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Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development pp 1346–1347Cite as

Sexual Orientation

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Synonyms

Sexual identity; Sexual labels

Definition

Sexual orientation is a construct involving sexual attraction that encompasses a variety of domains and includes behavioral, emotional, and social manifestations. Sexual orientation pertains to sexual attraction but may not result in the commission of sex acts or other sexual behavior. Despite instability in the reporting of sexual orientation or manifestations of sexual attraction over time, sexual orientation is considered to be an enduring trait that may manifest differently across the lifespan.

Description

According to the American Psychological Association (2004), “sexual orientation is an enduring emotional, sexual, or affectional attraction toward others,” inherently different from biological sex, gender identity, and gender roles [1]. While many view sexual orientation as exclusively linked to sexual behavior, sexual orientation in its truest form pertains to persistent patterns of attraction across a variety of domains,...

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References

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  2. Bailey, J. M., Dunne, M. P., & Martin, N. G. (2000). Genetic and environmental influences on sexual orientation and its correlates in an Australian twin sample. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(3), 524–536.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School Counseling and School Psychology, Niagara University, P.O. Box 2042, Niagara, NY, 14109, USA

    Lisa Kilanowski-Press

Authors
  1. Lisa Kilanowski-Press
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Correspondence to Lisa Kilanowski-Press .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center, 230 South 500 East, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84102, USA

    Sam Goldstein Ph.D.

  2. Department of Psychology MS 2C6, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA

    Jack A. Naglieri Ph.D. (Professor of Psychology) (Professor of Psychology)

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Kilanowski-Press, L. (2011). Sexual Orientation. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_2621

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_2621

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-77579-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-79061-9

  • eBook Packages: Behavioral Science

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