Scoping Review on Bi+ People in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships

Bibliographic Data

ID24216896
AuthorsAlena Bondarchuk-McLaughlin (0009-0007-0233-1419, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), La Trobe University), Natalie Amos (0000-0001-6558-2580, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), La Trobe University), Joel Anderson (0000-0003-3649-2003, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), La Trobe University)
Year2026
Pages1-39
Publication date2026-10-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Bisexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1529-9716 • E-ISSN: 1529-9724
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15299716.2026.2738210
OpenAlexW7220433180
LanguageEN
References cited72

Bi+ people—people whose identities, attractions, or relationship or sexual histories involve more than one gender—may experience distinct forms of identity recognition and stigma across relationship contexts. This scoping review synthesized research on bi+ people in monogamous and consensually or ethically non-monogamous (C/ENM) relationships. Five databases were searched, yielding 60 eligible records (N = 5,717). An inductive thematic synthesis identified three analytic domains: navigation of identity, relationship experiences, and external influences. Across all relationship configurations, studies described binegativity, disclosure concerns, partner responses, jealousy or infidelity concerns, and the importance of social support. Studies of monogamous relationships more often focused on bi+ visibility, identity expression, and assumptions based on a partner’s gender. Studies of C/ENM relationships more often examined identity affirmation, the negotiation and maintenance of multiple relationships, community support, and intersecting experiences of binegativity and non-monogamy stigma. These patterns should not be interpreted as showing that monogamy inherently invalidates bi+ identity or that C/ENM inherently affirms it; they reflect differences in research questions and sampling across the two bodies of literature. The review identifies a particular need for research on varied experiences of bi+ people within monogamous relationships, direct comparisons across relationship configurations, and the conditions under which bi+ people experience identity recognition, safety, and wellbeing.

Bisexuals · Monogamous relationships · non-monogamy · romantic relationships · Sexual orientation · Gender and Feminist Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Marriage and Sexual Relationships

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