Abstract
Despite decades of research on sexual identity development and minority stress, sexual identity uncertainty has received relatively little attention. Sexual identity uncertainty refers to the extent to which an individual is uncertain about which sexual identity label best captures their pattern of attractions and behavior. Although theory suggests that sexual identity uncertainty is a consequence of negative experiences related to one’s sexual identity, this has not been empirically tested. The current study examined factors that influence sexual identity uncertainty as well as its potential consequences for relationship decision making in a sample of nonmonosexual individuals (individuals attracted to more than one gender; N = 397). For nonmonosexual individuals who reported low sexual identity disclosure, more frequent experiences of monosexism were associated with greater internalized monosexism, which in turn, was associated with greater sexual identity uncertainty. Additionally, among nonmonosexual individuals who reported that others frequently made assumptions about their sexual orientation, higher sexual identity uncertainty was associated with more partner gender management. Specifically, these individuals reported that their relationship decisions were more influenced by concern about being seen in relationships with one gender over another and desire to be seen in relationships with one gender over another. In summary, findings are consistent with a theoretical model of how sexual identity uncertainty develops among nonmonosexual individuals (Weinberg, Williams, & Pryor, 1994). Results also suggest that sexual identity uncertainty can influence the decisions that nonmonosexual individuals make about relationships. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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