Despite substantial research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual difficulties, the relationships between PTSD symptoms and masturbation motivations remain underexplored. Furthermore, few studies have employed the lens of embodiment to understand these dynamics, despite the established association between embodiment and PTSD and embodiment and sexuality. This study addresses this gap by investigating the association between PTSD symptoms, embodiment, and three masturbation motivations: feelings of unattractiveness, compulsion, and adherence to perceived social norms. The study sample comprised 580 participants (84% women, Mage = 29.89, SD = 10.41) recruited through online convenience sampling. Validated self-report measures assessed PTSD symptoms, embodiment, and masturbation motivations. Structural equation modelling with bootstrapping was used to examine direct and indirect associations. The results showed that PTSD symptoms were negatively associated with embodiment, and embodiment was statistically associated with both PTSD symptoms and masturbation motivated by feelings of unattractiveness, as well as with masturbation motivated by adherence to perceived social norms, indicating full indirect associations. For masturbation motivated by compulsion, partial indirect association was observed, as a direct pathway between PTSD symptoms and compulsion remained significant. The indirect association observed for masturbation motivated by feelings of unattractiveness highlights the central role of disrupted self-perception and body image in trauma-related sexual behaviours. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing embodiment disruptions in trauma-focused interventions, as enhancing embodiment may support the healing and reclamation of sexuality following trauma.
Masturbation is a prevalent sexual behaviour, particularly in cisgender men. There are conflicting results in terms of outcomes associated with masturbation and the frequency of masturbation. Sexual well-being has not been explored comprehensively in association with masturbation frequency. The current study aimed to assess sexual and non-sexual motivations for masturbation, differences in masturbation frequency and sexual well-being in single men compared to those in partnered relationships, differences in sexual well-being across masturbation frequency, and whether masturbation frequency is predicted by sexual well-being. An online survey collected detailed information on masturbation habits and sexual well-being. Data from 1,578 cisgender men were analyzed using descriptives, t-tests, multivariate analyses of variances, and multiple regression analyses. Participants endorsed a variety of motivations for masturbating, sexual and non-sexual in nature. Men in (as compared to those not in) relationships had significantly higher genital image, positive feelings toward masturbation, and pleasure during masturbation, as well as lower negative feelings toward masturbation, discomfort/pain during masturbation, and subjective genital arousal sensation discrepancy. Positive and negative feelings toward masturbation, solitary desire, and pain/discomfort during masturbation differed based on levels of masturbation frequency, and masturbation frequency was positively predicted by sexual well-being-specifically by genital image, positive feelings toward masturbation, solitary desire, and pain/discomfort. Masturbation should not be regarded solely as a sexual activity that occurs in response to sexual motivation, and clinicians and researchers should consider these nuances. There may be aspects of being in a relationship that increase one's solitary sexual well-being that should be further explored. There may be an "optimal" level of masturbation frequency-neither too high nor low, which has implications for clinicians focusing on sexual well-being.
Sexual and gender minority populations-including Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and others (2SLGBTQIA+)-experience poorer health outcomes and reduced access to equitable care. These inequities are partly linked to inadequate training, as Canadian medical curricula lack standardized 2SLGBTQIA+ competencies. While reforms have been called for, integration remains inconsistent, and little is known about education in Eastern Canada. This study assessed medical students' perceived (a) attitudinal awareness/comfort, (b) knowledge, and (c) preparedness for practice. A mixed-methods survey was conducted with first- through fourth-year medical students in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The instrument included 29 items, two questions on the learning environment, and two open-ended items on curriculum improvement. Attitudinal awareness/comfort (M = 80.1, SD = 16.8) and knowledge (M = 77.7, SD = 30.2) scores were high, but preparedness was low (M = 47.3, SD = 27.0). Comfort was significantly reduced with trans and Two-Spirit patients during oral history taking, chi(2)(1, N = 59) = 23.1, p < .001; physical examinations, chi(2)(1, N = 59) = 49.2, p < .001; and genitourinary exams, chi(2)(1, N = 59) = 63.4, p < .001 when compared to other (non-2SLGBTQIA+) patients. Only 10% felt adequately trained to care for Two-Spirit patients. Students also reported discriminatory comments from residents (44%) and physicians (54%). This first evaluation of 2SLGBTQIA+ curricula in Eastern Canada (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), and the first to include Two-Spirit peoples, highlights persistent gaps in preparedness and underscores the urgent need for standardized, longitudinal training to improve health equity.
