Heterosexual University Students' Perceptions Of Homosexual Behavior

Joel W. Wells, University of Northern Iowa

Abstract

Male and female respondents (N=252) were asked by questionnaire to react to homosexual and heterosexual behavior as if they were viewing films dealing with content showing intimate kissing and explicit sexuality. Factors examined were: curiosity about homosexuality, perceived similarity of homosexuality to heterosexuality, approval of homosexuality involving consenting adults, comparative attractiveness of gays and lesbians to heterosexuals, sexual inhibition, and responses to being labeled as gay. Findings indicate varied sex differences following traditional roles with homosexual threat for males and fear of being labeled homosexual by both genders as significant concerns. © 1988 Juniper Press.