Sexual preference and altruism.
Several hypothesis have been offered to explain homosexuality. This study tests the prediction of the sociobiological model that male homosexuals should be more altruistic than heterosexuals. Subjects were dichotomized into homosexual (N = 76) and heterosexual (N = 51) groups on the basis of self-reported sexual feelings and behaviors. Both groups provided demographic information and completed Hogan's Scale. As predicted, the homosexuals were found to score significantly higher on the empathy assessment. Given the strong association between empathy and altruism, the sociobiological model was supported.
Salais
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D
Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
Fischer
R B
RB
D000328:Adult; D000533:Altruism; D004645:Empathy; D005783:Gender Identity; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012723:Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior