PO-01-103 Gender differences in the relationships among homophobia, attachment styles?

Abstract

Homophobia is the stigma based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This study aims to establish a relationship between homophobia and attachment style in a gender perspective. We recruited a convenience sample composed by 186 subjects (females=112; males=74) and we administered them a psychometric protocol. We invited the individuals to compile a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess relational patterns and the Homophobia Scale (HS) to evaluate the homophobia level in each individual. This scale is composed by 25 items and three factors linked homophobia: F1 (behavior/ negative affect), F2 (affect/ behavioral aggression) and F3 (negative cognition). Males revealed a higher attitude to homophobia compared to females (males=24.32±2.065 vs. females 17.30±1.37; p<0.05). In the male sample HS correlates with discomfort with closeness (r=0.332; p<0.05) and relationship as secondary (r= 0.350; p<0.05). Moreover, a relationship between masculinity traits and total score of HS, was found only in males (r=.233; p<0.05). In a reverse manner, in female group HS negatively correlates with preoccupation with relationships (r=-0.231; p=0.05). Regression analysis confirmed the negative relationship between preoccupation in relationships and HS (β= -0.296; p<0.05) in females, and in male sample the correlation between HS and relationship as secondary (β= 0.31; p=0.05).