Heterosexual Experiences Research Articles

Neurohormonal functioning and sexual orientation: A theory of homosexuality–heterosexuality.

Following a historical sketch of attempts to explain homosexuality, we review evidence indicating that the process of determining human sexual orientation is fundamentally the same in all mammals. In this process, four phenotypic dimensions of sexuality develop from two more or less distinct sex genotypes. Studies are reviewed that indicate how phenotypic deviations from these two genotypes (called sexual inversions) can occur. The causes of sexual inversions are categorized as genetic-hormonal, pharmacological, maternal stress, immunological, and social experiential. From this evidence, we propose a theory of how the entire spectrum of human sexual orientation (vs. simply homosexuality) is determined. A consistent preference for sexual relations with one's own sex (homosexuality), the opposite sex (heterosexuality), or varying degrees of ambivalence about the partner's sex (bisexuality) may be called sexual orientation. Homosexuality should not be confused with occasional homosexual experiences. Homosexual experiences are fairly common, especially early in adolescence (Chilman, 1983, p. 18; Kinsey, 1941) or in the absence of alternative sexual outlets (Aldridge, 1983; Groth & Burgess, 1980) and are no more indicative of homosexuality than occasional heterosexual experiences are indicative of heterosexuality. An individual's sexual orientation refers to distinct preferences consistently made after puberty in the presence of clear alternatives, whereas isolated instances of sexual behavior may or may not reflect one's sexual orientation (Gadpaille, 1972, p. 193).

A Guttman Scale to Measure Heterosexual Behavior in Three Different Catalan Samples

This work concerned the scalability of heterosexual behavior developing Bentler's scale (1967) for a Catalan sample of 263 subjects of both sexes and from three different educational levels. Analysis of responses to a questionnaire of 34 items showed that heterosexual experiences could be scaled according to a fairly fixed cumulative ordinal pattern. No differences were found between the patterns by sex or educational level. Some applications of the scale are suggested.

Incestuous experiences within homosexual populations: a preliminary study.

The incidence, frequency rates, and effects of both homosexual and heterosexual incestuous experiences within lesbian and male homosexual populations are examined. Twenty-nine female homosexuals and 54 male homosexuals from diverse demographic backgrounds were administered a 16-page anonymous questionnaire designed to capture a wide range of demographic, personality, life history, and attitudinal information. Differences in family characteristics that exist between individuals who have experienced nuclear family incest, extended family incest, and those who have never experienced incest are investigated. Differences that exist between the two populations, incest and nonincest, were also studied.

Causal attribution bias in shy males: Implications for self-esteem and self-confidence

The present study examined the locus of control and the stability dimensions of causal attributions for past heterosexual social experiences in relation to social self-esteem and expectancy for success in interactions with persons of the opposite sex. Two hundred and fifty-four single college male subjects completed (a) a Social Self-Esteem Inventory (SSEI) and other scales, (b) a causal attribution questionnaire dealing with past heterosexual social experiences, and (c) an expectancy for heterosexual social success questionnaire. The overall results showed that high SSEI subjects made internal attributions in explaining past social successes and external attributions for past social failures with persons of the opposite sex. Low SSEI men, on the other hand, externalized the cause of their successes and assumed more personal responsibility for failure. Subjects who made stable (ability and task difficulty) attributions for past successes had greater expectancies for future success in heterosexual social relations than subjects who made unstable (effort and luck) attributions. These results were discussed in the context of attribution theory and cognitive approaches to depression, and in relation to cognitive factors that may underlie the etiology and treatment of shyness problems.

A Guttman Scale of Sexual Experience

Two experience check lists were designed for the current study: an initial questionnaire and a revised version for cross validation. The final questionnaire which contained 30 items for females and 31 for males was distributed to 199 males and 213 females. The items constituted a wide range of heterosexual experiences including petting, oral contacts, various intercourse positions and bondage. Coefficients of reproducibility were .88 for females and .85 for males. Ordering of items on the male and female scale were quite similar, as the rank order correlation of .82 illustrates. The most notable differences were the prior onset of female oral activity and the low ranking of both female masturbation and exposure to erotic materials.

Patrons of massage parlors: Some facts and figures

A survey of 183 patrons of a massage parlor in Illinois indicated that the typical customer is a 35-year-old married white male from out of town with 13 years of education who is employed in a lower- or middle-class job and goes to church on Sunday. He reports having had a variety of heterosexual experiences in the past, has come to the parlor because of lack of sexual partner at this particular time or because of curiosity, will come to orgasm during the genital massage, and will find it sexually satisfying. He is likely to have high self-esteem, consider himself personally and sexually adjusted, consider his value system liberal, and to be somewhat sympathetic to the goals of the women's rights movement.

Sociosexual behavior in male and female homosexuals: a study in sex differences.

The results of a post hoc comparison of two West German studies on male and female homosexuals are reported. The lesbian sample consisted of 151 subjects, 18-35 years of age. The male homosexual sample included 581 males of the same age range. The data of both studies are compared with regard to "coming out," heterosexual experiences, homosexual activity, partner mobility, and partner relations. The results indicate that being a woman tends to influence the sexual behavior of lesbians more than being a homosexual.

Homosexuality: Behaviors and attitudes

To assess the incidence of homosexual experiences, heterosexual experiences, associated attitudes, and related demographic characteristics, a sexual behavior and attitudes questionnaire was administered to 4251 university students. The rate of homosexual experiences was found to be appreciably lower than that commonly reported in the literature and was not significantly related to race, religion, or region of residence. Individuals with homosexual experiences, compared to those without, tended to be more liberal in their views toward socially deviant sexual behavior in general, did not demonstrate fewer heterosexual contacts, and did not report significantly more guilt or anxiety about their sexual behavior.

Sexual and social problems of lesbians

Abstract The results of a study of 151, 18 to 40 years old lesbian women from four large metropolitan areas in West‐Germany are reported. Particular attention is given to the coming‐out period, to the meaning of heterosexual experiences of lesbians and to the multiple social and psychological problems resulting from being a lesbian in this society.

Heterosexual Co‐Therapy Team Experiences During Family Therapy

Family ProcessVolume 4, Issue 2 p. 177-197 Heterosexual Co-Therapy Team Experiences During Family Therapy JOHN C. SONNE M.D., JOHN C. SONNE M.D. Staff Research Psychiatrist, Philadelphia Psychiatric Hospital; Associate, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Staff Member, Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital.Search for more papers by this authorGERALDINE LINCOLN M.Ed., GERALDINE LINCOLN M.Ed. Staff Research Psychologist, Philadelphia Psychiatric Hospital; Clinical Psychologist, Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute.Search for more papers by this author JOHN C. SONNE M.D., JOHN C. SONNE M.D. Staff Research Psychiatrist, Philadelphia Psychiatric Hospital; Associate, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Staff Member, Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital.Search for more papers by this authorGERALDINE LINCOLN M.Ed., GERALDINE LINCOLN M.Ed. Staff Research Psychologist, Philadelphia Psychiatric Hospital; Clinical Psychologist, Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute.Search for more papers by this author First published: SEPTEMBER, 1965 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1545-5300.1965.00177.xCitations: 17Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume4, Issue2SEPTEMBER, 1965Pages 177-197 RelatedInformation