Sexual Orientation

by Tarah Doyle, M.A./CAGS School Psychologist

Sexual orientation is a term used to refer to a person's emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectional attraction towards others. Sexual orientation involves a person's feelings and sense of identity and can easily be distinguished from other components of sexuality including biological sex, gender identity, and the social gender role. There is a continuum, of sorts, of sexual orientation ranging from exclusive heterosexuality to exclusive homosexuality. Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior, in that, it refers to feelings and self-concept. Individuals may or may not express their sexual orientation through their behaviors.

There are many theories regarding what causes an individual to have a particular sexual orientation.  It is agreed upon by most scientists today, that sexual orientation is likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive, and biological factors.  Importantly, there could be a multitude of reasons or factors attributing to a person’s sexual orientation and these reasons may be different for different people.

 There has, in the past, been much debate around whether or not sexual orientation is a choice. As it turns out, people cannot choose to be either gay or straight, and sexual orientation tends to emerge in adolescence before any sexual experience has occurred. Psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed.  Recently, there has been considerable evidence suggesting genetic or inborn hormonal factors pay a significant role in a person’s sexuality.

With the stigma that still exists in today’s society against individuals who do not identify as being 'heterosexuals' some may wonder, can one change their sexual orientation?  The simple answer is no.  Alternative sexual orientations, like homosexuality, are not illnesses and do not require treatment because they are unchangeable.  Some having difficulty coming to terms with their sexual orientation may seek the assistance of a mental health professional to help with the coming out process or with developing strategies to combat prejudice.

The “coming out” process can be very difficult for many, but for others it is not.  Coming to the realization that one’s sexual orientation is different for the community norm/majority can stir up feelings of fear and loneliness.  These individuals may be particularly fearful of the prejudices they may face from their family and community.

One way to combat prejudice against individuals with sexual orientations that may deviate from the majority of the population is to educate society.  Educating all people about sexual orientation and homosexuality is likely to decrease the amount of anti-gay prejudice existing in society.

The information in the article above was drawn from the following sources:

Disclaimer: Material on the Project INTERFACE web site is intended as general information. It is not a recommendation for treatment, nor should it be considered medical or mental health advice. Project INTERFACE urges families to discuss all information and questions related to medical or mental health care with a health care professional.