title: The role of lay theories of the etiologies of homosexuality in attitudes towards lesbians and gay men.
abstract: SUMMARY Previous research has demonstrated that those who believe that homosexuality is genetically or biologically caused have less negative attitudes towards gays and lesbians than those who believe it is acquired, learned, or chosen. This study, utilizing an undergraduate and graduate Psychology student sample, found significant relationships between attitudes towards lesbians and gay men and beliefs about causes and "treatments" for homosexuality. Level of personal contact with lesbians and gay men and demographic factors also influenced attitudes toward and beliefs about homosexuality. These results suggest that educational attempts to change attitudes towards lesbians and gay men should consider the role played by beliefs about the etiologies of homosexuality.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology, Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies , York University , 4700 Keele Street , Toronto , ON , Canada , M3J 1P3.
authors.forename: Erin C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Hewitt
authors.forename: Leslea D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Moore
keywords: Lesbians; attitudes; causes of homosexuality; gay men