Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Sexual Orientation and Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Latent Profile Approach
Alejandra Fernandez1, Lucas G Ochoa2, Alyssa Lozano2
1Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Purpose:
Sexual orientation is multidimensional, yet existing studies often only assess one dimension. This study examines multiple dimensions of sexual orientation in a sample of Hispanic adolescents using a latent profile analysis. The study also examines differences in levels of adolescent family functioning (i.e., parent-adolescent communication, parental involvement, family communication) and depressive symptoms by latent profile or subgroup.
Methods:
The study sample consisted of 456 Hispanic adolescents (M = 13.90 years; SD = 1.37). Adolescents self-reported their sexual orientation by responding to the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG), family functioning (parent-adolescent communication, parental involvement, family communication), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) Scale). Latent profile analysis was used to identify heterogeneous groups of adolescents based on their response to the KSOG. A Welch test was used to examine mean levels of depressive symptoms and family functioning across profile membership.
Results:
We found that a three-class solution (heterosexual: 90%, mostly bisexual: 6.05%, mostly LGBQ: 3.95%) fit the data best. Results from the Welch test indicated significant differences for parent-adolescent communication and depressive symptoms across latent profiles.
Conclusion:
Existing research indicates that sexual minorities are at a disproportionate risk for adverse health outcomes. These findings corroborate best practice recommendations encouraging researchers to assess multiple dimensions of sexual orientation.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Longitudinal Research
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Latency
The latency period is not...
Longitudinal Studies
Surveys
Marcia's Theory of Identity Status

