Bisexual Case Study A Thesis Submitted to Graduate School of Human Sexology Shu-Te University of Science & Technology In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Human Sexology June 2003
i
ii
Bisexual Case Study Yi-Chun Jan Graduate of Human Sexology Shu-Te University ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to understand the bisexual s stages of self-identityself-disclosuresexual experienceinterpersonal relationship perception of marriage and the pressure they deal with. Results of these findings are intended to aid educators and counselors in understanding bisexuals they come into contact with either professionally or socially. It is also my intention to help eliminate misunderstandings and stereotypes commonly held about bisexuals. Using a qualitative research approach, three candidates who fulfilled the research criteria, were recruited for this study. Employing in-depth interview techniques, data was collected and then analyzed. In accordance to Labov s evaluation model of narrative analysis, the individual experience of love, making friends, self-identity and self-disclosure will be explored. Using a qualitative approach, data collected from the three different subjects interviewed will be compared in order to highlight both their differences and similarities. Results of this study showed: bisexuals' sex and gender identity were good in that there was little or no confusion. Sex identity and gender identity have not, adversely affected the bisexuals interviewed. If we look at Newman's three stages of Stages of Identity, we can see that during the Stage of Sensitization the bisexuals interviewed aren't likely to sense the difference in their own development from others. While entering the Stage of Awareness there is confusion, and they may recognize that friendships with the people of the same sex is accompanied with sexual desire that is not apparent in their peers. At this point, they often try to reinforce their heterosexuality and rationalize their homosexuality either denying or excusing their homosexual tendancies. This rationalization is used to reduce anxiety caused by homophobia. When reaching the Stage of Acceptance, the bisexuals achieve a state where they can accept their own sexuality and develop emotional and iii
sexual intimacy with other people. This stage is initiated after contact has been made with a bisexual peer group. Due to different background and experience, the three subjects did not behave in an identical manner, although many similarities were apparent. The subjects sexuality is constantly shifting and is affected by positive or negative experiences. Thereafter, their roles and behavior are constantly changing as well. When they fall in love with the same sex, they felt more emotionally compatible, but have the pressure of homophobia to deal with. Heterosexual dating is disorienting because they find it difficult to relate to the person they are dating and the role they should play. Heterosexual dating provides a security blanket. It reinforces hope for the possibility of a heterosexual life as well as a "normal" role in society. All three of the subjects has previously been involved with long-term sexual relationships both homosexual and heterosexual. Regarding sexual experience, they felt insecure with their partner and themselves while having heterosexual intercourse. The also found gay sex to be more pleasurable. Most of their social interaction was via the internet school workplace, bars (including gay bars, brothels, KTV, talking pubs)dancing clubs and saunas. Due to a countless misconceptions about bisexuals, they are faced with rejection from both the general population and the gay subculture. All three subjects displayed different criteria for dating and marriage. The people they tended to confide in regarding their sexual orientation included parents, wife brothers and sistersfriends and strangers from the internet. Confiding in others tended to alleviate some of their stress. Doing so also eliminates potential problems that may have risen due to misunderstandings about their sexual orientation. It also helps to develop deeper friendships and helps reinforce their identity as a bisexual person. These relationships are especially important as bisexual support systems compared to gay support systems tend be weak in Taiwan hence making The findings may be useful for bisexuals as well as their friends and families.they may also serve a constructive purpose in an educational or counseling setting.. Limitations of the finding are also discussed. Key wordsbisexual, stages of development, self-identity, self-disclosure iv
v
.. 6 vi
vii
viii
HSGID.... ix
........ x
1
2
3
4
5 Freud
6
7
8
9
10 Little,1989
