Empirical Validations of a Multidimensional Model for Assessing Sexual Orientation

Integration of the K-12 LGBTQI Student Population in School Counselor Education Curricula: The Current State of Affairs

“…Related, school counselor educators in the current study focused more on knowledge and awareness competencies, rather than on skill development. Although this is similar to what is described as the dominant population-specific focus in multicultural training, it is potentially problematic because it is also recognized that knowledge and self-awareness do not necessarily translate into clinical skills (Chung et al, 2006;Constantine & Ladany, 2000). Of note is that interview participants identified challenges related to assessment of student skill outcomes as a result of integrating LGBTQI students' needs and concerns.…”

“…It is surmised that comparable to estimates in the general population (Chung, Szymanski, & Amadio, 2006;McHaelen, 2006), 5% to 10% of the K-12 school population may identify publicly or privately as LGBTQ (DePaul et al, 2009;Wornoff & Mallon, 2006). When asked about providing services for LGBTQ youth, professionals reported having few, if any, of these individuals on their caseload across practice settings (Fontaine, 1998;Wornoff & Mallon, 2006).…”

Models of Sexual and Relational Orientation: A Critical Review and Synthesis

“…The dichotomous model is closely associated with the oppression of same-sex sexual people because it creates a conceptual binary where exclusive heterosexuality is favored (Gamson & Moon, 2004). Commitment to the dichotomous and totalizing heterosexualhomosexual model leads to further confusion as counselors encounter clients who express changes in identity over the life span and/or bisexual identities, attractions, and behavior (Chung, Szymanski, & Amadio, 2007;Diamond, 2003).…”

“…Rather than a single dimension of sexual attraction and responsiveness explainable in terms of biology, culture, or identity development, researchers such as Diamond (2003) and Chung et al (2007) have called for the incorporation of at least two dimensions when conceptualizing sexual and relational orientation. Diamond proposed that sexuality be conceived along physical-sexual and affective-emotional lines.…”

“…Empirical work on how people relate to sexual interest and curiosity would be an important contribution to the current discussion, as well as further articulation of how life experiences related to sexual and relational awareness develop over the life span. Because we offer the MCM as a means to explain client motivation to engage in sexual and relational behaviors, it would be helpful to know how well the MCM predicts behavior in a manner similar to how Chung et al (2007) used their conceptual model. Finally, it is important to empirically compare the MCM to models of gay or lesbian identity development to see if a relationship exists and, if so, to what extent.…”