Evidence that male sexual orientation is a matter of degree.

Abstract

Whether male sexual orientation is best represented by discrete categories or by a continuum has been the focus of much debate. These alternatives were compared in an analysis of 1,138 men's scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Masculinity-Femininity Scale, an established correlate of male sexual orientation. Mixtures of 2 or 3 latent distributions did not fit the observed distribution of scores better than a single normal distribution, suggesting that the latent variable underlying male sexual orientation is not discrete. Additional taxometric analyses provided convergent support for continuity. The findings were inconsistent with accounts of male sexual orientation that invoke single preponderant causes, whether genetic or environmental, and call some forms of taxonomic theorizing about sexual orientation into question.

Taxometric Investigation of PTSD: Data From Two Nationally Representative Samples

“…Measures that specifically are designed to assess PTSD diagnostic status may be strengthened in value when they allow for the computation of continuous scores to supplement existing scoring schemes. Second, a dimensional solution for posttraumatic stress reactions suggests that additive and graded etiological models of posttraumatic stress reactions are most appropriate, rather than models that suggest a specific all-or-none genetic factor or a single environmental variable (Haslam, 1997). Thus, it is likely that various trauma-related and person-specific factors (e.g., perpetrator violence, victim's interpretation, trauma history) are important in predicting the intensity and duration of an individual's posttraumatic stress reactions, and therefore should be specifically and systematically addressed in assessment and in therapy.…”

The Latent Structure of Anxiety Sensitivity—Revisited

“…Most important, a dimensional solution indicates that researchers should not be focused on trying to uncover a specific all-ornone genetic factor, a single environmental variable, or a specific combination of these factors that predict the type of anxiety sensitivity an individual will experience. Rather, latent dimensional structures are more consistent with graded and additive etiological models (Haslam, 1997). Accordingly, anxiety sensitivity researchers should focus their efforts on investigating the effects of various combinations or interactions of specific life events and hereditary factors on the development of higher levels of anxiety sensitivity.…”

A taxometric study of the latent structure of disgust sensitivity: Converging evidence for dimensionality.

“…Researchers should exercise caution in dichotomizing individuals on the basis of their scores on measures of DS, as any cutpoint would be arbitrary given the dimensional nature of DS. Second, a dimensional solution for DS suggests that additive and graded etiological models are most appropriate for pathological disgust reactions, rather than models that suggest a specific all-ornone genetic factor or a single environmental variable (Haslam, 1997). Thus, it is likely that various environment-related and person-specific factors are important in predicting the intensity and duration of an individual's disgust reactions and therefore should be specifically and systematically addressed in the assessment and treatment of disorders in which DS has been implicated.…”