How Social Desirability Bias May Skew Prominent Research on Sexual Behaviors

Key Points

• Social desirability bias pertains to the inclination to respond in a manner deemed socially acceptable.

• Individuals tend to over-report socially acceptable behaviors and under-report socially unacceptable behaviors in research involving sexual behavior.

• Given how social desirability bias can distort responses, researchers should include a measure of social desirability and consider it during data analysis.

Why It's Challenging to Rely Solely on Self-Report in Research

It was recently discovered in a study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior that the need to respond in a culturally appropriate manner may skew sexual behavior research.

What Is Social Desirability Bias?

Social desirability bias is the inclination individuals feel to respond in a manner perceived as socially acceptable, even if they are anonymous. This may translate into over-reporting socially acceptable behaviors and under-reporting socially unacceptable behaviors in sexual behavior research.

Why Include a Measure of Social Desirability in Research?

Since social desirability bias can distort responses in research involving sexual behavior, researchers should include a measure of social desirability and take it into consideration to mitigate its potential implications.

How Social Desirability Bias Works

Social desirability bias refers to the inclination to respond in a manner regarded as socially acceptable. A study examining sexual behavior research revealed that this bias can influence self-reported results that have no factual verification.

How Big of an Influence Does Social Desirability Bias Have?

Social desirability bias can significantly impact research. For instance, a study found that among US youth, 51% denied ever having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), while hospital records indicated that they had. It should be noted that the study cited stated that 51 participants, or 40%, denied having had an STI, as refuted by accompanying medical documentation.

What Therapists Say About Social Desirability Bias

• Meagan Turner, MA, APC, NCC:
  • Social desirability bias not only affects research on sexual behaviors but also studies involving food intake, height, weight, and other societal norms.
  • To reduce social desirability bias, individuals should examine their values and live in alignment with them, thereby increasing their confidence and reducing the need for social approval.
• Elizabeth Marston, LCSW:
  • Social desirability bias exists even in anonymous studies, showing that cultural biases shape our self-perception.
  • If research is biased, it affects policy, funding, and education, promoting the biases of a specific demographic and neglecting diversity.
  • To counter this bias, individuals need to understand and examine their inherent biases and privileges.
• Laurie Hollman, PhD:
  • Social desirability influences responses to surveys, especially those related to sensitive topics like sex, height, weight, and health habits.
  • Perceptions of what is socially desirable may be based on what is expected to be average rather than what is true for the individual.
  • Reducing social desirability bias involves letting go of expectations for oneself and others, allowing individuals to live authentically.
  • Open and honest conversations about taboo topics help normalize behaviors and minimize distinctions between desirable and undesirable activities.

Conclusion

Social desirability bias can have a significant impact on research, particularly in the context of sexual behaviors. Researchers should be aware of this bias and take steps to mitigate its effects, such as by including a measure of social desirability in their studies.