Sexual orientation and height, weight, and age of puberty: new tests from a British national probability sample.
Research using non-representative samples indicates that certain sex-dimorphic physical, developmental and behavioral variables predict sexual orientation. In this study, three sex-dimorphic physical development variables-height, weight, and age of puberty/sexual maturation-and sexual orientation were examined in a British national probability sample (N=18,876). Women with same-sex inclinations (particularly bisexuals) had an earlier first sexual experience (approx. 1.4 years) and were taller (approx. 1 cm) than heterosexual women, but the height/sexual orientation relationship was complex. Lesbian/bisexual women did not differ from heterosexual women in age at menarche or in weight. Men with same-sex inclinations (particularly bisexuals) had an earlier first sexual experience relative to heterosexual men (approx. 3 months). Homosexual men did not significantly differ from heterosexual men in height or in weight, although there was some evidence that bisexual men were taller than heterosexual men (approx. 1 cm). The results challenge some prior research on sexual orientation and physical development using non-representative samples.
Bogaert
Anthony F
AF
Department of Community Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada L2S 3A1. tbogaert@spartan.ac.brocku.ca
Friesen
Chris
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011627:Puberty / Q000523:psychology*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D006113:United Kingdom