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Freud Erikson Coleman Cass Newman 29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
1 40
41
42
43
44
45
46
I1-023 A I1-024 A1-024 I1-025 A1-025 I1-026 A1-026 I1- A1 I1 I1-029 I1-030 47
48
I1-023 A I1-024 A1-024 I1-025 A1-025 I1-026 A1-026 I1- A1 I1 I1-029 I1-030 49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
Freud Erikson Coleman Cass Newman 94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
1. Blumstein & Schwartz,(eds)(1976),Human sexuality in four perspectives, Baltimore, J. Hopkins, University Press. 2. Brutzman, M. & main, F. (1990). Wellness and personality priorty. Journal of individual Psychology, 46(1),43-50 3. Cain, R. (1991). Stigma Management and Gay identity Development. Social Work, 36(1), 67-73. 4. Cass, V (1979). Homosexual identity formationa theoretical model. Journal of Homosexual, 4,219, -235. 5. Cass, V (1984). Homosexual identity formationtesting a theoretical model. Journal of Sex Research, 20,143, -167. 6. Cass, V (1996). Sexual orientation identity formationa Western 176
phenomenon. In R P. Cabaj & T. S. Stein (Eds.), Testbook of homosexuality and mental health (pp.227-251). Washington, DC American Psychiatric Press. 7. Chapman,B.E.&Brannock,J.C.1987.Proposed model of lesbian identity development:an empirical examination. Journal of Homosexuality,14,69-81. 8. Coleman, E. (1982). Developmental Stages of the coming out Process. In Gonsiorek, J. C. (eds).,homosexuality & Psychotherapy. New YorkThe Haworth Press. 9. Dominic davies, Charles neal, (eds)(2000). Pink therapy2therapeutic perspectives on working with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients, Open University Press. 10. Dominic davies, Charles neal, (eds)(2000). Pink therapy3issues in therapy with lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender clients, Open University Press. 11. Edgar, T. E.(1985) The creative self in Adlerian psychology. Journal of individual Psychology, 41(3),336-339 12. Engel, Blackwell, and Kollat, (1993)Consumer Behavior. 13. Freud, A. (1946). The ego and the mechanisms of defense. New YorkInternational University Press. 14. Freud, A. (1948). The ego and the mechanisms of defense.(c. Baines, Trns.). New YorkInternational University Press. 15. Freud, S. (1953).Three essays on the theory of sexuality. In J. Strachey (Ed. And Trans.). The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud (pp. 130-243).LondonHogarth press. 16. Gadpaille, W. J. (1989) Homosexuality. In H. I. Kaplanand B. J. Sadock (Eds.).Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, Vol. V. Willianms & Wilkins. 17. GrotevantH.D.,Bosma, H.A.,De Levita, D.J.,&Graafsma, T.L.G. 177
1994.Identity and developmentan interdisciplinary approach,pp.1-20.casage. 18. Hutchins, Loraine and Sharon sumpter (eds)(1992)bi any Other NameBisexual People Speak Out (BostonAlyson Option (New YorkArbor House). 19. Kelly, G. A. (1955) The Psychology of Personal Constructs. New York: W. W. 20. Little, J. R. (1989) Contemporary Female Bisexuality: A Psychosocial Phenomenon; unpublished dissertation. 21. McDonald,G.J.1982 Individual difference in the coming out process for gay menimplications for theoretical models.journal of Homosexuality,8, 47-60. 22. Newman, B. S. & Muzzonigro, P. G. (1993), The effects of traditional family values on the coming out process of gay male adolescents.adolescence, 29(109)213-226. 23. Off Pink Publishing (1988) Bisexual Lives (LondonOff Pink Publishing). 24. Plummer, J. T. (1974) The Concept and Application of Life Style 25. Rotheram-Borus, M. J.,Reid, H.,Rosario,M.,& Kasen,S.(1995).Determinants of safer sex patterns among gay/bisexual male adolescents. journal of Adoescence,18,3-15. 26. Rotheram-Borus, M. J.,Rosario, M., Van-Rossem, R, Reid, H,& Gillis, R.(1995).Prevalence, course, and predictors of multiple problem behaviors among gay and bisexual male adolescents. Developmental Psychology,31,75-85. 27. Savin-Williams, R.C.(1994).verbal and physical abuse as stressors in the lives of lesbian, gay male, and bisexual youths: Associations with school problems, running away, substance abuse, prostitution, and suicide. journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,62,261-269. 178
28. Sobel, M. E. (1981) Lifestyle and Social Structure: Concepts, Definitions and Analyses. New York: Academic Press. 29. Sophie, J.1985.A ceitical examination of stage theories of lesbian identity Development. Journal of Homosexuality,12,39-51. 30. Weber, M. (1958) Essays in Sociology of Teaching. New YorkWiley. 31. Wells, W. D. (1975) PsychographicsA Critical Review. Journal of Marketing Research, 12,196-213. 179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187 a. c
188
189
190
191
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 192
16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 193
194
195
196
197