Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which stage in the Bisexual Identity Development Model involves individuals experiencing anxiety about their sexual identity?

1. Initial Confusion

2. Finding and Applying the Label of Bisexuality

3. Settling into the Identity

4. Continued Uncertainty

The correct answer is: Initial Confusion

The stage described involves individuals undergoing Initial Confusion, where they grapple with their sexual identity and often feel anxiety about it. During this stage, individuals may experience uncertainty about their feelings and the implications of their attractions to multiple genders. They may question their identity and struggle with societal expectations and norms regarding sexuality. This confusion can lead to a sense of anxiety as they navigate their understanding of bisexuality in a world that often prioritizes more binary views of sexual orientation. Understanding this stage highlights the emotional complexity that many individuals encounter as they begin to recognize and accept their bisexual identity. It's a critical phase where the foundational questions about who they are and how they fit within societal constructs of sexuality take shape, setting the stage for later exploration and acceptance.