Test–Retest Reliability of Self-Reported Sexual Behavior, Sexual Orientation, and Psychosexual Milestones Among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youths

Abstract

Despite the importance of reliable self-reported sexual information for research on sexuality and sexual health, research has not examined reliability of information provided by gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youths. Test-retest reliability of self-reported sexual behaviors, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and psychosexual developmental milestones was examined among an ethnically diverse sample of 64 self-identified GLB youths. Two face-to-face interviews were conducted approximately two weeks apart using the Sexual Risk Behavior Assessment Schedule for Homosexual Youths (SERBAS-Y-HM). Overall, the mean of the test-retest reliability coefficients was substantial for 6 of the 7 domains: lifetime sexual behaviors (M = .89), sexual behavior in the past 3 months (M = .96), unprotected sexual behavior in the past 3 months (M = .93), sexual identity (κ = .89), sexual orientation (M = .82), and ages of various psychosexual developmental milestones (M = .77). Inconsistent reliability was found for reports of sexual behaviors while using substances. A small number of gender differences emerged, with lower reliability among female youths in the lifetime number of same-sex partners. The overall findings suggest that a wide range of self-reported sexual information can be reliably assessed among GLB youths by means of interviewer-administered questionnaires, such as the SERBAS-Y-HM.

Information-Seeking Practices during the Sexual Development of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals: The Influence and Effects of Coming Out in a Mediated Environment

“…Reliability may be a concern with retrospective reporting. However, a study testing the reliability of self-reported sexual behavior among LGB adolescents found that LGB youth are capable of remembering very detailed information about their lifetime sexual past in several interviews conducted weeks apart (Schrimshaw et al 2006). If adolescents are able to reliably repeat details about their sexual history to interviewers, it can be assumed that recalling simple narratives about the coming-out process should be a reliable means of gathering anecdotal data.…”

Test–Retest Reliability and Predictors of Unreliable Reporting for a Sexual Behavior Questionnaire for U.S. Men

“…Test-retest studies have measured the reliability of sexual behavior items in a variety of populations (Brener et al, 2002;Kalichman, Kelly, & Stevenson, 1997;Schrimshaw et al, 2006;Sohler, Colson, Meyer-Bahlburg, & Susser, 2000;Taylor, Rosen, & Leiblum, 1994). Some studies find that selfadministered instruments, either of the paper and pencil variety or computer assisted, reduce measurement error and tend to produce reports of higher frequencies of sensitive sexual and drug using behaviors than do face-to-face interview methods (Boekeloo et al, 1994;Des Jarlais et al, 1999;Le, Blum, Magnani, Hewett, & Do, 2006;Romer et al, 1997;Simoes, Bastos, Moreira, Lynch, & Metzger, 2006a;Turner et al, 1998).…”

Sexual Difficulties in People Living with HIV in France—Results from a Large Representative Sample of Outpatients Attending French Hospitals (ANRS-EN12-VESPA)

“…This may have consequences on the sexual life perceptions of PLWHA. The necessity to understand factors beyond biomedical ones which can impact on the sexual satisfaction of PLWHA has been reported (Schrimshaw et al 2006;Weinhardt et al 1998). To our knowledge, studies analysing the influence of psychosocial factors such as the experience of having HIV or the repercussions of treatment on perceived sexual difficulties are limited in the HAART era.…”