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Toward a new model of treatment of homosexuality: a review.

A review of the literature of outcome studies in the psychoanalytic or behavioral treatment of homosexuality reveals limited results when "heterosexual shift" is the goal. Recently, however, a growing body of empirical knowledge has accumulated that challenges the illness or maladaptive model of homosexuality. Consequently, a new model has been emerging that is designed to assist homosexuals to recognize, accept, and value their sexual identity and to help them adjust to this identity in a predominantly heterosexual society. Unfortunatley, only a few studies exist that examine the result of this new approach.

Adult↗

A study of lesbian lifestyles in the homosexual micro-culture and the heterosexual macro-culture.

Ninety-one lesbians were surveyed in an effort to determine how homosexual women function within the heterosexual macro-culture and the homosexual micro-culture. Those sampled tended to be young, white, urban, and well-educated professionals. By exploring four major categories (demographics, lesbian lifestyles/homosexual culture, social relationships, and participation in the heterosexual culture) it was found that respondents felt isolated from the heterosexual macro-culture and turn to the homosexual micro-culture for friends, emotional support, and social interaction. It was also discovered that while lesbians do feel isolated from the majority of society, they function productively in a dual role within their general environment.

Adult↗

Psychological adaptation of the older homosexual male.

Social, psychological, and demographic characteristics of older homosexual males were examined through analysis of the questionnaire responses of 112 homosexual men 40 years of age or older. Few of the negative stereotypes that usually characterize descriptions of this group were supported. Most respondents were well adjusted and satisfied with their lives. Variables relating to good psychological adaptation included integration into the gay community, commitment to homosexuality, a low concern with concealment of sexual preference, a current exclusive relationship, and a satisfactory sex life. There was some evidence to indicate that age is positively related to several aspects of psychological adaptation.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Is homosexuality hormonally determined?

This paper suggest there is insufficient evidence to conclude that homosexuality has endocrine bases. The search for hormonal correlates occurs within a model that views homosexuality as a medical problem requiring biological explanations and a program of treatment or prevention. This search is heavily rooted in popular conceptions of gender-appropriate behavior, as well as in naive concepts of the significance of hormonal changes. Two kinds of hormonal study are considered here. Researchers may either (a) investigate hormone levels in adult populations or (b) investigate hypotheses of behavioral determination by prenatal hormones. Much of the latter information derives from animal studies, commonly on the laboratory rat. This paper questions the validity of assumptions underlying these studies--assumptions about the behavior of the laboratory rat itself and, more importantly, about the legitimacy of this animal as a model for human behavior. It is suggested that, although such hypotheses are naive, their current popularity arises from their potential role in "controlling" homosexuality.

Animals↗

Alcoholism and homosexuality: a theoretical perspective.

Although causal relationships between homosexuality and alcoholism have not been established, the myths and assumptions surrounding this issue are numerous. Much of the available literature on the subject is from a psychoanalytic perspective, emphasizing latent homosexuality as a cause of alcoholism. Very little is from the perspective of gay and lesbian populations. This paper analyzes the assumptions underlying the biological and genetic approaches, learning theory, psychoanalytic perspectives, and sociological models as they relate to alcoholism and homosexuality.

Alcoholism↗

Psychological characteristics of bisexual, heterosexual and homosexual women.

One hundred and twenty-five female volunteers completed a questionnaire designed to measure masculinity, femininity, body cathexis, and self-esteem. Women were categorized as bisexual, heterosexual or homosexual according to self-labeling and according to erotic preference. The proportion of androgynous and undifferentiated individuals was much greater among self-labeled homosexual women. Feminine individuals were conspicuously under-represented among self-labeled homosexual and bisexual women. Women who reported both opposite-sex and same-sex sexual experiences, regardless of their self-label or erotic preference, were more agentic (i.e., possessed more socially desirable masculine traits), more satisfied with their bodies and its functions, more satisfied with both their sexual activities and their biological sex, and more satisfied with themselves and their abilities than were women who only reported opposite-sex sexual experiences.

