Date of Award

8-30-2022

Document Type

Campus Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling

First Advisor

Gonzalo Bacigalupe

Second Advisor

Sharon Horne

Third Advisor

Heidi Levitt

Abstract

The existing literature focused on the experiences of bisexual men indicates higher rates of mental health, physical and substance use concerns. Minority stress theory highlights the ways in which societal stigma adversely impacts health outcomes for sexual minority populations. The purpose of the current study was to examine the efficacy of two interventions, (e.g., one that focused on expressive writing, and the second that focused on psychoeducation) on depressive symptoms, trauma/stressor symptoms, internalized biphobia, concealment, and gender role norms. Participants in both conditions reported significant reduction in depression impact of a biphobic event, concealment, and restrictive emotionality. Participants in the emotion focused writing condition reported significantly greater reduction from day 1 to the 1 month follow up in restrictive affectionate behavior between men and gender role conflict. At the one month follow up, participants in the psychoeducation condition, but not emotion focused condition, reported significant reduction in internalized biphobia. Overall, the results suggest that both interventions may be helpful in reducing minority stress and improving health outcomes for bisexual populations. Clinical, social justice implications and future directions are discussed.

Comments

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