Bisexual men in marriage: is a positive homosexual identity and stable marriage possible?
The negative picture of mixed-orientation marriages portrayed in previous research is challenged by results from a study and two-year follow-up of a non-clinical sample of 41 spouses representing 30 marriages. Evidence suggests that more recent marriages involving a bisexual are made for positive reasons, rather than as an escape from homosexuality. A comparison of couples in which the homosexual behavior is acknowledged to those in which it is secretive suggests a positive homosexual identity can be developed in the acknowledged situation. Data from a two-year follow-up provide information on the factors which led to the stabilization of such marriages. A schema of developmental crises, decisions, and consequences is presented.
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D004645:Empathy; D005114:Extramarital Relations; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D010551:Personality; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013997:Time Factors