Body Image↗

The relationship of self-reported sex-role characteristics and attitudes toward homosexuality.

The present study investigated the relationship between self-reported sex-role characteristics and attitudes toward homosexuality using the Bem Sex Role Inventory, the Personal Attributes Questionnaire and the Attitudes toward Homosexuality Scale. Relationships occur for both males and females who are exhibiting greater amounts of cross-sex traits. Females with more instrumental characteristics were more accepting while males with more expressive characteristics were more rejecting. These findings are discussed in relation to those of Weinberger and Millham (1979) who also investigated this relationship, as well as to research investigating the relationship between attitudes toward homosexuality and attitudes toward sex roles and feminism.

Adolescent↗

Bisexual men in marriage: is a positive homosexual identity and stable marriage possible?

The negative picture of mixed-orientation marriages portrayed in previous research is challenged by results from a study and two-year follow-up of a non-clinical sample of 41 spouses representing 30 marriages. Evidence suggests that more recent marriages involving a bisexual are made for positive reasons, rather than as an escape from homosexuality. A comparison of couples in which the homosexual behavior is acknowledged to those in which it is secretive suggests a positive homosexual identity can be developed in the acknowledged situation. Data from a two-year follow-up provide information on the factors which led to the stabilization of such marriages. A schema of developmental crises, decisions, and consequences is presented.

Adult↗

Male homosexuality and spirit possession in Brazil.

This paper examines the relationship between male homosexuality and the Afro-Brazilian possession cults in Belém do Parà. After a discussion of the literature follows a description of the cults' beliefs, rites and social organization. Male sex roles are then discussed and the two categories, bicha and man, analyzed. It is noted that there is no term which is equivalent to the western category of "homosexual" in this taxonomic system. After putting forward folk explanations for the presence of many bichas in the cults, an analysis is put forward of the social rewards available to bichas within these cults, and the structural relationship between homosexuality and these regions in terms of their congruent marginality vis-à-vis "normal society."

Brazil↗

Importance of physical attractiveness and social assertiveness skills in male homosexual dating behavior and partner selection.

It was proposed that a homosexual male would most often expect to date, try to date, and like a partner of physical attractiveness greater than his own. One hundred homosexual men were matched in dyads based on objective physical attractiveness ratings made of their appearance by confederates and by their scores on a social assertiveness questionnaire. The subjects were matched in pairs so that all possible combinations of high and low physical attractiveness and social assertiveness were represented. Each pair of 50 dyads experienced an actual "computer date" through an "afternoon tea dance" arranged by the experimenter. Regardless of the subject's own physical attractiveness and social assertiveness level, the largest determinant of how much he liked his partner and how much he wished to date him again was the partner's physical attractiveness. Neither the physical attractiveness nor social assertiveness of a partner, however, influenced how often a subject subsequently asked the partner out. The results suggest that in such institutions as bars and discos, male homosexuals judge prospective partners on the partner's physical attractiveness. However, other variables besides attractiveness and assertiveness work to produce long-term attraction and relationship formation.

Adult↗

Heterosexual bias in psychological research on lesbianism and male homosexuality (1979-1983), utilizing the bibliographic and taxonomic system of Morin (1977).

Utilizing the concept of heterosexual bias, recent research on homosexuality is evaluated to see if this bias has lessened in recent years. In 1977 the suggestion was made that a new vision of homosexuality as an alternate and equally valid lifestyle would result in changes in the questions posed, the data collected, and the interpretations made in research on homosexuality. Recent journal article abstracts are examined and weighed to find the extend to which they reflect a change in the social values of the behavior under study. These findings are compared to those of the original study in 1977 and assessed to see if the predicted changes have come about. Strong evidence of such a change was found.

Bibliographies as Topic↗

What can homosexual aging studies contribute to theories of aging?

