PSYCH 10 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Simon Levay, Inah 3, Sexual Attraction
Document Summary
Sexual orientation refers to one"s tendencies as an object of sexual attraction. Attraction does not always result in sexual activity, but may exist in the form of desires, interests, infatuations and fantasies. Identity (heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual) typically emerges in puberty. Having a homosexual orientation in today"s society still puts one at risk for anxiety and mood disorders. Due to discrimination, isolation and dif culties in nding ful lling relationships. Same-sex behaviors have been observed in 1500 species, and well-documented in 500 species. Poor relationship with parents (absent father/possessive mother) Fear and hatred of the opposite sex. Levels of sex hormones in the blood. Abuse, molestation or seduction by adults during childhood. Being born after a brother increases the likelihood of being gay. In other words, having more older brothers increases the likelihood of being gay. Mothers produce antibodies to protect themselves from the foreign tissue (developing fetus) Exposure to maternal antibodies is highest in the youngest sibling.