Although political ideology is widely understood to predict tolerance toward homosexuality, existing research often assumes this association operates uniformly across social groups. This assumption may not be tenable in multicultural contexts like Canada, in which high levels of formal LGBTQ equality coexist with persistent and uneven patterns of sexual discrimination. Drawing on the social dominance and intersectionality perspective, this study examines the link between political ideology and attitudes toward homosexuality in the context of social location among Canadians. The author analyzed the seventh round of the World Values Survey (N = 4,018) for this study. It was found that conservative ideology is not uniformly linked with lower tolerance toward homosexuality; its influence varies by gender, income, and immigrant status, which produces non-linear and counterintuitive patterns. Some of these counterintuitive patterns are shown among men and higher income respondents. The findings provide nuance to mainstream findings that see political ideology as a significant influence on attitudes toward homosexuality. By integrating the intersectionality and social dominance perspectives, this study shows that attitude toward homosexuality can function as a hierarchy-maintaining position, depending on one's social location, especially within a progressive country like Canada.
Individuals attracted to children face substantial public stigma, potentially resulting in mental health difficulties. According to the minority stress model, identifying with a stigmatized attribute may worsen these difficulties. This study investigated whether a stronger preferential attraction to children, a greater same gender/sex attraction to children, and an earlier age of first awareness of attraction to children were associated with stronger minority identity in individuals attracted to children. Understanding these associations may help identify individuals at risk of mental health difficulties. Participants (n = 434, Mage = 35; 91% male; 82% White; 57% North American) were recruited from online forums for people attracted to children to complete an anonymous online survey on their experiences of stigma and mental health difficulties. Three variables assessed minority identity: number of social roles identified with (fewer roles signifying stronger minority identity), importance of sexual attraction to children to identity, and strength of affiliation to the broader community of people attracted to children. Regression analyses partially supported the preferentiality hypothesis: Stronger preferentiality was associated with higher ratings of the importance of sexual attraction to children to identity and strength of group affiliation. Earlier age of awareness and greater same/gender sex attraction did not, however, relate to minority identity. Because a strong minority identity may be related to mental health difficulties in stigmatized groups, researchers should examine potential mental health differences between individuals with a preferential versus non-preferential attraction to children.
Few interventions directly address the sexual-health and HIV-prevention needs of Latino gay/bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in North America. This study reports qualitative findings from the GPS Latino, a Canadian sexual health promotion program for Latino GBMSM grounded in the information-motivation-behavioural skills model and delivered through motivational interviewing. Six months after enrollment, we interviewed 20 of 21 participants-11 living with HIV and 9 who were HIV-negative-to explore their experiences of GPS Latino. Across interviews, men spoke of previous gaps between their needs and receipt of both culturally tailored sexual-health education and prevention support. Many had encountered stigma, isolation, and silence surrounding sexuality in both their countries of origin and when settled in Toronto. Participants reported that GPS Latino disrupted these patterns by offering a confidential, Spanish-language space where participants could discuss knowledge gaps, motivations, and risk perceptions without fear or shame. Participants emphasized how regular, non-judgemental conversations with an empathetic facilitator created a trustworthy space for sensitive topics; how clear, accessible information on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections corrected misinformation; how structured tools for setting goals and tracking progress fostered accountability and sustained engagement; and how ongoing follow-up and emotional support reinforced learning, encouraged consistent safer-sex practices, and reduced feelings of isolation. Collectively, GPS Latino boosted self-esteem, diminished internalized stigma, heightened self-awareness, and empowered participants to make safer sexual choices. The findings suggest that GPS Latino is both acceptable to participants and promising for improving sexual health among immigrant Latino MSM. GPS Latino addressed informational deficits and psychosocial barriers through culturally competent education and sustained motivational support.
