Abstract
The research investigation examined different aspects of self-perception and bisexual invisibility concerning the self-esteem of psychology students as its subject matter. The objective of the research was to determine the levels of self-perception and bisexual invisibility of the respondents and to examine whether the two variables are significantly related. The research was conducted using a quantitative correlational design. Data were collected through structured Likert-scale questionnaires administered to psychology students who stated that they belonged to the bisexual spectrum. To determine the levels of the variables, descriptive statistics were used, while the non-normal distribution of the data led to the use of Spearman’s rho to test the relationship between self-perception and bisexual invisibility. The results revealed that the subjects had a fairly positive image of themselves (M = 3.06, SD = 0.45) and experienced a moderate level of bisexual invisibility (M = 2.74, SD = 0.77). The correlation analysis showed a highly significant inverse relationship between self-perception and bisexual invisibility (Rs = 0.37, p <.001), meaning that students with higher self-perception usually feel less invisible regarding their bisexuality. Consequently, it is implied that experiences associated with one’s identity being invalid may influence one’s psychological self-evaluation. The findings indicate that educational institutions should consider creating a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere as one of their priorities. Implementing programs and activities that advocate identity validation and strengthen students’ self-concept is one way to help ensure the psychological well-being of sexual minority students within the institution.
Keywords: self-esteem, psychology students, Self-Perception, Bisexual Invisibility, LGBTQ+
