Researchers use different dimensions (sexual behavior, attraction, self-identification) when studying issues related to adolescent sexual orientation making the comparison and interpretation of studies difficult. These dimensions are often operationalized differently (e.g., "During your life, with how many males have you had sexual intercourse?" "The person(s) with whom you have had sexual contact is (are): (1) female(s), (2) males..). Finally, the dimensions that adolescents perceive of as relevant to their sexual orientation (e.g. attraction; fantasy; sexual behavior; self-identification as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual; interpersonal relations) have not been identified nor have the meanings of these terms been studied. As a result, the information needed to develop a measure is not available.
As a result of these limitations, a measure of adolescent sexual orientation is needed to strengthen research in this area. This presentation will summarize the need for such a measure. Data from focus groups of heterosexual and gay/lesbian adolescents will be presented. Data include the participants' definition of the above dimensions and a description of the dimensions they perceive of as making up their sexual orientation. A measure of adolescent sexual orientation, developed based on this data, will be presented along with a plan to evaluate the measure. Participants will acquire the knowledge and skills to more effectively measure adolescent sexual orientation.
Learning Objectives: Participants will acquire an understanding of the need for a measure of adolescent sexual orientation as well as the skills to use the newly developed measure
Keywords: Gay, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.