Adapting Sexual Configurations Theory to Nursing

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning people in the United States experience multiple health disparities related to sexual and reproductive health. Attempts to address these disparities have focused on sexual orientation and gender identity rather than on the specific aspects of sexuality that may be more relevant to an individual’s health outcomes. This focus is also incongruent with a holistic approach to health and wellness interventions. We propose an adaptation of sexual configurations theory, a psychological theory with which to accurately describe different aspects of sexuality, to better position nurses to address these important disparity issues. We position sexual configurations theory within a contextual framework that incorporates aspects of trauma theory as a new way to evaluate individual sexuality in a holistic nursing context.