Research Article: Internalized Homonegativity and Sexual Quality of Life in Italian Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Abstract:
This study investigates the relationship between sexual quality of life (SQoL) and internalized homonegativity among Italian lesbian and bisexual cisgender women, drawing on the minority stress model. The aim of this study is to compare levels of internalized homonegativity and SQoL between the two groups, exploring the association between these variables. We used a quantitative methodology based on a questionnaire. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from 686 women, including 217 lesbians and 469 bisexuals, using the Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale and the Female-Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and linear regression, were performed to assess group differences and predictors of SQoL. The findings support the hypothesis that bisexual women may experience higher levels of internalized homonegativity. Additionally, the study reveals disparities in SQoL, with lesbian women reporting better outcomes. The linear regression model confirmed a significant negative association between internalized homonegativity and SQoL. The results highlight the need for further research on factors influencing sexual well-being in sexual minority women, and the need to give thorough attention to specific sexual identities in clinical and research practice.
Introduction:
Current sexological research and clinical practice extends beyond sexual functioning, in line with the World Health Organization’s definition, which labels sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality, not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity” [1]. Sexual quality of life (SQoL) can be defined as a way of understanding the subjective experience of sexual health and has recently been used as an outcome variable in sexological research [2].
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