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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
08:25
Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults
Published on: October 19, 2014
Do homosexual teachers pose a risk to pupils?
The Journal of Psychology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Homosexual individuals were more likely to report having had homosexual teachers and sexual experiences with them. These findings support the contagion model, suggesting homosexuality may be learned through sexual interaction.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Sexuality Studies
Background:
- Understanding the social and environmental factors influencing sexual orientation is crucial.
- Previous research has explored various influences on sexual orientation development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of homosexual teachers among adults.
- To examine the reported sexual experiences between students and teachers.
- To assess the influence of homosexual teachers on students' perceptions and behaviors regarding homosexuality.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 5,182 adults from six metropolitan area cluster samples.
- Data collected included self-reported experiences with homosexual teachers and sexual interactions.
Main Results:
- 56% of homosexuals and 18% of heterosexuals reported a homosexual teacher.
- 12% of men and 4% of women reported sexual advances from a teacher.
- 1% reported sexual relations with a teacher; 4% of those with a homosexual teacher reported influence to try homosexuality.
Conclusions:
- Homosexual individuals more frequently reported homosexual teachers and sexual experiences with them.
- Findings align with the contagion model of homosexuality, suggesting social learning or interaction.
- The study highlights potential influences on sexual orientation development and social acceptance.
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