Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Among Bisexual People Compared to Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Individuals:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d4915047e107">Over the past decade, evidence has accumulated
to suggest that bisexual people experience
higher rates of poor mental health outcomes compared to both heterosexual and gay/lesbian
individuals. However, no previous meta-analyses have been conducted to establish the
magnitude of these disparities. To address this research gap, we conducted a systematic
review and meta-analysis of studies that reported bisexual-specific data on standardized
measures of depression or anxiety. Of the 1,074 full-text articles reviewed, 1,023
were ineligible, predominantly because they did not report separate data for bisexual
people (n = 562 studies). Ultimately, 52 eligible studies could be pooled in the analysis.
Results indicate that across both outcomes, there is a consistent pattern of lowest
rates of depression and anxiety among heterosexual people, while bisexual people exhibit
higher or equivalent rates in comparison to lesbian/gay people. On the basis of empirical
and theoretical literature, we propose three interrelated contributors to these disparities:
experiences of sexual orientation-based discrimination, bisexual invisibility/erasure,
and lack of bisexual-affirmative support. Implications for interventions to improve
the health and well-being of bisexual people are proposed.
</p>