Sexual Orientation Trajectories

Brief Overview

A critical factor in understanding health disparities lies in defining the status of sexual minority groups over an extended development period. Lack of quality and unanimity in the methods used to collect, operationalize, and analyze data is a critical barrier, especially when sexual orientation begin to emerge. The age between adolescence and the late 20s is the most affected since many disparities are in the developmental process. In this regard, the article “Sexual Orientation Trajectories Based on Sexual Attractions, Partners, and Identity” utilizes an operationalization method to design a typology that classifies the status of sexual minority as a multidimensional, individual-centered, nuanced, time-sensitive construct. The study findings reveal a particular type of classification system that views dynamic multivariate processes as a continuum from the adolescent stage to young adulthood.

Are the theoretical constructs grounded in general theories of behavior?

The theoretical perspective adopted applies a multidimensional approach based on three constructs of measurement, namely sexual attraction, behavior, and identity of the sexual minorities. The article outlines several challenges encountered by researchers who wish to embark on studies related to sexual orientation. Firstly, utilizing one of the dimensions and excluding the other two can lead to misclassification bias. On the other hand, integrating all of them is problematic because it might confuse the researcher during analysis. The author also addresses the issues of continuum and fluidity for the expected behavioral change and development among youth. The argument presented here suggests that the sexual orientation of adolescents and young adults varies depending on social and biological factors such as age, gender, environment, and personal preferences.

Are analog studies, experimental models, or animal models appropriate to the questions?

The author utilizes appropriate analogous studies and experimental models, therefore providing a continuous flow of thoughts throughout the article. The theory section should focus on disseminating relevant concepts to show a literature gap and justify the significance of the study (Rowland, 2017). Health disparities among sexual minorities emerge as a result of a myriad of factors, including identity biases, lack of appropriate classification and measurement methods as well as biases in data analysis and interpretation. The methodology section utilizes secondary data from the Add Health study, an organization whose data meets size and sampling requirements, making it appropriate for generalization. In this sense, the study meets the necessary standards for conducting sex research.

Is the sample size adequate to the problem?

Christine E. Kaestle selected data sets from Wave I, III, and IV of the Add Health studies. Bentler and Abramson, (1981) asserts that although the sample size varies based on the type, goal, cost, experimental procedure, and difficulty of obtaining data, the recommended figure is several hundreds. In this study, the researcher restricted his study sample to only N = 6,864 for various reasons. The decision not to incorporate data collected during Wave II was informed by the fact that the wave excluded high school graduates. The sample was thus limited to only those with longitudinal weights for participating in the other three waves. To construct a more homogeneous group, the researcher decided to only include data for adolescents aged 16 years and above, thereby eliminating teenagers with undefined sexual experience and attraction. The final sample size represents data from points in life: 16-18 years, the 20s, and late 20 – early 30s.

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Do the dependent variables cover the relevant domain of the expected effects?

The study encompasses three significant dependent variables, namely sex attraction, sexual relationship behavior, and sexual identity (or self-labeling). The first trajectory constituted of four category variables (Other sex only, Same-sex only, both same and other sex, and No attractions reported) that signify the romantic attractions of a person. The second one encompassed “other sex only, Same-sex only, both same and other sex, and No relationships reported.” Self-labelling had six possible outcomes, “100% heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, bisexual, mostly homosexual, 100% homosexual, and not sexually attracted to either sex.” The three trajectories cover the relevant domain of sexual orientation.

Are the most powerful available methods being used to analyze the data?

The application of a longitudinal latent class analysis allows for the measurement of class membership at multiple time points. Another benefit associated with using this technique concerns the ease of detecting discontinuity at any particular time point. The researcher adhered to the best-fitting model by conducting a fit statistical analysis. Exploring invariance of latent classes helped in hypothesizing the experience of sexual orientation. He also assessed the optimal number of classes for the male and female group in the final step of the latent class analysis invariance testing. Therefore, the study used the most powerful techniques to analyze data.

What potential positive and negative effects are there on subjects participating in sex research?

Using human subjects may result in ethical concerns, including objectivity, confidentiality, openness, and legality of the research. Given this study utilized secondary data from Add Health, it is essential to note that the organization has a limited access policy, therefore guaranteeing the anonymity of participants’ identity (Add Health, 2019). It also ensures the administration of informed written consent and that their data files do not include identifier files.

Brief Summary

Conducting sex research is one of the most challenging undertakings due to the sensitivity of the topic, especially when using human subjects. The research must ensure strict adherence to quality data collection methods, ethical standards, and legal provisions. In “Sexual Orientation Trajectories Based on Sexual Attractions, Partners, and Identity,” Kaestle makes all the necessary efforts to construct a concrete hypothesis, tests it, and proves it. The researcher utilizes applicable theories, sampling, and analysis techniques to reveal “a new typology of longitudinal latent classes that describes dynamic multidimensional processes continuing from late adolescence through the late 20s.”

References

1. Add Health (2019). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/addhealth/faqs on 30/9/2019.
2. Bentler, P. M., & Abramson, P. R. (1981). The science of sex research: Some methodological considerations. Archives of sexual behavior, 10(3), pp. 225-251.
3. Kaestle, C. E. (2019). Sexual orientation trajectories based on sexual attractions, partners, and identity: A longitudinal investigation from adolescence through young adulthood using a US representative sample. The Journal of Sex Research, pp. 1-16.
4. Rowland, D. R. (2017). Reviewing the Literature: A Short Guide for Research Students. The Learning Hub, Student Services, University of Queensland.