Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

3 Defining Bisexuality: Challenges and Importance of and Toward a Unifying Definition

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Bisexuality

Abstract

This chapter seeks to demonstrate the extreme complexity of trying to define sexual orientation, in general, and bisexuality, in particular. The key issues presented in the chapter include, (1) why a standard definition of bisexuality is necessary; (2) a discussion of who should define bisexuality; (3) the factors to consider when deciding what variables are to be included in a definition of bisexuality; and (4) a proposed new definition of bisexuality built on a synthesis of the chapter materials. First the chapter discusses the pitfalls of a lack of a standard definition of bisexuality and the growing consensus that research must attempt to find a common definition of bisexuality. Second, the reader is presented with three constituencies that may all vie for the “right” to define bisexuality: society, the self, and science. Third, the pros and cons of at least seven variables which have each been considered in varying definitions of bisexuality are weighed. Finally, the chapter concludes by providing a new definition of bisexuality with a few, final caveats and thoughts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Change history

  • 17 April 2019

    This book was inadvertently published with the incorrect author name for chapters 2 and 3.This has now been amended throughout the book.

Notes

  1. 1.

    We must make mention of the fact that no sexual orientation definition designed to operationalize and standardize the study of bisexuality precludes an individual from adopting the label “bisexual” for themselves. Self-identity is always under the volitional control of the individual. However, with time, multisexual individuals may embrace this, separate, orientation so that their numbers can be counted and so their lived experiences can become part of the sexual landscape.

References

  • Altshuler, K. Z. (1984). On the question of bisexuality. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 38, 484–493.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin, A., Schick, V. A., Dodge, B., van Der Pol, B., Herbenick, D., Sanders, S. A., et al. (2016). Variation in sexual identification among behaviorally bisexual women in the Midwestern United States: Challenging the established methods for collecting data on sexual identity and orientation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(5), 1337–1348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0817-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balsam, K. F., & Mohr, J. J. (2007). Adaptation to sexual orientation stigma: A comparison of bisexual and lesbian/gay adults. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 54, 306–319. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.54.3.306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barker, M., Richards, C., Jones, R., Bowes-Catton, H., Plowman, T., Yockney, J., et al. (2012). The bisexuality report: Bisexual inclusion in LGBT equality and diversity. Centre for Citizenship, Identities, and Governance and Faculty of Health and Social Care.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bauer, G. R., & Brennan, D. J. (2013). The problem with ‘behavioral bisexuality’: Assessing sexual orientation in survey research. Journal of Bisexuality, 13, 148–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630240802575120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bauer, G. R., & Jairam, J. A. (2008). Are lesbians really women who have sex with women (WSW)? Methodological concerns in health research on sexual minority women. Women & Health, 48, 383–408. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630240802575120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beaulieu-Prevost, D., & Fortin, M. (2014). The measurement of sexual orientation: Historical background and current practices. Sexologies, 24(1), 15–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sexol.2014.05.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berenson, C. (2002). What’s in a name? Bisexual women define their terms. Journal of Bisexuality, 2(2–3), 9–21. https://doi.org/10.1300/J159v02n02_02

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berkey, B. R., Perelman-Hall, T., & Kurdek, L. A. (1990). The multidimensional scale of sexuality. Journal of Homosexuality, 19(4), 67–87. https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v19n04_05

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blumstein, P. W., & Schwartz, P. (1976). Bisexuality in women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 5, 171–181. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541873

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blumstein, P. W., & Schwartz, P. (1983). Bisexuality: Some social psychological issues. In L. D. Garnets & D. C. Kimmel (Eds.), Psychological perspectives on lesbian and gay male experiences (pp. 168–183). NY: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brewster, M. E. & Moradi, B. (2010). Perceived experiences of anti-bisexual prejudice: Instrument development and evaluation. Journal of Counseling Psychology 57(4), 451–468. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021116

  • Callis, A. (2014). Bisexual, pansexual, queer: Non-binary identities and the sexual borderlands. Sexualities, 17(1/2), 63–80. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363460713511094

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cass, V. C. (1990). The implications of homosexual identity formation for the Kinsey model and scale of sexual preference. In D. P. McWhirter, S. A. Sanders, & J. M. Reinisch (Eds.), Homosexuality/heterosexuality: Concepts of sexual orientation (pp. 239–266). NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chandra, A., Copen, C. E., & Moser, W. D. (2011). Sexual behavior, sexual attraction, and sexual identity in the United States: Data from the 2006-2008 National Survey of Family Growth. In National Health Statistics Reports, no 30. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, L. M. (2003). What does sexual orientation orient? A biobehavioral model distinguishing love and sexual desire. Psychological Review, 110(1), 173–192. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.110.1.173

