Sexual orientation-;dictated by factors like sexual identity, attraction and behavior-;is challenging to measure comprehensively. This is reflected in variations in the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people recorded across surveys using different measurement approaches. Most approaches focus on 'sexual identity' to understand mental health disparities, but differences in perceived notions of 'identity' and 'attraction/behavior' are prevalent.
For instance, some individuals report same-sex attraction but identify as 'heterosexual' in surveys. This suggests an 'invisible' sexual minority group-;those who do not align with traditional labels, yet experience similar mental stress as other sexual minorities-;remaining unrecognized by policies aimed at mental health support. To improve the inclusivity and relevance of current sexual orientation measurements, Assistant Professor Dr.
Nicole F. Kahn from University of Washington and a research team published their study in the American Journal of Public Health on November 6, 2024. Dr.
Kahn explains, " The purpose of this study was to describe and compare responses from respondents asked to complete 2 different survey questions designed to measure sexual orientation and understand how variation in responses to these questions are associated with mental health outcomes ". The team hypothesized that measures using a broader continuum of sexuality would identify more sexual minority (SM) respondents than those using narr.
