Sexual Minorities within Heterosexuality: Psychosocial Characteristics of and Attitudes toward the “Fourth Love” in China

Abstract

Objective Within the context of gender diversity, the concept of heterosexuality is also changing, emerging as a diversified sexual orientation and identity. This study aims to challenge the orthodoxy about heterosexuality by exploring the psychosocial characteristics and attitudes toward “fourth love” in China. Method Two studies initially explored the current status of fourth love as a sexual minority. In Study 1, The Sex-Role Inventory and the Marital Attitude Scale were used to assess fourth-love (N = 144) and traditionally heterosexual participants’ (N = 145) gender roles and marriage attitudes. In study 2, the Attitudes Toward the Fourth Love Scale was developed to assess college students’ (N = 315) attitudes toward fourth-love men and women. Result Fourth-love women often identify with masculine gender roles and significant differences were found between fourth-love and traditionally heterosexual women their gender roles. Fourth-love men identified with a neutral gender role, while there are significant differences between fourth-love men and traditionally heterosexual women in masculine gender roles. Fourth-love people’s marriage attitudes were more negative than those of traditionally heterosexual people, especially for women. Various demographic factors influenced college students’ attitudes toward the fourth love. Conclusion As a sexual minority within the umbrella of heterosexuality in China, fourth-love individuals require further research attention and increased support.