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, L. M. (2008). Female bisexuality from adolescence to adulthood: Results from a 10-year longitudinal study. Developmental Psychology, 44, 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.44.1.5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, L. M. (2012). The desire disorder in research on sexual orientation in women: Contributions of dynamical systems theory. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41, 73–83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-9909-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, L. M. (2014). Gender and same sex sexuality. In D. L. Tolman & L. M. Diamond (Eds.), APA handbook of sexuality and psychology, Person-based approaches (Vol. 1, pp. 629–652). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14193-020

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, L. M., Dickenson, J. A., & Blair, K. L. (2017). Stability of sexual attractions across different timescales: The roles of bisexuality and gender. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(1), 193–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0860-x

  • Diamond, M. (1993). Homosexuality and bisexuality in different populations. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 22, 291–210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, J. K. (1984). The commencement of bisexual activity in swinging married women over age thirty. Journal of Sex Research, 20, 71–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du Plessis, M. (1996). Blatantly bisexual: Or, unthinking queer theory. In D. E. Hall & M. Pramaggiore (Eds.), RePresenting bisexualities: Subjects and cultures of fluid desire. New York: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dyar, C., Feinstein, B. A., & London, B. (2014). Mediators of differences between lesbians and bisexual women in sexual identity and minority stress. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000090

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elder, W. B., Morrow, S. L., & Brooks, G. R. (2015). Sexual self-schemas of bisexual men: A qualitative investigation. The Counseling Psychologist, 43(7), 970–1007. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000015608242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Esterline, K. M., & Galupo, M. P. (2013). “Drunken curiosity” and “gay chicken”: Gender differences in same-sex performativity. Journal of Bisexuality, 13(1), 106–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2013.755732

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Firestein, B. A. (1996). Bisexuality: The psychology and politics of an invisible minority. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flanders, C. E. (2017). Under the bisexual umbrella: Diversity of identity and experience. Journal of Bisexuality, 17(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2017.1297145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flanders, C. E., LeBreton, M. E., Robinson, M., Jing, B., & Caravaca-Morera, J. A. (2017). Defining bisexuality: Young bisexual and pansexual people’s voices. Journal of Bisexuality, 17(1), 39–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2016.1227016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freund, K., Scher, H., Chang, S., & Ben-Aron, M. (1982). Experimental analysis of pedophilia. Behavior, Research and Therapy, 20, 105–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galupo, M. P. (2011). Bisexuality: Complicating and conceptualizing sexual identity. Journal of Bisexuality, 11(4), 5454–5549. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2011.620866

  • Galupo, M. P., Mitchell, R. C., Grynkiewicz, A. L., & Davis, K. S. (2014). Sexual minority reflections on the Kinsey scale and the Klein sexual orientation grid: Conceptualization and measurement. Journal of Bisexuality, 14, 404–432. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2014.929553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galupo, M. P., Ramirez, J. L., & Pulice-Farrow, L. (2017). “Regardless of their gender”: Descriptions of sexual identity among bisexual, pansexual, and queer identified individuals. Journal of Bisexuality, 17(1), 108–124. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2016.1228491

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gates, G. J. (2011). How many people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender? The Williams Institute, UCLA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halperin, D. M. (2009). Thirteen ways of looking at a bisexual. Journal of Bisexuality, 9, 451–455. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299710903316679

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, C. E., & Evans, A. (1985). Bisexuality reconsidered: An idea in pursuit of a definition. In F. Klein & T. J. Wolf (Eds.), Bisexualities: Theory and research (pp. 1–6). New York: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heath, L., & Euvrard, G. (2008). The development of the sexual responsiveness scale for adolescents and young adults: Putting a definition of sexual orientation to the test. South African Journal of Psychology, 38(4), 633–646. https://doi.org/10.1177/008124630803800404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henry, G. W. (1955). All the sexes: A study of masculinity and femininity. New York: Rinehart.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Schnick, V., Sanders, S. A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, D. F. (2010). Sexual behavior in the United States: Results from a national probability sample of men and women ages 14-94. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(Suppl. 5), 255–265. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-610932010.0212.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hollander, D. (2009). Heterosexual Latino men’s same-sex behaviour may put their partners at risk. Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 41(2), 131–131. https://doi.org/10.1363/4113109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horowitz, J. L., & Newcomb, M. D. (2001). A multidimensional approach to homosexual identity. Journal of Homosexuality, 42(2), 1–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, M. M. (1974). Sexual behavior in the 1970s. NY: Playboy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Israel, T., & Mohr, J. (2004). Attitudes towards bisexual women and men: Current research, future directions. In R. Fox (Ed.), Current research on bisexuality (pp. 119–134). New York: Harrington Park Press. doi:https://doi.org/10.1300/J159v04n01_09

