Elucidating the origins of heterosexual sex differences in mating psychology by examining the behaviour of homosexual men and women

Various competing theoretical frameworks have been invoked to explain heterosexual sex differences in mating psychology. Chapter One provides examples of such frameworks, details how considering both heterosexual and homosexual men and women can help identify the most tenable frameworks, and reviews previous research comparing the mating psychology of heterosexual and homosexual men and women. Chapter Two demonstrates the utility of this comparative method by examining the mate retention behaviour of heterosexual and homosexual men and women. Where heterosexual sex differences exist, the mate retention behaviour of homosexual men is largely sex-typical while that of homosexual women is sex-atypical. The significance of these results for explaining heterosexual sex differences in mate retention is discussed. Chapter Three discusses how the data presented and reviewed here might inform our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying mating psychology as well as the development of sexual orientation in men and women.

Authors

• VanderLaan, Doug P
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science

• Dissertations, Academic
• Sex differences (Psychology)
• Sexual orientation -- Psychological aspects

Identifier

hdl:10133/674

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/674