Between Mainstream and Marginality: The Case of Men and Women of Mixed-Orientation Relationships.

The literature regarding mixed-orientation relationships (MORs) focuses on individual and relationship aspects. Our study, informed by the social construction of reality theory, illuminates social aspects by examining social attitudes toward MORs as they are experienced and perceived by individuals of MOR. Within the scope of this study, we focused on self-identified non-straight men (gays, bisexuals, or men who have sex with men) who are in a relationship with self-identified straight women. Based on the phenomenological paradigm, we conducted 38 interviews with men and eight with women currently in MOR. The findings show that individuals of MOR primarily encounter negative attitudes from people in society regarding themselves and the nature of their relationship. Participants perceived that others viewed their relationships in terms of conflict, impossibility, or transitional stage. Social attitudes individuals of MOR encounter affect the degree of closeness of these couples to others in their social environment, resulting in constant tension between the participants' desire to be open to and close to others and the need to conceal and keep a distance. We argue that the dialectical tensions between disclosure-concealment and autonomy-closeness are related to the marginalization of these couples as a social category.

"How We Stay Together Without Going Crazy:" Reconstruction of Reality Among Women of Mixed-Orientation Relationships.

Until recently, the literature that addressed the phenomenon of mixed-orientation relationships, in which the female partner is straight and the male partner is non-straight, has focused mainly on the men's perspective. Most of the studies have employed a pessimistic tone, underscoring the obstacles faced by each of the partners. This study was designed to understand how women of mixed-orientation relationships construct their reality within such a relationship, focusing on elements that assist them in maintaining those relationships. Based on the phenomenological paradigm, in-depth interviews with eight women in mixed-orientation relationships were conducted. The findings indicate that in order to adapt to their newly constructed reality, women reframe various individual, marital, and social aspects in their lives. Those reframing processes constituted a point of departure to developing a conceptual model, which outlines the journey to reality reconstruction among women in mixed-orientation relationships.

The Myth of Openness and Secrecy in Intimate Relationships: The Case of Spouses of Mixed-Orientation Marriage.

The phenomenon of mixed-orientation marriages, in which one of the partners is straight and the other is non-straight, is invisible, yet not insignificant. Focusing on gay and bisexual men who are married to straight women, this article was designed to explore one of the essential themes in their relationship: the dynamics between secrecy and openness regarding the men's sexual orientation and gay practices. Based on the phenomenological paradigm, 38 men and eight women of mixed-orientation marriages in Israel were interviewed and shared their subjective life reality. Six patterns of secrecy and openness were identified, including complete secrecy, conspiracy of silence, initiated concealment (of the husband and wife), disloyalty/violation of the agreement, selective sharing, and complete openness. The findings challenge the idea that secrecy is detrimental and openness is beneficial in the context of mixed-orientation marriages. Findings are discussed within the framework of the dialectical approach.

Written notification of test results: meanings, comprehension and implication on patients' health behavior.

OBJECTIVE: Mailing test results are frequently used to provide patients with information about their medical condition and enhancing their participation in subsequent management. This study explores patients' experiences of the written notification process and its implications. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with 128 patients who had undergone endoscopic examinations in two gastroenterology clinics after the received of their mailed biopsies results. The interviews (open and closed questions) focused on patients' perceptions and emotions while waiting, and after reading the reports. RESULTS: The findings are divided to emotions experienced, comprehension and behavioral implications. The reports arrived 6-33 days later than promised. Many patients were dissatisfied but most did nothing to hasten the process. Over half of them were unable to understand the information in the letters and the future steps needed to be taken. Explanatory covering letters, sent by the hospital clinic, enhanced comprehension and diminished confusion. CONCLUSIONS: Mailed biopsy reports frequently failed to enhance patient understanding and participation in decisions. Incomprehensibility of written information, and unmet expectations, evoked negative emotional responses. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Improving readability with simple, non-technical information; and verification of understanding and fulfillment of recommendations using a follow-up call are critical for accomplishing the goals of mailed biopsy reports.