Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Heterosexuals’ Attachment Orientation as A Predictor of Their Willingness for Intimacy with Bisexuals

Rambarran, Shakti D.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1590841217279933

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Social Sciences (Arts and Sciences).
Extant research shows that heterosexuals view bisexuals as undesirable romantic and sexual partners, and also endorse myths that bisexuals are more likely to cheat, and that relationships with bisexuals are inherently lower in relationship satisfaction. However, no known studies have explored the relationship between adult attachment orientation (namely, attachment anxiety – fear of rejection, and attachment avoidance – fear of intimacy with others) and willingness for intimacy with bisexuals. Thus, Study 1 utilized a cross-sectional approach whereby 406 undergraduates responded to a variety of measures including those assessing attachment orientation and their willingness to be intimate with bisexuals (as well as Blacks, Hispanics, Atheists, and Muslims). Contrary to our hypothesis, results suggest a positive correlation between attachment anxiety and willingness for intimacy with bisexuals. There was no significant relationship between attachment avoidance and willingness for intimacy with bisexuals. To explore potential mechanisms behind these findings, Study 2 randomly assigned participants to either an attachment anxiety or avoidance prime, and explore the roles of empathy, intergroup understanding, and perceived relationship satisfaction as mediators of willingness for intimacy with bisexuals. Correlationally (but not experimentally), we replicated Study 1’s findings showing a positive relationship between attachment anxiety and willingness for intimacy with bisexuals. However, we found no significant evidence to suggest that empathy, understanding, or perceived relationship satisfaction mediated this relationship. Across both studies, heterosexuals reported significantly lower willingness to be intimate with bisexuals than with the other marginalized groups. In Study 2, and in line with extant literature, results show that heterosexuals perceive hypothetical relationships with bisexuals to be significantly lower in relationship satisfaction than hypothetical relationships with heterosexuals. We discuss study implications and future directions.
Kimberly Rios (Advisor)
104 p.
Psychology
bisexuals; dating; heterosexuals; attachment orientation; intimacy; prejudice

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rambarran, S. D. (2020). Heterosexuals’ Attachment Orientation as A Predictor of Their Willingness for Intimacy with Bisexuals [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1590841217279933

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rambarran, Shakti. Heterosexuals’ Attachment Orientation as A Predictor of Their Willingness for Intimacy with Bisexuals . 2020. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1590841217279933.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rambarran, Shakti. "Heterosexuals’ Attachment Orientation as A Predictor of Their Willingness for Intimacy with Bisexuals ." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1590841217279933

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1590841217279933
110
© 2020, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.