|
In order to test the idea that men who are homophobic have unconscious
homosexual urges, Adams et al. (1996) recruited 64 men who described themselves
as exclusively heterosexual, both in behavior and arousal. Based on an
attitude survey about homosexuality, the men were divided into two groups--
homophobic and nonhomophobic. The participants then watched three erotic
videos showing sex acts: male-female, male-male, and female-female. While
they watched the videos, their arousal was measured through penile plesthysmography,
which monitors penile engorgement (circumference).
The homophobic and nonhomophobic men responded with equal average levels
of arousal to the male-female video.
The homophobic men were significantly more likely than nonhomophobic
men to show arousal to the male-male video. Specifically, 54% of the
homophobic men and 24% of the nonhomophobic men showed arousal while viewing
the male-male video.
Alternative explanation: The researchers point out, however, that
it's possible that some of the homophobic men's arousal could have been
caused by anxiety (the purpose of the study was fairly obvious and might
have caused some homophobic men to feel anxious), which other research
has shown can cause erections.
Adams, H., & Wright Jr., L. W. (1996). Is homophobia associated with
homosexual arousal? Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 105, 440-447.
|
