Many young bisexuals resort to binge drinking due to feeling stigmatised and socially excluded, a University of Otago study has found.
The study's lead author from the university's Department of Public Health in Wellington, Frank Pega said binge drinking rates were higher among young people who were attracted to more than one gender than other sexual minorities and heterosexual young people.
The study was based on interviews with 32 participants aged 18 to 25 in 11 focus groups conducted in Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington.
One of the significant factors identified in the study was the "wide-ranging social exclusion experienced by these young people, from not only heterosexual, but also lesbian and gay communities," Mr Pega said.
"Most study participants reported that they commonly experienced biphobia and discrimination, and some had been verbally harassed and physically abused for their sexual attraction. For many, these experiences resulted in a sense of being stigmatised, which caused daily stress and anxiety.