Predicting Attitudes toward Homosexuality: Insights from Personality Psychology

Author(s): Todd K. Shackelford, Avi Besser

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65030/idr.05008

Abstract: Relative standings on personality dimensions predict many important attitudes. The current research tests the hypothesis that people who score higher on the personality dimension of Openness to Experience report more favorable attitudes toward homosexuality. Using data secured by the General Social Survey of respondents (N = 1,012) residing in the USA, several correlates of Openness to Experience were identified and entered into multiple regressions predicting attitudes toward homosexuality. The results provide support for the hypothesis, and suggest that large social surveys might be useful for assessing relationships between personality dimensions and important social attitudes such as attitudes toward homosexuality.

Keywords: Homosexuality; Big Five; Openness to experience; Sexual orientation; Social surveys; Personality; Mental health; Gender identity

Pages: 106-114

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