Paper Title
Bidentity: Sexual Behavior/Identity Congruence and Women's Sexual, Physical and Mental Well-Being
Keywords
- sexual identity
- bisexual
- lesbian
- queer
- sexual behavior
- behavior-identity congruence
- female sexuality
- mental health
- physical health
- hrqol
- female sexual function index
- sexual well-being
- erotic
- sexual orientation
- masturbation
- fantasy
- self-perception
- sexual experience
- kink
- arousal
- health disparities
- sexual expression
- identity conflict
- health
- well-being
- female sexual function index (fsfi)
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 12 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 178-197
Published On
May, 2012
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Abstract
According to cognitive dissonance theory, the co-occurrence of inconsistent cognitions may result in psychological distress. This distress may lead to undesirable health outcomes. This study explored the role of sexual behavior/identity congruence on women's mental, physical and sexual well-being. A total of 2,578 women who reported sexual attraction, desire, affection, intentions and/or behavior involving other women completed a web-based survey about their sexual identity/orientation, sexual behavior and well-being across domains. Participants whose recent sexual partnering matched their sexual identity reported fewer mentally/physically unhealthy days and also better sexual experiences. The well-being of queer-identified women did not significantly vary as a function of the gender of their sexual partners. The importance of behavior/identity congruence is discussed.
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