in relativism. The theory and its mapping diagram allow for the possibility of a framework and visual depiction of bisexual lived experiences. Six people who identified as bisexual, who were recruited through listervs of professional organizations, and social organization networks, participated in in-depth interviews. The interviewees described their experiences with attractions and partners as whole gender/sex identities, relationships to gender/sex norms, genders, and personal attributes as having equal or greater importance than sex. Results indicate that the SCT diagram is a viable tool in understanding and describing lived experiences in a visual capacity. Implications for positive social change include providing knowledge that scholar-practitioners, mental health providers, and educators can use to support and affirm the bisexual identity and behaviors of clients. The research also lends further support to the SCT as an explanatory framework for sexuality. Mapping the Lived Experiences of Bisexuals by Barbara A. Hopkins MS, Walden University, 2005 BS, University of Maryland University College, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2021 Dedication Barbara J. Hopkins, the reason for who I am and whom I inspire to be. Acknowledgments Daubs: Thank you keeping me honest and having an unwavering belief in me. retooP: Thank you for never letting me get so serious that I lost perspective. GES: Thank you for being a constant support. I could not have made it this far without you. I will always love you more than I can ever express, my favorite ex- husband. LBB: Thank you for calling me out on my BS and never letting my insecurities continue to take up rent in my head. Matt: Thank you for being the happiest and most understanding person on Earth. Shane: Thank you. You know what you did. I will forever be grateful. Gary Burkholder, PhD: Thank you for taking a chance on a student you knew from so long ago. Ethel Perry, PhD: Thank you for never giving up on me. Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ...................................................................................................................... v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Background .................................................................................................................... 3 Problem Statement ......................................................................................................... 6 Purpose of the Study ...................................................................................................... 7 Research Questions ....................................................................................................... 8 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................. 8 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................ 9 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 10 Assumptions ................................................................................................................ 12 Scope and Delimitations .............................................................................................. 13 Limitations ................................................................................................................... 13 Significance ................................................................................................................. 14 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 17 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 17 Literature Search Strategy ........................................................................................... 17 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................... 17 Literature Review to Key Variables and/or Concepts ................................................. 19 Bisexuality Studies ................................................................................................ 21 i Stage Models ......................................................................................................... 25 Sexuality Theories and the Sexual Orientation Configuration Theory ................. 30 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 45 Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 47 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 47 Role of the Researcher ................................................................................................. 50 Researcher Position: Bracketing ............................................................................ 51 Methodology ................................................................................................................ 54 Participant Selection Logic .................................................................................... 54 Instrumentation ...................................................................................................... 54 Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection ........................... 54 Data Analysis Plan ................................................................................................ 56 Issues of Trustworthiness ............................................................................................ 58 Ethical Procedures ................................................................................................. 60 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 61 Chapter 4: Results .............................................................................................................. 62 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 62 Setting ......................................................................................................................... 62 Demographics .............................................................................................................. 63 Data Collection ............................................................................................................ 64 Data Analysis ..............................................................................................................
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