Sexual Identity, Sexual Attraction and Sexual Behaviour - Dimensions of Sexual Orientation in Survey Research

Introduction: When surveying the diversity of sexual orientations, the current state of research shows the necessity to explore the dimensions sexual identity, sexual attraction and sexual behaviour. Empirical studies show that a considerable number of persons do not answer the dimensions consistently. The interpretation of research results thus requires that the operationalization of sexual orientations must be considered. Objectives: The study aims to present the diverse patterns of three dimensions of sexual orientations in men and women in a German representative sample. Methods: Patterns of congruous (consistent) and inconsistent information on the dimensions of sexual orientations were analysed using data from 498 men and 481 women with a heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual identity. Results: The majority of men (94.9 %) and women (95.8 %) gave congruous information regarding the three dimensions of sexual orientations. Persons with a bisexual identity most prevalently showed inconsistent response patterns (men: 100 %, women: 90.0 %). Congruous homosexual orientations were frequently related to a variety in the three dimensions that may also include only mainly same- sex attraction and behaviour (men: 60.0 %, women: 87.5 %), while congruous heterosexual orientations were described more commonly as an exclusive relatedness towards the other sex (men: 89.2 %, women: 78.0 %). Conclusion: Compared to persons with heterosexual identity, men and women with a homosexual identity showed a greater variability of sexual identity and attraction and/or between sexual identity and/or behaviour. The limitations of quantitative research in picturing the complexity of human sexuality need to be discussed critically.