Differences between Australian bisexual and pansexual women: an assessment of minority stressors and psychological outcomes

ABSTRACT The current study examined whether Australian cisgender women who identify as bisexual or pansexual differ in their experience of minority stress, and, in turn, psychological distress and well-being. A convenience sample of 229 Australian cisgender women who identified as bisexual or pansexual responded to a survey assessing minority stressors and psychological outcomes. Compared to bisexual women, pansexual women were more open about their sexuality, more connected to the LGBTIQ+ community, and somewhat more conscious of sexual minority stigma. No difference in psychological distress was observed between groups. However, pansexual identification was indirectly associated with psychological distress via elevated stigma consciousness. Similarly, there were no differences in psychological well-being between bisexual and pansexual women. However, pansexual identification was indirectly associated with poorer psychological well-being via stigma consciousness and greater psychological well-being via LGBTIQ+ community connectedness, suggesting that pansexual identification has a complex relationship with well-being. These findings suggest different underlying sexual minority experiences between bisexual and pansexual women in an Australian context, which influence psychological outcomes in divergent ways between groups. Clinical implications include the importance of recognising the unique experiences of bisexual and pansexual individuals, and the need for tailored care for these populations.