Sex-role factor identification and sexual preference of men

This extension of Bernard and Epstein (1978) compared 117 homosexual and 83 heterosexual men matched on age, education, job category, and race on 43 variables including personality items, age and education, plus additional interest and behavioral items not in the prior study. Five varimax factors were extracted: (a) domestic activities, (b) practical and recreational activities and "masculine" interests, (c) conservatism, (d) boldness, and (e) openness. Composite factor scores were estimated and group means compared. Homosexual men appeared to be more open than heterosexual men, though equally bold. Homosexual men also appeared to engage in more domestic activities, whereas heterosexual men appeared to engage in more practical and recreational activities, have more traditional "masculine" interests, and be more conservative. It was concluded that interest and behavioral factors, in conjunction with personality factors, provide a more comprehensive understanding of the sex-role identification of men.