Cohort difference in sexual orientation: results from a large age-stratified population sample.
BACKGROUND
There is some community survey evidence for a cohort difference in female sexual orientation.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there is a cohort difference in sexual orientation in Australia.


METHODS
A community survey was carried out with a sample of 7,447 adults from the age groups 20-24, 40-44 and 60-64 years. As part of this survey respondents were asked a question on sexual orientation which was answered privately.


RESULTS
A strong age cohort difference was found for women, with younger women more frequently reporting a homosexual or bisexual orientation. By contrast, no age cohort difference was found for men.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that a heterosexual orientation may have become less common in younger cohorts of Australian women. This finding is consistent with data from other recent studies.
Jorm
A F
AF
Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. Anthony.Jorm@anu.edu.au
Dear
K B G
KB
Rodgers
B
B
Christensen
H
H
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires