Sexual Orientation and Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Latent Profile Approach

Abstract

Sexual orientation is multidimensional, yet existing studies often only assess one dimension. This study examines multiple dimensions of sexual orientation in a sample of Hispanic adolescents using a latent profile analysis. The study also examines differences in levels of adolescent family functioning (i.e., parent-adolescent communication, parental involvement, and family communication) and depressive symptoms by latent profile or subgroup. The study sample consisted of 456 Hispanic adolescents (M = 13.90 years, SD = 1.37). Adolescents self-reported their sexual orientation by responding to the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG), family functioning (parent-adolescent communication, parental involvement, and family communication), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression [CESD] Scale). Latent profile analysis was used to identify heterogeneous groups of adolescents based on their response to the KSOG. A Welch test was used to examine mean levels of depressive symptoms and family functioning across profile membership. We found that a three-class solution (heterosexual: 90%; mostly bisexual: 6.05%; mostly LGBQ: 3.95%) fit the data best. Results from the Welch test indicated significant differences for parent-adolescent communication and depressive symptoms across latent profiles. Existing research indicates that sexual minorities are at a disproportionate risk for adverse health outcomes. These findings corroborate best practice recommendations encouraging researchers to assess multiple dimensions of sexual orientation.