Which term describes the consistent sexual attraction toward members of the same sex or the opposite sex?

Which term describes the consistent sexual attraction toward members of the same sex or the opposite sex?

• A. Sexual orientation
• B. Gender role
• C. Romantic orientation
• D. Sexual behavior

Answer: (A)

Sexual orientation is the pattern of a person’s enduring sexual attractions toward others, typically toward the same sex, the opposite sex, or both. In this item, the focus is on a stable attraction direction, which makes sexual orientation the correct term. This differs from gender role (social expectations for behavior based on gender); from romantic orientation (who one has romantic feelings for, which can differ from sexual attraction); and from sexual behavior (what a person actually does). Therefore, the term that fits best is sexual orientation.

Sexual orientation is the pattern of a person’s enduring sexual attractions toward others, typically toward the same sex, the opposite sex, or both. In this item, the focus is on a stable attraction direction, which makes sexual orientation the correct term. This differs from gender role (social expectations for behavior based on gender); from romantic orientation (who one has romantic feelings for, which can differ from sexual attraction); and from sexual behavior (what a person actually does). Therefore, the term that fits best is sexual orientation.