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Is homophobia associated with homosexual arousal?
H E Adams1, L W Wright, B A Lohr
1Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-3013, USA.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Homophobia in heterosexual men is linked to unconscious homosexual arousal. Despite negative feelings toward gay individuals, homophobic men showed physiological arousal to male homosexual stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Homophobia is characterized by negative affect toward homosexual individuals.
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings of homophobia is crucial for addressing prejudice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between homophobia and homosexual arousal in heterosexual men.
- To explore potential discrepancies between self-reported attitudes and physiological responses.
Main Methods:
- Participants were categorized as homophobic (n=35) or nonhomophobic (n=29) based on the Index of Homophobia.
- Physiological sexual arousal (penile circumference) was measured in response to heterosexual, male homosexual, and lesbian erotic stimuli.
- Aggression levels were assessed using the Aggression Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed arousal to heterosexual and lesbian stimuli.
- Only homophobic men exhibited increased penile erection in response to male homosexual stimuli.
- No significant differences in aggression levels were found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Homophobia may be associated with latent or denied homosexual arousal in heterosexual men.
- These findings suggest a complex interplay between conscious attitudes and unconscious physiological responses regarding sexual orientation.
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