Adolescence represents a critical phase of development, marked by sexual maturity and the development of lifelong behaviours. Immigrant adolescents in Canada encounter barriers that prevent them from accessing services and taking measures to improve their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). These barriers often stem from limited knowledge regarding SRH, cultural views about SRH education, and a lack of dedicated resources for immigrant and marginalized populations. The authors to explore the information needs of immigrant adolescents related to their SRH in Canada. They used a community-based participatory action research study design to collaborate with adolescents and established adolescent advisory groups (AAGs). In partnership with AAGs, they conducted qualitative interviews and focused group discussions with immigrant adolescents in Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver (n = 58). Through thematic analysis, the authors identified patterns in the data and categorized their into two broad themes: (a) adolescents' knowledge to promote SRH and well-being and (b) informational and service access needs related to SRH. The authors found that although immigrant adolescents had a foundational grasp of SRH topics, they often encountered barriers to expanding their knowledge and managing their SRH issues. The findings reflect that immigrant youth in Canada require support, informational resources, and culturally appropriate SRH education to promote their SRH and rights. Their gaps in knowledge highlight the significance of addressing their informational needs and emphasize the development of evidence-based targeted solutions to improve access to SRH information and resources.
Sexual satisfaction research has primarily focused on committed romantic relationships (RRs), with casual sexual experiences (CSEs) receiving less attention. The current study examined sexual satisfaction across RRs and CSEs (i.e., one-night stand, booty call, fuck buddy, friends with benefits, casual dating) and explored several factors that might mediate between-group differences. Participants (N = 554) completed an online survey examining perceptions of their most recent sexual encounter. Measures included perceptions of partner, perceptions of relationship, body-image self-consciousness, sexual satisfaction, and details about their most recent sexual experience (e.g., type of sexual relationship). Individuals in RRs reported greater sexual satisfaction, more positive perceptions of both partner and relationship, and less body-image self-consciousness than those in CSEs. Across CSE categories, there were differences both in sexual satisfaction and perceptions of relationship. A mediational path analysis showing that higher sexual satisfaction was associated with RRs versus CSEs could be explained at least in part through the association of relationship type with perceptions of partner, perceptions of relationship, and body-image self-consciousness, with perceptions of relationship seeming particularly important. The results suggest the importance of including, and delineating, CSEs in research on sexual well-being. Furthermore, the results suggest that changes to any of these perceptions could improve sexual well-being, including within casual encounters.
As Canada's population ages, long-term care (LTC) homes must prepare to meet the diverse needs of older adults, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, and queer (LGBT2SQ). Despite progressive legislative changes, LGBT2SQ older adults continue to experience systemic barriers to equitable care, particularly in institutional settings. This study investigates the presence and scope of LGBT2SQ inclusive policies in LTC facilities across northwestern Ontario through an environmental scan and survey of LTC administrators. Of the 19 facilities contacted, 8 responded. The findings reveal a widespread absence of formal policies specific to LGBT2SQ residents, with most homes relying on ad hoc or case-by-case responses. Only one home reported having staff with prior training on LGBT2SQ care, although all expressed willingness to pursue such training. No facility reported LGBT2SQ-specific programming or structured inclusion frameworks. These gaps reflect a broader institutional failure to account for the historical and ongoing marginalization of LGBT2SQ individuals in aging contexts. The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions that move beyond generic equality statements to adopt proactive, affirming, and structurally embedded approaches to LGBT2SQ inclusion. Recommendations include the development of targeted anti-discrimination policies, standardized intake procedures inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity, and mandatory staff education. As the first generation of openly LGBT2SQ seniors enters LTC, addressing these policy deficiencies-even at the regional level-will be critical to ensuring safety, dignity, and person-centred care. Future work should explore whether similar gaps exist in LTC homes across other regions of Ontario and Canada.
Despite its proven biomedical efficacy, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains underutilized among Black immigrant communities in Canada. This commentary focuses on Black immigrants, including those of African, Caribbean, and other racialized Black (ACB) backgrounds-groups often collectively referred to as ACB communities in Canadian public health literature. Disparities in PrEP uptake among these populations are not rooted in individual disinterest but in intersecting structural, cultural, and systemic barriers, including racism in health care, immigration-related precarity, stigma, and gaps in culturally responsive care. While recent policy developments, such as Manitoba's universal PrEP coverage and expanded access to HIV self-testing, reflect momentum toward more inclusive health care, Canada still lacks a coordinated national strategy to promote PrEP equity among Black immigrants. Drawing on global evidence, this commentary synthesizes reforms and scholarly recommendations from high-income countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, and Australia, that have examined barriers to PrEP uptake among racialized and migrant populations and proposed equity-informed responses. We identify recurring strategies across individual, community, and system levels, including culturally anchored health education, peer-led outreach, provider training, and structural reforms to address stigma and institutional exclusion. Recognizing Canada's decentralized health system and Black immigrants' distinct challenges, the authors translate these lessons into actionable, context-specific strategies to guide provincial implementation. They also call for further research on how PrEP is understood and co-constructed across diverse subgroups, particularly among women, youth, and undocumented migrants. Achieving PrEP equity in Canada requires urgent, coordinated action grounded in public health justice, intersectionality, and meaningful community engagement.
