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Mining the Gaps: Rethinking Divergence Between Biological and Self-Report Measures in the Study of Sexual Diversity
1Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Summary
Sexual orientation research shows biological markers often diverge from self-reports. This suggests sexual orientation is a constellation of diverse biobehavioral patterns, not a single trait.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Decades of research have explored biomarkers for sexual orientation, including genetics, neuroanatomy, and physiological responses.
- Findings are inconsistent, with biological measures frequently diverging from self-reported sexual attractions, behaviors, and identities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a reconceptualization of sexual orientation.
- To argue for viewing sexual orientation as a constellation of multiple biobehavioral patterns rather than a singular, coherent phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on biomarkers of sexual orientation.
- Analysis of genetic research findings.
- Examination of population data on sexual diversity.
Main Results:
- Biological responses to erotic stimuli often diverge from self-reported sexual identity and arousal.
- Genetic research indicates no single genotype underlies same-gender sexual expression.
- Global population data reveal increasingly varied and fluid forms of sexual diversity.
Conclusions:
- The concept of "biodivergence" necessitates a shift in understanding sexual orientation.
- Sexual orientation should be conceptualized as a constellation of multiple biobehavioral patterns with divergent causes and effects.
- This perspective aligns with genetic findings and observed global sexual diversity, challenging the notion of a singular sexual phenotype.
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