The relationship between temperament and sexual orientation.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Genetics

Background:

• The connection between temperament and sexual orientation is not well understood.
• This study investigates this relationship using the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between affective and emotional temperaments and sexual orientation in a large population sample.
• To identify specific temperament traits linked to heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual orientations.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous online survey collected data from 16,571 Brazilian adults aged 21–45.
• The Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model was used for temperament assessment.

Main Results:

• In men, cyclothymic and dysphoric temperaments were associated with higher rates of bisexual and homosexual orientations.
• In women, volatile, cyclothymic, apathetic, disinhibited, and euphoric temperaments were more common in individuals with bisexual orientation.
• Heterosexual individuals exhibited higher coping and stability scores and lower sensitivity and desire scores compared to other groups.
• Effect sizes ranged from small to moderate, with the most significant differences observed between heterosexual and bisexual individuals, particularly in women.

Conclusions:

• Externalized and unstable temperament traits are primarily associated with bisexuality.
• Heterosexual individuals with homosexual fantasies or experiences represent a novel area for sexual orientation research.
• Limitations include the cross-sectional design, potential missing covariates, and internet-based data collection.