Etiology of Homosexual Preference This paper examined the etiology of ho

Over the last decade there has been a good deal of research examining for determinants and contributors to homosexual preference (See: Allgeier & Allgeier, 1994; Sue, Sue & Sue, 1994; Gonsiorek, 1990; Muehrer, 1995; Schmidt & Clement, 1995). The purpose of this paper is to examine the current research on this topic. The paper ends with a series of conclusions about causal factors and other contributors to homosexuality formulated on the basis of the reviewed studies.

Homosexual Preference: Causes and Contributors

Theories of the causes of homosexual preference can be divided into three broad categories: (1) studies examining for genetic contributions; (2) studies examining for biological contributions; and (3) studies examining for psychological contributions. Each category of these categories of research is discussed below.

Is homosexual orientation genetic? In an effort to answer this question, Haynes (1995) conducted a comprehensive review of the li

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anding and progress regarding homosexual preference. Instead, Bermant states that what is needed is an explanative model that examines sexuality in general and does so using a multidimensional framework consisting of psychological, biogenetic, sociodemographic and other contributors. In an effort to examine homosexual preference from a bioenvironmental perspective, Gallagher, McFalls and Vreeland (1993) assessed the current thinking of mental health professionals on the etiology of homosexual sexual orientation. Specifically, 508 psychiatrists were surveyed as to their expert opinions and attitudes with regard to the causes and nature of male homosexuality; psychiatrists were randomly selected form members of the American Psychiatric Association. According to Gallagher et. al (1993), the findings of the survey revealed a preponderance of support for biological rather than psychological causes. Specifically, genetic inheritance theory received the highest ranking followed by prenatal hormone development theory. The notions that male homosexuality stems from a dominant mother and/or a weak father were ranked highest of all psychological theories although they only placed fifth and sixth respectively among the twelve psycholog
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Approximate Word count = 3443
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page)