Sexual orientation identity and attraction changes among youth: prospective versus retrospective measurement

Prior work has documented sexual orientation change, or fluidity, among youth over time. Some studies measure change via retrospective recall while others assess change prospectively. It is unclear whether retrospective recall and prospective assessment measure change experiences similarly. The current study examines whether prospectively assessed change in sexual orientation identity (SOI) and attractions aligns with change as assessed via retrospective recall of change.

US youth (N = 1235), aged 14-25 years, participated in a longitudinal online cohort. Prospective change in SOI and attraction were determined by comparing self-reported SOI and attraction at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Retrospective recall of SOI and attraction change was assessed at 4-month follow-up. The sensitivity and specificity of retrospective recall of change was assessed in relation to change detected prospectively.

Prospectively, 12.8 % of youth changed their reported SOI between baseline and follow-up. Retrospectively, only 5.0 % recalled change for the same period. Prospectively, 21.9 % reported attraction changes between baseline and follow-up. Retrospectively, only 12.4 % recalled attraction changes. Only 17.3 % (95 % CI 11.3, 23.4) who prospectively reported SOI change and 28.7 % (95 % CI 23.3, 34.2) who prospectively reported attraction change also reported change retrospectively.

The prevalence of change in SOI and attractions varied substantially by whether change was assessed prospectively or retrospectively. Researchers and clinicians should consider how the method and timing of assessment may influence their ability to detect changes in SOI and attractions within youth populations. Identification of youth experiencing change is critical for allocation of relevant resources and support.