Work

Perceived Biological Bases of Sexual Orientation and Sexual Prejudice: The Moderating Role of Gender and Religious Beliefs

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Prior correlational studies have shown that belief in the biological theory of sexual orientation (BTSO) is associated with more positive attitudes toward homosexuality. However, individuals often interpret scientific evidence in ways that align with their pre-existing beliefs and motivations. This research experimentally investigated whether gender and religiosity moderate heterosexual individuals' responses to scientific evidence either supporting or refuting BTSO. In two studies, heterosexual men (Study 1, N = 118) and both men and women (Study 2, N = 280) reported their religiosity and were exposed to evidence suggesting either biological differences or similarities between heterosexual and gay individuals. Results showed that, in the biological differences condition, heterosexual women and less religious men were more likely to perceive homosexuality as a natural biological variation and expressed more positive attitudes toward it. In contrast, more religious men interpreted the same evidence as indicating a biological anomaly in gay individuals and displayed more negative attitudes toward homosexuality.

Source: Archives of Sexual Behavior

DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-03070-6

Authors: Juan M. Falomir-Pichastor, Dan Confino, Joel R. Anderson, Yasin Koc

Institutions: University of Geneva, La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University, University of Groningen

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Gender equality

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990