The evolution of the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles: Theoretical, conceptual, and methodological advances

The British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal) has been conducted every ten years since 1990. So far there have been three surveys in which more than 45,000 people have been interviewed. Over its 30-year history, the survey has evolved in both scope and methodology, and the disciplines represented within the team have expanded. In this research paper style thesis, the evolution of Natsal is examined under three themes: Theme one concerns advances in theoretical perspectives regarding the very nature of human sexuality and the fundamental question of whether, and to what extent, sexual behaviour is innate and fixed by our biology or is acquired and socially learned. The theoretical perspective adopted is obviously no trivial matter; the lens we apply to any situation governs how we understand the determinants of it and the approach we take to influence or change it. Theme two centres on conceptual factors and, in particular, the emergence of sexual health as a concept relevant to public health, and within that the transition from a focus on sexual ill-health to sexual well-being. Although the term ‘sexual health’ is used globally in policy, practice and academia, it has a short history and its meaning, and application, has varied considerably. Theme three relates to questions of methodology and the tools we use to try and measure and understand sexuality and advance sexual health, specifically the shift from single disciplinary perspectives to multi-disciplinarity. Each of the three themes is illustrated through the three papers that form the body of the thesis.