  • Katz-Wise, S. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2015). Sexual fluidity and related attitudes and beliefs among young adults with a same-gender orientation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(5), 1459–1470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0420-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948). Sexual behavior in the human male. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & Gebhard, P. H. (1953). Sexual behavior in the human female. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kitzinger, C., & Wilkinson, S. (1995). Transitions from heterosexuality to lesbianism: The discursive production of lesbian identities. Developmental Psychology, 31, 95–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein, F. (1993). The bisexual option (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Korchmaros, J. D., Powell, C., & Stevens, S. (2013). Chasing sexual orientation: A comparison of commonly used single-indicator measures of sexual orientation. Journal of Homosexuality, 60(4), 596–614. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2013.760324

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krafft-Ebing, R. V. (1886). Psychopathia sexualis. New York: Rebman Company. Retrieved from http://www.archive.org/details/psychopathiasexu00krafuoft

  • Laumann, E. O., Gagnon, J. H., Michael, R. T., & Michaels, S. (1994). The social organization of sexuality: Sexual practices in the United States. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacDonald, A. P. (1983). A little bit of lavender goes a long way: A critique of research on sexual orientation. Journal of Sex Research, 19, 94–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacDowall, L. (2009). Historicising contemporary bisexuality. Journal of Bisexuality, 9(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299710801659989

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manley, M. H., Diamond, L. M., & van Anders, S. M. (2015). Polyamory, monoamory, and sexual fluidity: A longitudinal study of identity and sexual trajectories. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2(2), 168–180. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000098

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGeorge, C., & Carlson, T. S. (2011). Deconstructing heterosexism: Becoming an LGB affirmative heterosexual couple and family therapist. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 37(1), 14–26. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00149.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLean, K. (2007). Hiding in the closet? Bisexuals, coming out and the disclosure imperative. Journal of Sociology, 43(2), 151–166. https://doi.org/10.1177/1440783307076893

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mock, S. E., & Eibach, R. P. (2010). Stability and change in sexual orientation identity over a 10-year period in adulthood. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41, 641–648. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363460716679378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moser, C. (2016). Defining sexual orientation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45, 505–508. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-015-0625-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morrow, G. D. (1989). Bisexuality: An exploratory review. Annals of Sex Research, 2, 283–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mustanski, B., Kuper, L, & Greene, G. J. (2014). Development of sexual orientation and identity. In D. L. Tolman & L. M. Diamond (Eds.), APA handbook of sexuality and psychology: Vol. 1. Person-based approaches. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/14193-019

  • Paul, R., Smith, N. G., Mohr, J. J., & Ross, L. E. (2014). Measuring dimensions of bisexual identity: Initial development of the bisexual identity inventory. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 1(4), 452–460. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000069

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peplau, L. A., & Garnets, L. D. (2000). A new paradigm for understanding women’s sexuality and sexual orientation. Journal of Social Issues, 56(2), 329–350. https://doi.org/10.1111/0022-4537.00169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pew Research Center. (2013). A survey of LGBT Americans: Attitudes, experiences and values in changing times. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/files/2013/06/SDT_LGBT-Americans_06-2013.pdf

  • Rieger, G., Chivers, M. L., & Bailey, M. (2005). Sexual arousal patterns of bisexual men. Psychological Science, 16(8), 579–584. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01578.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E., Hunter, J., & Braun, L. (2006). Sexual identity development among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths: Consistency and change over time. Journal of Sex Research., 43(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490609552298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ross, L. E., Dobinson, C., & Eady, A. (2010). Perceived determinants of mental health for bisexual people: A qualitative examination. American Journal of Public Health, 100(3), 496–502. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ross, L. E., Siegel, A., Dobinson, C., Epstein, R., & Steele, L. S. (2012). “I don’t want to turn totally invisible”: Mental health, stressors, and supports among bisexual women during the perinatal period. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 8(2), 137–154. https://doi.org/10.1080/1550428X.2012.660791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rupp, L. J., & Taylor, V. (2010). Straight girls kissing. Contexts, 9(3), 28–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rust, P. (1995). Bisexuality and the challenge to lesbian politics. NY: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, A. M., Sylva, D., Safron, A. & Bailey, J. M., (2011). Sexual arousal patterns of bisexual men revisited. Biological Psychology 88(1), 112–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.06.015.

