Face validity ratings of sexual orientation scales by heterosexual cisgender adults

There is a clear need for a sexual orientation measure that can both conceptually encompass sexual orientation diversity and be accessible to individuals with normative identities. Two novel scales have recently been introduced into the literature (Sexual-Romantic and Gendered Sexuality) and have been found to better capture the experiences of sexual and gender minority individuals. The present study investigated the face validity ratings of heterosexual cisgender individuals to these two new scales as well as the Kinsey Scale. Participants completed all three scales and assessed their face validity by rating how well each captured their sexuality. Participants were 791 U.S. residents of the United States (558 women, 233 men). Face validity ratings were analyzed with a 2 (Gender) X 3 (Scale) mixed ANOVA. Although face validity scores were high for all scales, a main effect for scale was found. Heterosexual cisgender participants rated the Sexual-Romantic Scale as a significantly more valid measure of their sexuality than either the Kinsey scale or the Gendered Sexuality scale (which did not differ from each other). Because past research has established that sexual and gender minority individuals prefer these two newer scales over Kinsey, the Sexual-Romantic and Gendered Sexuality scales offer researchers options for valid measures appropriate for use regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity of the rater.