An Exploratory Investigation of Bisexual Men in Monogamous, Heterosexual Marriages

The phenomenon of bisexual men in monogamous, heterosexual marriages was investigated. The study set out to identify the preponderant factors in the sexuality of such men, to determine if the marriages are successful and if so, to what degree. Twenty participants responded to media publicity. Their sexuality and its manifestations are described by means of profiles using a modified form of the Kinsey continuum. Sexuality Profile was found to be linked with anxiety, but not with salience of sexuality, guilt, and sense of loss although all were found to be present to varying degrees. The quality of the marital relationship was likewise examined. Correlations between Global Rating of Marriage (GRM) and other specific ratings of marriage were established with sexual identity confusion, salience of sexuality and sense of loss, but not with anxiety and guilt. The study concluded that the men in this sample seem to be psychologically stable, not under inordinate stress, and the majority of their marriages appear to be in relatively good condition. Thus, for bisexual men with similar attitudes to the men of this sample who find heterosexual sex to be satisfying and not repugnant, monogamous marriage is a viable life-option. Such marriages will not inevitably fail.