Sexual Orientation - Video Notes Flashcards

This set covers definitions, models, rates, biological origins, social issues, and family considerations of sexual orientation as presented in the video notes.

Sexual Orientation

The enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction, identity, and behavior toward others.

Kinsey’s Continuum

A continuum model of sexual orientation that includes identity, attraction, and behavior on a spectrum rather than discrete categories.

Asexual (Asexuality)

Individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction to others.

Criticism of Kinsey’s Model

Argues Kinsey’s framework is one-dimensional by pitting homosexuality against heterosexuality and neglecting asexuality and complexity.

Storms’ Two-Dimensional Model

Independent continua for homoerotic and heteroerotic attraction; excludes asexuality; bisexuals may score high on both.

Homosexual Experiences (Rates)

Historical and approximate lifetime rates (e.g., Kinsey: ~50% of men, ~28% of women had same-sex experiences; modern estimates tend lower due to sampling).

Sexual Identity (Rates)

Self-identification as gay/lesbian/bisexual, which may differ from experiences or attractions.

Sexual Fluidity

The idea that sexual attraction or orientation can change over time.

LGBTQ Identification (2023 Gallup)

About 7.0% of Americans identify as LGBTQ.

Bisexuality

The largest group within LGBTQ identities; rates higher in younger generations; attraction/identity can shift.

Underreporting (Same-Sex Attraction/Behavior)

Stigma can lead to underreporting in surveys or research.

Nature + Nurture

Sexual orientation arises from both biological/genetic factors and social/environmental influences.

Twin Studies (Bailey & Pillard, 1991)

Research comparing identical and fraternal twins to estimate genetic contribution to orientation.

Brain Structures (Savic & Lindström, 2008)

Neuroanatomical differences associated with sexual orientation in some studies.

X Chromosome DNA Sequence (Hammer et al., 1993)

A region on the X chromosome linked to aspects of male-typical orientation in some findings.

Prenatal Hormones

Exposure to hormones in the womb (roughly 2–5 months gestation) may predispose attraction to a sex.

Polygenic GWAS (Ganna et al., 2019)

Genome-wide association studies showing many genes contribute to sexual orientation.

Money’s Two-Step Process

Biological predispositions plus later social/environmental factors shape sexual orientation.

Identical vs. Fraternal Twins

Higher concordance in identical twins due to shared genetics; environment also plays a role.

Heritability Estimate (18–25%)

Estimated proportion of variation in orientation attributed to genetic factors.

Polygenic Architecture

Sexual orientation is influenced by thousands of genes (polygenic) rather than a single gene.

23andMe Study (Big Data)

Large-scale data (~500,000 participants) used to study genetics of orientation; limitations include single-item self-report.

Measurement Limitations

Reliance on single items or limited questions can bias understanding of orientation.

Money’s Two-Step Process (Reiteration)

Biological predispositions interact with social factors to develop orientation.

Heterosexual Bias

Cultural tendency to view the world through a heterosexual lens, marginalizing sexual minorities.

Homophobia

Strong dislike, fear, or hatred of LGBTQ people; a form of prejudice.

Conversion/Reparative Therapy

Attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity; widely discredited by major psychology bodies.

Coming Out

Disclosing one’s sexual orientation to others; involves risks and potential benefits (e.g., social support, discrimination).

Institutionalized Prejudice

Systemic discrimination against LGBTQ people embedded in institutions.

Religious Views on Homosexuality

Some Judeo-Christian contexts have historically framed homosexuality as sinful; views have influenced policy and stigma.

Coming Out and Family Reactions

Family/friend reactions vary; being openly LGBTQ can affect self-esteem and social support.

Children & Families: Outcomes

Research shows no consistent difference in outcomes for children raised by LGBTQ parents versus heterosexual parents.

Gay Adoption

Advocacy and debates surrounding adoption by same-sex couples.