Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Aggressiveness, competitiveness, and human sexual orientation
1Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105, USA.
Abstract:
Previous research has suggested that homosexual men are less aggressive than heterosexual men, but limitations of available studies prevent them from being conclusive. The empirical evidence is even more mixed regarding the relation of aggressiveness to female sexual orientation. We examined the relation between self-reported physical and verbal aggressiveness, interpersonal competitiveness, and sexual orientation in both men and women. The aggressiveness and competitiveness scales yielded significant sex differences, with men being more aggressive and competitive. Consistent with past findings, heterosexual men were more physically aggressive than were homosexual men; no other within-sex relationship was significant. We discuss the implications of our findings for developmental theories of sexual orientation, aggressiveness, and competitiveness.
Related Concept Videos
Mate Choice
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Aggression
Evolutionary Psychology
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Secondary Motives: Affiliation Motivation and Aggression Motivation

