To be or not to be Bi in Italy: Psychological well-being in a sample of bisexual individuals

Since the Italian bisexual community is largely underrepresented in the scientific literature, the purpose of the current study was to shed light on the experiences of Italian bisexual people and to investigate their psychological well-being. Specifically, aspects of sexual identity development, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and a history of childhood trauma will be investigated. 326 (% F = 73.9; 80.4% aged between 18-25) bisexual individuals completed an online survey. Results showed age and gender differences in aspects of sexual identity development. Bisexual young adults were less concerned with their sexual orientation and had more positive feelings about their LGB+ identity than older bisexual individuals. Bisexual men reported more uncertainty and concern about their sexual orientation, more internalized homonegativity, and more difficulties in their LGB+ identity development and acceptance than bisexual women. Bisexual individuals with higher sexual identity acceptance concerns reported more anxiety symptoms. Having experienced childhood traumata is associated with greater levels of anxiety and hopelessness. Interventions addressing the unique stressors associated with a bisexual identity are needed.