ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4727-6904

Year

2023

Season

Summer

Paper Type

Master's Thesis

College

Brooks College of Health

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MHC)

Department

Public Health

NACO controlled Corporate Body

University of North Florida. Department of Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Robert Zeglin

Second Advisor

Dr. Lena Salpietro

Abstract

Bisexuals make up a large percentage of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite this, they remain invisible in the literature. Sexual curiosity is also a concept with limited and confusing literature. The purpose of the study is to look past sexual experiences and their influence on sexual curiosity in bisexual women. The contribution of this study aims to better understand how bisexual women make meaning out of their experiences and highlight the importance of sexual health research. Data was gathered with a sample of 6 bisexual women ranging from 19-29 years old using semi-structured interviews. Three superordinate themes and five subordinate themes were found including(a) sexual curiosity and its influence on sexual identity development, (b) safe spaces foster curiosity (comfortability is key, communicating/expressing sexual curiosity, and lower sexpectations), (c) self-discovery (discovering interests, and understanding self). This study found that participants had subjective definitions of sexual curiosity and how it influences their identities as bisexuals. This study found that to explore, participants valued safe spaces, comfort, communication, and lower expectations. Lastly, it was found that through their experiences participants were able to discover sexual preferences and better understand themselves. Clinical implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research were also discussed.

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