  • San Francisco Human Rights Commission – LGBT Advisory Committee. (2011). Bisexual invisibility: Impacts and recommendations. Retrieved from http://sfhrc.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentID=989

  • Savin-Williams, R. C. (1998). “… And then I became gay”: Young men’s stories. New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sell, R. L. (1997). Defining and measuring sexual orientation: A review. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 26(6), 643–658.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sell, R. (2007). Defining and measuring sexual orientation for research. In I. H. Meyer & M. E. Northridge (Eds.), The health of sexual minorities: Public health perspectives on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations (pp. 355–374). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Sell, R. L., & Pertrulio, C. (1995). Sampling homosexuals, bisexuals, gays, and lesbians for public health research: A review of the literature from 1990-1992. Journal of Homosexuality, 30, 31–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shively, M. G., Jones, C., & de Cecco, J. P. (1984). Research on sexual orientation: Definitions and methods. Journal of Homosexuality, 9, 127–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shuster, R. (1987). Sexuality as a continuum: The bisexual identity. In Boston Lesbian Psychologies Collective (Ed.), Lesbian psychologies: Explorations and challenges. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Storms, M. D. (1980). Theories of sexual orientation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 38(5), 783–792.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swan, D. J. (2017). A comparative study of couples in monogamous versus consensually nonmonogamous relationships. Manuscript in preparation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swan, D. J., & Habibi, S. (2015). Heterosexuals do it with feeling: Heterocentrism in heterosexual college Students’ perceptions of female bisexuality and heterosexuality. Journal of Bisexuality, 15(3), 304–318. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2015.1035823

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swan, D. J., & Habibi, S. (2017a). When is a bisexual really bisexual? Testing the “one and done” rule of male same-sex behaviour. Psychology of Sexualities Review, 8(2), 41–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swan, D. J., & Habibi, S. (2017b). If it doesn’t fit, you must omit: Evidence of cognitive dissonance reduction between sexual identity and fantasy and pornography use incongruence. Unpublished raw data.

    Google Scholar 

  • Twenge, J. M., Sherman, R. A., & Wells, B. E. (2015). Changes in American adults’ sexual behavior and attitudes, 1972-2012. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(8), 2273–2285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508–015–0540-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Anders, S. M. (2015). Beyond sexual orientation: Integrating gender/sex and diverse sexualities via sexual configurations theory. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44, 1177–1213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-015-0490-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vrangalova, Z., & Savin-Williams, R. C. (2012). Mostly heterosexual and mostly gay/lesbian: Evidence for new sexual orientation identities. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41(1), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-9921-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, M. S., Williams, C. J., & Pryor, D. W. (1994). Dual attraction: Understanding bisexuality. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinrich, J. D. (2014a). Multidimensional measurement of sexual orientation: Present. Journal of Bisexuality, 14(3–4), 373–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2014.951138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinrich, J. D. (2014b). Multidimensional measurement of sexual orientation: Ideal. Journal of Bisexuality, 14(3–4), 544–556. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2014.960958

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinrich, J. D., Klein, F., McCutchan, J. A., & Grant, I. (2014). Cluster analysis of the Klein sexual orientation grid in clinical and nonclinical samples: When bisexuality is not bisexuality. Journal of Bisexuality, 14(3–4), 349–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2014.938398

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whalen, R. E., Geary, D. C., & Johnson, F. (1990). Models of sexuality. In D. P. McWhirter, & J. M. Reinisch (Eds), Homosexuality/heterosexuality concepts of sexual orientation (pp. 61–70). NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yost, M. R., & Thomas, G. D. (2012). Gender and binegativity: Men’s and women’s attitudes toward male and female bisexuals. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41(3), 691–702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-011-9767-8

  • Zivony, A., & Lobel, T. (2014). The invisible stereotypes of bisexual men. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43, 1165–1176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0263-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology and Social Sciences, Woodbury University, Burbank, CA, USA

    D. Joye Swan Ph.D.

Authors
  1. D. Joye Swan Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. Joye Swan Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology and Social Sciences, Woodbury University, Burbank, CA, USA

    D. Joye Swan

  2. Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Shani Habibi

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Swan, D.J. (2018). 3 Defining Bisexuality: Challenges and Importance of and Toward a Unifying Definition. In: Swan, D., Habibi, S. (eds) Bisexuality. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71535-3_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71535-3_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-71534-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71535-3

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation