Lesbians are Hot: Examination of Performative Bisexuality
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Gender and Diversity Studies
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Tracey Garcia McCue
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Despite identifying as heterosexual, individuals may engage in homoerotic behavior due to alcohol or persuasive observers (e.g., performative bisexuality). Previous literature suggests that multiple partners and lesbian acts are common components of men’s sexual fantasies (Kimmel & Plante, 2005), whereas one’s awareness of others finding them attractive commonly drives female sexuality (Bogaert & Brotto, 2014). Therefore, women may display performative bisexuality in order to feel aroused by arousing male observers. Currently, there is limited research in this area as well as limited research that examines performative bisexuality. Aim 1 of the study is to establish the existence of attraction and/or arousal towards performative bisexuality. Participants will be asked to watch four video clips, one nonsexual control (i.e., food) and three sexual experimental (i.e., gendered pornography clips depicting a heterosexual couple, a female same-sex couple, and a male same-sex couple) and rate their attraction, arousal, and discomfort. Aim 2 focuses on developing an understanding of both the cognitive mechanisms that influence participation and the outcomes of performative bisexuality. These cognitive mechanisms include a focus on both contextual-social aspects (e.g., descriptive norms, context of behavior) of decision making as well as personal-developmental aspects (e.g., sexual orientation and identity, conservatism, religiosity). The overarching aim is to develop a more nuanced understanding of performative bisexuality and to explore possible negative antecedents (e.g., heavy episodic drinking) and outcomes (e.g., guilt, shame; sexual identity discordance) of performative bisexuality in future research. Participants will complete the paradigm that has been approved by the MSU IRB.
Fall Scholars Week 2019 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Lesbians are Hot: Examination of Performative Bisexuality
Despite identifying as heterosexual, individuals may engage in homoerotic behavior due to alcohol or persuasive observers (e.g., performative bisexuality). Previous literature suggests that multiple partners and lesbian acts are common components of men’s sexual fantasies (Kimmel & Plante, 2005), whereas one’s awareness of others finding them attractive commonly drives female sexuality (Bogaert & Brotto, 2014). Therefore, women may display performative bisexuality in order to feel aroused by arousing male observers. Currently, there is limited research in this area as well as limited research that examines performative bisexuality. Aim 1 of the study is to establish the existence of attraction and/or arousal towards performative bisexuality. Participants will be asked to watch four video clips, one nonsexual control (i.e., food) and three sexual experimental (i.e., gendered pornography clips depicting a heterosexual couple, a female same-sex couple, and a male same-sex couple) and rate their attraction, arousal, and discomfort. Aim 2 focuses on developing an understanding of both the cognitive mechanisms that influence participation and the outcomes of performative bisexuality. These cognitive mechanisms include a focus on both contextual-social aspects (e.g., descriptive norms, context of behavior) of decision making as well as personal-developmental aspects (e.g., sexual orientation and identity, conservatism, religiosity). The overarching aim is to develop a more nuanced understanding of performative bisexuality and to explore possible negative antecedents (e.g., heavy episodic drinking) and outcomes (e.g., guilt, shame; sexual identity discordance) of performative bisexuality in future research. Participants will complete the paradigm that has been approved by the MSU IRB.