The Shadows of Internalized Bisexual Myths: Jealousy and Psychological Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Bisexual Plus Individuals in Turkiye

Abstract

Bisexual+ (bi+) individuals may face unique challenges stemming from the internalization of myths related to their sexual orientation. This internalization may make individuals more sensitive to perceived threats in their relationships, which can increase feelings of jealousy. In turn, internalized bisexual myths and heightened jealousy may contribute to the perpetration of psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) within bi+ relationships. Thus, in this study, we aimed to examine the parallel mediating roles of cognitive and emotional jealousy in the association between internalized bisexual myths and psychological IPV perpetration. A sample of 230 bi+ individuals from Türkiye completed the (Internalized) Bisexual Myths Scale, the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale, and the Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse Short Form. Overall, 94.3% of bi+ individuals reported perpetrating at least one act of psychological IPV against their partners within the past 6 months. Results from the parallel mediation analyses revealed that both cognitive and emotional jealousy mediated the relationship between internalized bisexual myths and psychological IPV perpetration. These findings suggest that bi+ individuals who internalize bisexual myths and exhibit higher levels of emotional and cognitive jealousy may be more susceptible to perpetrating psychological IPV against their partners. This study underscores the need for further research to better understand psychological IPV perpetration among bi+ individuals, highlighting the value of qualitative and longitudinal methods for gaining deeper insights.