Key concepts in sociological theories of aging are reviewed on the basis of data drawn from earlier sociological studies of aging homosexual men and from a 4-year longitudinal study of 47 homosexual men ranging from 50 to 80 years of age, particularly regarding their happiness. The article explores the question of whether or not successful weathering of the coming-out crisis provides homosexual men stamina unavailable to aging heterosexuals. Finally, it examines allied and aversive relationships of young and old gay men.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Detection of sexual orientation by heterosexuals and homosexuals.

The purpose of this study was to determine if sexual orientation can be correctly identified under controlled conditions. A series of 24 brief videotaped interviews with homosexual and heterosexual men and women were presented to a sample of 143 subject raters divided into four sexual preference and gender groups. None of the groups were able to exceed levels of correct detection. Approximately 20% of the total subject pool did exceed chance levels. There were significantly more women than men in this sub-sample and homosexual women were represented disproportionately. Although there were some differences in the types of behavioral cues used by the different sexual preference groups to make their judgments, with the possible exception of homosexual women, these cues were unrelated to accurate identification of sexual orientation. The relatively better performance of female raters is discussed in terms of differences in the socialization process of men and women.

Adult↗

A sociological approach to counseling homosexual clients and their families.

Stigma lies at the root of many problems typically experienced by homosexual clients and their families. Sociological theory and research shed light on the dynamics of stigma and its consequences, both for the stigmatized population and for their heterosexual families and associates. This article summarizes key sociological research on the nature and development of sexual orientation. It considers the dynamics of homophobia and its implications for homosexual youngsters and their families. It offers practical tips for helping clients to understand their own or a family member's homosexual orientation, for coping with stigma, for reconciling issues of religion and morality, and for determining lifestyle. Suggestions for therapist office materials are also included.

Attitude↗

Homosexuality and neurosis: considerations for psychotherapy.

Though there is no correlation between mental illness and homosexuality, there are unique concerns that play a role in symptomatology and psychotherapy around neurotic and characterological issues in gay patients. Homophobia, both in the therapist and in the patient, external and internalized, is the significant "hidden" factor. Lack of training around transference and countertransference issues with gay patients and lack of teaching about homosexuality in training programs contribute to the difficulties encountered in psychotherapy with gay people. There are some problems and concerns specific to being homosexual that may bring patients to therapy: "coming-out," deciding on sexual orientation, desire to change orientation, and a unique "AIDS neurosis." The therapist needs to have an objective knowledge of the gay community and be willing to examine personal beliefs and reactions to work effectively with gay patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Homosexuality: Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish issues; a fishbone tale.

Homosexuality is compared to a fishbone caught in the church's throat that the church can neither eject nor swallow entirely. Authors in all denominations are questioning traditional church stances influenced by the model of clinical pastoral education. Most major denominations have made policy statements on homosexuality. Four such stances discussed here highlight some of the common issues denominations face in their reexamination of the subject. Homosexuals struggling for full acceptance in the church must confront the classical understanding of the human being and human sexual differentiation as these concepts have traditionally influenced the churches.

Catholicism↗

Judaism and homosexuality: the traditionalist/progressive debate.

This article critically reviews modern Jewish teaching on Judaism and homosexuality. The historical prohibition of homosexual acts is grounded in a world-view that views heterosexuality as natural and heterosexual marriage as the only route to religious and personal fulfillment. Progressive Jews have begun in recent years to question the underlying premises of traditional Jewish teaching on sexuality. Employing the categories of covenant theology and applying the interpretative methodology of liberal Judaism, the author argues for the valuation of the person as homosexual as a legitimate expression of human and Jewish covenantal obligation.

Bible↗

The mark of sexual preference in the interpretation of texts: preface to a homosexual reading.

Since reading is an interaction or confrontation between the reader and the text--an interaction that depends upon the background and perspectives of the reader as well as on the text being read--we can assume that the dynamics of sexuality and sexual object choice will influence how readers ascribe meaning to literary texts. In fact, although other aspects of our identities come into play when we read, sexual identity is unique and central because of the role that it plays in the creation of subjectivity. Specifically, male homosexuality informs and structures the reading of texts. But what does it mean to be a homosexual reader or to effectuate a homosexual reading of a particular text?

Attitude↗