Sexual Orientation: Categories or Continuum? Commentary on Bailey et al. (2016)

Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2016 Sep;17(2):37-44. doi: 10.1177/1529100616637618.

Abstract

Bailey et al. (2016) have provided an excellent, state-of-the-art overview that is a major contribution to our understanding of sexual orientation. However, whereas Bailey and his coauthors have examined the physiological, behavioral, and self-report data of sexual orientation and see categories, I see a sexual and romantic continuum. After noting several objections concerning the limitations of the review and methodological shortcomings characteristic of sexual-orientation research in general, I present evidence from research investigating in-between sexualities to support an alternative, continuum-based perspective regarding the nature of sexual orientation for both women and men. A continuum conceptualization has potential implications for investigating the prevalence of nonheterosexuals, sexual-orientation differences in gender nonconformity, causes of sexual orientation, and political issues.

Keywords: gay/lesbian; recruitment; romantic indicators; sexual continuum; sexual orientation.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexuality*