Adapting Sexual Configurations Theory to Nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Sexual and reproductive health disparities affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) individuals in the U.S.
• Current interventions focus on sexual orientation and gender identity, neglecting specific aspects of sexuality relevant to health outcomes.
• This narrow focus hinders holistic health and wellness interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt sexual configurations theory for nursing practice.
• To provide a framework for nurses to address sexual and reproductive health disparities in LGBTQ individuals.
• To integrate trauma theory into a holistic evaluation of individual sexuality.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of sexual configurations theory.
• Integration of trauma theory within a contextual framework.
• Application within a holistic nursing context.

Main Results:

• The adapted theory offers a more nuanced understanding of individual sexuality.
• Provides nurses with tools to address specific aspects of sexuality impacting health.
• Facilitates a holistic approach to LGBTQ health disparities.

Conclusions:

• Sexual configurations theory, adapted and contextualized with trauma theory, enhances nursing's ability to address LGBTQ sexual and reproductive health disparities.
• A holistic nursing approach requires evaluating individual sexuality beyond identity labels.
• This framework supports more effective and person-centered health interventions.