Sexual function is an important component of sexual well-being; however, the body of literature on sexual function has been developed almost exclusively by and for cisgender populations. This body of work overlooks the unique experiences of transgender and non-binary (TNB) populations, including potential differences in how TNB people experience sexual function, use their bodies for sexual activity, and refer to their genital anatomy. An initial research study design was developed by a team of representative professionals working in transgender care and sex research. A consultative community engagement approach was used to refine the study design. Community members provided feedback on the research methodology. Suggestions were incorporated into the study design to improve inclusivity, increase intersectional awareness, and reduce risks associated with conducting sexual function research within the TNB community. The study design carefully integrated community feedback on the following six main areas: (a) de-pathologizing gender, (b) checking and correcting assumptions, (c) addressing "the fallacy of the gender transition," (d) promoting trust and safety, (e) using a trauma-informed approach, and (f) conducting research with persistence and humility. The resulting research design included a sensitively constructed semi-structured interview guide querying gender identity, preferred terminology for anatomy, sexual expression, and sexual function. Results provide invaluable feedback for conducting sexual function research within and on behalf of TNB communities and can be used to inform researchers interested in designing similar sex research studies.
Sexual rejection can lead to aggressive and manipulative responses from the person being rejected, including verbal, physical, and sexual assault. Sex education programs address the importance of consent but rarely discuss how to respond when someone says no. The focus of the present study was to examine the efficacy of education directly targeting sexual rejection resiliency. Participants (N = 109) were university students assigned to receive either rejection resiliency education or a program on transitioning to university (control). Participants in both conditions completed a survey before the education session (Time 1), immediately after (Time 2), and three months after (Time 3). At Time 1, participants who reported more aggression, manipulation, and sexism also reported poorer reactions to rejection, which is consistent with past research. After the education sessions (Time 2), participants in the rejection resiliency condition reported feeling better able to handle rejection and more comfortable saying no to a sexual advance. Additionally, their qualitative responses indicated that the education session was beneficial to their ability to communicate about rejection. Contrary to expectations, participants who received the rejection resiliency training did not report significantly lower responses of aggression and manipulation at Time 3 compared to their initial responses or to the control group on quantitative measures. Participant attrition and the methodological challenges likely contributed to this outcome. While there was no positive effect of the training on the outcome measures of interest, the Time 2 descriptive and qualitative data show a benefit to rejection resilience education that can be explored in future research.
Disabled youth represent approximately 20% of all children in Canada, yet they are frequently denied their human right to access sexuality information and support. The dominant approach to sexuality and disability remains largely biomedical, emphasizing abuse prevention, risk reduction, and behaviour management. Absent from these narratives are considerations of intimacy, pleasure, desires, and rights-specifically, the right of all individuals to make decisions about their intimate lives. This article describes a knowledge mobilization partnership project using a holistic, rights-based approach to disability and sexuality. The goal was to disseminate information and build capacity across Canada to support disabled youth in making informed choices about their intimate lives. Grounded in the concept of intimate citizenship, the project focused on four main areas of work: (a) identifying and synthesizing existing capacity across Canadian organizations regarding sexuality, intimate citizenship, and disability; (b) creating inclusive spaces for disabled youth to share their lived experiences; (c) developing a sexuality-focused community of practice that connects disabled youth, scholars, educators, parents, caregivers, service providers, and community organizations; and (d) identifying priorities for knowledge creation and mobilization activities. By addressing critical gaps in resources and promoting a holistic, rights-based approach to sexuality, this work offers practical strategies that contribute to advancing the sexual rights of disabled youth.
