(092) What is Sexuality?: Moving Toward Inclusive and Comprehensive Measurement
Authors: Henkelman M , Friedman J , Mcinnis M , Pukall C 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Sexuality is complex and multifaceted, broadly composed of psychological, physiological, interpersonal, identity, and social/political phenomena. The term “sexuality” is used inconsistently in the literature, both in how it is defined by researchers and in how it is measured. Some researchers define sexuality in a narrow, heteronormative, and genital-focused way that negates the subjective experiences of individuals, in turn, affecting how the construct is measured (i.e., measuring sexual function exclusively, overlooking measures of pleasure, self-esteem, and satisfaction). This limited view of sexuality ignores many of the psychosocial and resilience factors that are integral to the construct and results in non-representative measurement tools, especially for equity-seeking groups (i.e., transgender and non-binary (TNB) or intersex individuals provided measures that presume binary anatomy). In order to develop more accurate measurement tools, a comprehensive and inclusive definition of sexuality is warranted.

Objective

This cross-sectional exploratory survey is the first to formally characterize and define sexuality by assessing how members of the public describe the construct through open-ended questions. Recruitment strategies were aimed towards equity-seeking groups (i.e., sexual and gender minorities, BIPOC, and consensual non-monogamous populations) to ensure the lived experiences of these diverse communities were represented in the definition.

Methods

A total of 456 individuals (Mage = 28.50, SD = 9.57) identifying as Man (N = 172), Woman (N = 191), Non-Binary (N = 72), Transgender (N = 43), Other (N = 13) were recruited for an online survey asking them to first define sexuality, and then to identify biological, behavioural, psychological, and social components of sexuality. Analyses included a thematic analysis of several open-ended questions.

Results

Results from a thematic analysis resulted in the following definition of sexuality; Sexuality is a multifaceted concept that is uniquely experienced and expressed. It encompasses a broad range of psychological, physiological, behavioural, and social elements which are experienced to varying degrees. Sexuality is primarily psychological, reflecting one’s emotions, mental state, attractions, desires, fantasies, and identity. Psychological elements of sexuality give meaning to and are expressed via physiological and behavioural elements including objective and subjective bodily reactions, various physical behaviours, and different types of sexual activity. Sexuality is also a social concept, reflected in people’s interactions, relationships, and connections to others. Sexuality is influenced by one’s society and culture, both historically and in present day. Specifically, experiences with norms, taboos, social scripts, and stigma influence one’s sexuality.

Conclusions

An inclusive definition of sexuality provided by the general public emphasized the importance of psychological components, as well as various physiological, behavioural, and social elements. This demonstrates that the subjective experiences of sexuality are integral to its definition. Therefore, our next step is to generate a comprehensive measure of sexuality that accounts for how diverse people feel about their sexuality.

Disclosure

No