Experiences of Bisexual+ Women with Chronic Pain: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

Bisexual women experience health inequities when compared to monosexual (heterosexual or lesbian) peers. Research about chronic pain in this population is lacking, but higher rates of violence, discrimination, and mental distress experienced by bisexual women might put this group at higher risk of experiencing chronic pain. Qualitative research exploring the firsthand experiences of chronic pain among bisexual women could illuminate ways that bisexual women understand their pain. This Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) investigated how six bisexual women living in Chicago experienced and understood their chronic pain. Two semi-structured interviews each were completed with six bisexual women (cisgender and transgender) with chronic pain of varied ages, races, and ethnicities. In keeping with the tenets of IPA, individual cases were analyzed in great depth before moving to cross-case analysis. After analysis, findings were member-checked with participants to enhance rigor and community accountability. Four key cross-case themes are presented in this dissertation: (1) disbelief and dismissal, (2) healthcare barriers, (3) mind body connections, and (4) social dimensions of chronic pain. Participants reported pervasive experiences of disbelief and dismissal of their pain across settings. Healthcare barriers were prevalent and related both to bisexuality and pain. Pain was intimately related to mental health, and both mental health and pain were affected by societal, environmental, and political factors. Finally, pain deeply influenced social relationships, and social relationships also affected pain. Bisexual women have unique experiences of chronic pain related to their intersecting positionalities. Implications for healthcare providers and researchers are discussed.