Involuntary sexual arousal can be experienced by victims during sexual assault. The misconception that sexual arousal equates to a victim's consent is a "rape myth," sometimes used to deny the occurrence of an assault, including in criminal trials. The goals of this scoping review were threefold: (a) to assess if complainant sexual arousal was discussed in Canadian criminal sexual assault cases, and if so, what signs of sexual arousal; (b) how sexual arousal was interpreted by legal actors, and (c) whether this contributed to case outcomes. Canadian legal databases CanLII, LexisNexis, and Westlaw were used to extract and screen 4,301 legal materials from Canadian sexual assault trials. Mentions of complainant sexual arousal, including moaning, hip movement, genital warmth, vaginal lubrication, and penile erection, were found in 13 cases, 12 of which involved female complainants and one case involving a male complainant. Content analysis of these cases revealed that signs of complainant sexual arousal were considered relevant evidence to ground the accused's defences of "mistaken belief in consent" in all cases. The findings of this review emphasize the need to distinguish between sexual arousal and sexual consent and the risks associated with their confusion in legal contexts. Results support the promotion of standardized sexual education, including comprehensive information about consent. Additionally, they highlight the need for legal protections against the misuse of evidence related to complainant arousal to ensure criminal legal processes function with truth, fairness, and justice for all.
Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) is a common health issue among women and individuals, characterized by pain upon vaginal penetration. Despite its prevalence, GPPPD remains a significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated disorder. As a result, many individuals with this condition struggle to obtain proper medical care and may turn to substances to cope with their pain and distress. However, research on self-medication in the context of GPPPD is currently sparse—a critical oversight, given the long-term health risks associated with heightened substance use. This study aimed to investigate whether individuals with GPPPD use alcohol and cannabis to cope with the symptoms of this condition. The study employed a cross-sectional design, using data collected from an online survey. The survey yielded 166 responses. Path analysis was conducted to examine the associations between GPPPD pain severity, sexual distress, and the use of alcohol and cannabis to cope with emotional and physical pain. Analysis revealed that GPPPD pain severity was significantly associated with higher levels of sexual distress, and this in turn was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of using alcohol and cannabis to cope with emotional pain (i.e., embarrassment, stress, relationship strain, hopelessness). The results demonstrate the critical need for improved recognition and treatment of GPPPD, with particular focus on addressing the psychological impacts of the condition. In a broader context, this study aims to draw attention to the urgent need for increased education addressing sexual health stigmas and the dismissal of women’s and individuals’ vulvar pain within the healthcare landscape.
Decades of research regarding the provision of comprehensive sex education (CSE) have resulted in calls for teachers to receive more and better training to teach this critical content. However, little is known about current CSE training practices in education programs and the extent to which they develop self-efficacy to teach CSE. The authors surveyed 134 preservice teachers in Eastern Canadian Bachelor of Education programs. The majority of participants reported receiving no sex education training whatsoever during their degree. Participants who did receive training reported that it was minimal and part of elective, not mandatory, coursework. Many preservice teachers expressed disappointment about this gap in their training. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that individual differences in comfort with sexual topics predicted self-efficacy to teach sex education, suggesting that teacher comfort should be a key target for training preservice teachers. Although these results support the need for mandatory preservice training, they also contribute to growing evidence that teachers with higher comfort with sexual topics should be supported in pursuing self-directed learning as a more immediate way to enhance their effectiveness in the provision of comprehensive sex education in Canadian classrooms.
Asexuality, often characterized as an absence of sexual attraction, is now understood as a spectrum incorporating varying levels of sexual and romantic attraction. Despite growing visibility and scientific interest, asexuality remains stigmatized and often misunderstood as a valid sexual orientation. While previous research has identified biomarkers such as digit ratios (2D:4D) and handedness in the context of homosexuality, their association with asexuality remains underexplored. To address this gap and contribute to the understanding of asexuality as a distinct sexual orientation, the authors conducted an online study recruiting asexual ( n = 366) and non-asexual (allosexual; n = 1,305) participants. They collected digit ratio measurements using scans of both right and left hands and assessed handedness using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. Results indicated that across all sexual orientations, females had higher left- and right-hand digit ratios than males, consistent with most prior research. Also, consistent with some prior research, exploratory analyses suggested asexual men had elevated rates of non-right-handedness relativo allosexual men. In addition, the authors found nuanced differences, such that sexual orientation, handedness, and the hand used for digit ratio calculations significantly interacted. They found that non-right-handed asexual participants had a lower right-hand-digit ratio than those attracted to more than one gender. Also, non-right-handed asexual participants had a significantly lower left-hand-digit ratio than heterosexual and gay/lesbian participants. Overall, these findings contribute to the limited body of literature on asexuality and highlight the importance of considering the potential complex interaction of multiple biological/prenatal factors in the development of sexual orientation, including asexuality.
