Development of Sexual Orientation Scale

Abstract

Background: Sexual orientation is a continuing amorous pattern of attraction toward the opposite sex (heterosexual), same sex (homosexual), or both sexes (bisexual) or it is lack of sexual desire toward anyone (asexual). Psychosocial and biological explanations regarding the development of an individual’s sexual orientation are related to life incidents, parenting patterns, psychological attributes of the individual, or may also be related to an imbalance in sex hormones. There is no strong evidence-based scientific research revealing the exact causes for one’s sexual orientation for it is not static but dynamic in nature. Aim: The purpose of the study is to develop a psychological assessment scale which identifies an individual’s sexual orientation, particularly when he/she denies to reveal his/her sexual preference in the marital life. Methodology: A tool with 32 items was developed by conducting focus group discussion, interviewing the experts in the relevant fields and reviewing the literature. Test-retest and split half reliability were established with Cronbach’s alpha to analyze the internal consistency. Both logical-based validity (face, content, and focus group) and empirical-based validity (criterion, concurrent, convergent, and divergent) were established. These methodologies were standardized by a sample of 506 participants (217 males and 289 females) between the age range of 18 and 50 years. Results: The test-retest reliability was found to be r = 0.96, Spearman-Brown and Guttman split half reliability was 0.73, and Cronbach’s alpha ranged from (α) 0.71 to 0.88. Implications: This scale would be beneficial for premarital counselors and mental health professionals to understand the sexual orientation of their clients explicitly.