Resilience Building in Biracial and Multiracial, Bisexual Adults: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Melissa Gale Swartz Walden University
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Resilience Building in Biracial and Multiracial, Bisexual Adults: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Melissa Gale Swartz Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, and the Social 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 Melissa Gale Swartz 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. Tracy Marsh, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Trevor Nagle, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Andrea Goldstein, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract Resilience Building in Biracial and Multiracial, Bisexual Adults: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis by Melissa Gale Swartz MS, Walden University, 2014 BS, Salem Teikyo University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Psychology Walden University June 2019 Abstract Until recently, society and science often ignored, erased, and avoided bisexual women and men and individuals with biracial and multiracial identities, and rarely considered these identities simultaneously. Prior research has shown that some lesbians and gay people of color exhibit resilience against sexual minority stress due in part to an inoculating effect of exposure to racism earlier in life. However, little is known about the lived experience of thriving, resilient bisexual multiracial individuals. In the tradition of positive psychology and context of intersectionality theory, this qualitative study explored how multiracial bisexual individuals develop and maintain flourishing well- being despite sociocultural factors promoting chronic stressors. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 multiracial bisexual participants. Interpretive phenomenological analysis revealed 6 key themes for developing and maintaining resilience: integration of intersecting social identities, social support, emotional openness, hope and optimism, meaningful life, and life/personal accomplishments. Deeper knowledge about resilience-building in holders of multiple-marginal identities may influence informed stakeholders (bisexual, biracial and multiracial individuals and their families, service providers, researchers, public institutions, and decision makers) to advance development of more effective counseling programs and influence more responsive and affirmative social policies. Subsequent social change involves the advance of sexual health, rights, and behaviors of bisexual, biracial and multiracial citizens. Resilience Building in Biracial and Multiracial, Bisexual Adults: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis by Melissa Gale Swartz MS, Walden University 2014 BS, Salem Teikyo University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Psychology Walden University June 2019 Acknowledgments There are many people I would like to thank for their support during this process. First, I want to thank my dissertation chairperson, Dr. Tracy Marsh, who has guided me through this process with unwavering encouragement and belief in my abilities. I am so grateful for having her to guide me on this endeavor. I could not have chosen a better mentor and expert. I would also like to thank my committee member, Dr. Trevor Nagle, for his assistance and guidance on this journey. His support, tutelage, and expertise were integral to the success of this journey. Next, I want to thank my study participants. I will always be grateful for their willingness to share their very personal experiences with me. Thank you to my friends who have given me the space I have needed during this very busy time of my life. I promise my social life return to normal now! Thank you to my family who have believed in me and encouraged me along the way. I want to say thanks to my dear friend Andrea Barbis who I was fortunate enough to meet in my second Walden residency in Virginia. I am grateful for her support and encouragement. I look forward to a lifelong friendship. Most importantly, I owe a great deal of gratitude to my wife Joni. This has been a long and tedious process and she has supported and encouraged me every step of the way. She has been a source of inspiration for pursuing this dissertation topic. I thank her for standing by me and providing emotional and practical support when I needed it and giving me the space and time alone when I needed that! With all of my heart, thank you babe. Table of Contents List of Tables ............................................................................................................. viii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background/Summary of the Literature ................................................................. 3 Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................10 Purpose of the Study and Research Questions .............................................................14 Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks ....................................................................15 Nature of the Study/Significance .................................................................................17 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................19 Assumptions .................................................................................................................21 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................23 Limitations ...................................................................................................................25 Significance..................................................................................................................27 Summary ......................................................................................................................29 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................31 Introduction ..................................................................................................................31 Background ..................................................................................................................33 The Pathologization of Homosexuality ................................................................ 33 Bisexuality ............................................................................................................ 35 Resilience and Coping, and Stress and Distress ................................................... 37 Weak Racial Diversity of Bisexuals in Existing Sexuality Research ................... 38 i Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................40 Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks ....................................................................41 Strengths-Based Sexuality Research ..................................................................... 42 Sexual Minority Stress Theory ............................................................................. 47 Resilience Factors Model ...................................................................................... 52 Intersectionality Concept ...................................................................................... 56 Sexual Minorities in Research and Theory ..................................................................64 Background ........................................................................................................... 65 Bisexuality in Sexuality Research ...............................................................................89 Definitions............................................................................................................. 90 Understudied/Underexplored .............................................................................. 100 Existing Research Consistency ........................................................................... 106 Resilience ...................................................................................................................114 Definition ............................................................................................................ 115 Resilience in General Population Versus “Sexual Minorities” ........................... 116 Intersectionality Effect ...............................................................................................119