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The Influence of Familial and Personality Variables on Sexual Orientation in Women

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Abstract

Results from studies investigating sexual orientation in women have been contradictory, with a few showing significant differences between groups, and others showing little or no difference. It therefore seems very improbable that any direct correlation between separate variables and sexual orientation exists. Sexual orientation is therefore probably caused by several interacting variables; exactly which factors contribute and the relative contribution of such factors is still a matter for debate. In this study the relative contribution of personality factors and family attitudes and behaviors were investigated. A total of 88 women gave details on family variables, and 57 of these women also completed Cattells 16PF questionnaire. Multivariate statistics were used to assess the joint contribution of these variables. It was concluded that none of the variables, either separately or together, was important in predicting a lesbian or heterosexual choice.

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During the time this work was in progress the author was in receipt of a maintenance award from the Esrc. The author would like to thank the Esrc for their assistance; also User-Friendly Micro Services of Croydon for computational assistance.

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Dancey, C.P. The Influence of Familial and Personality Variables on Sexual Orientation in Women. Psychol Rec 40, 437–449 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399552

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399552

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