A growing body of work examines how people’s implicit theories of sexuality (i.e., their sexual growth and sexual destiny beliefs) relate to their sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, it is unknown how these beliefs and their associations may differ across sociodemographic factors. Using a U.S. census-stratified sample and LGBTQ+ sample of individuals in relationships recruited from Prolific ( N = 680), the authors tested whether (a) sexual growth and sexual destiny beliefs and (b) their associations with two measures of sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction differ based on age, socio-economic status (SES), relationship configuration (monogamous vs. consensually non-monogamous), and political orientation. Equivalence testing revealed that levels of sexual growth and sexual destiny beliefs were consistent across these factors, except that individuals with more conservative political orientations reported higher sexual destiny beliefs. The authors replicated past findings of the positive associations between sexual growth beliefs and sexual and relationship satisfaction; however, this did not generalize to lower levels of SES on both sexual satisfaction measures. Likewise, they generally replicated that the link between sexual destiny beliefs and satisfaction was moderated by sexual incompatibility, but this was further moderated by age (for one relationship satisfaction measure). Overall, the findings point to consistency in implicit theories of sexuality and their associations. This work contributes to the growing need for sexuality and relationship studies to consider the generalizability and representativeness of their findings and opens up avenues for future research to investigate differences that arise.
Social anxiety is a common mental health issue for many people, and it is characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear of negative evaluations by others in social situations. Socially anxious people form romantic relationships with others despite their worries, but many report dissatisfaction with sexual interactions. One reason that socially anxious people experience dissatisfying sex lives may be their motives for engaging in sex with intimate partners. Specifically, the authors hypothesized that social anxiety would be related to fewer approach and more avoidance motives, which would, in turn, be associated with lower relationship satisfaction for individuals and their partners. These hypotheses were pre-registered on AsPredicted. The authors examined the hypotheses in 128 cohabitating mixed-gender couples over 1 year. Multilevel models using the actor–partner interdependence framework partially supported the hypotheses. Social anxiety was not related to avoidance motives, although avoidance motives were associated with sexual satisfaction. In contrast, approach motives partially mediated the negative association between social anxiety and sexual satisfaction. No partner effects were observed. Thus, as people experienced greater social anxiety, they were less likely to engage in sex with their partners for approach reasons, and in turn, they were less sexually satisfied over 1 year. Our findings underscore the importance of supporting socially anxious individuals in approaching sexual and relational experiences from a place of genuine desire and connection, rather than merely seeking to manage discomfort, to foster more positive sexual interactions with their partners.
The visibility management of bi+ individuals involves a continuous negotiation between the pursuit of authenticity and the risks of rejection or violence associated with disclosure. Within the family—a key developmental context for youth—bi+ identity disclosure is often selective, and its impact on youth’s well-being remains underexplored. This study examines how authenticity mediates the relationship between family disclosure and well-being among bi+ youth, and how family bullying mediates or moderates this association. It also explores whether these dynamics vary by developmental period. Data were collected through a pan-Canadian online survey (2019–2020), with an analytical sample of 954 bisexual and pansexual youth aged 15–29. Using causal mediation analyses, we tested two models, controlling for sexual orientation, gender identity and modality, racialized status, living arrangement, financial stress, and developmental period, after confirming the absence of a moderating role. Results indicate that authenticity mediated the positive relationship between disclosure to family and well-being among bi+ youth. This indirect effect was either part of a joint mediation involving family bullying, or moderated by it, becoming non-significant when family bullying was present. These findings underscore the detrimental role of family bullying in preventing disclosure from fostering authenticity and, consequently, well-being. Future research should further investigate the complex family dynamics surrounding bi+ youth disclosure, particularly how authenticity and family bullying interact with other family characteristics such as parental and sibling support, family structure, and cultural norms. Examining the directionality of these relationships longitudinally and identifying the subgroups or contexts where family bullying acts as a mediator or a moderator will be key for future research seeking to disentangle these effects.
