Research found that those who believe sexual orientation is inborn have generally positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. However, other studies have also found that these beliefs could include negative eugenic ideas. This study aims to investigate the role of people’s beliefs about the aetiology of sexual orientation in attitudes toward adoption for both gay and lesbian couples in Italy. We hypothesized that this relationship would be mediated by sexual prejudice. To test the predictions, 256 Italian heterosexual participants were asked to answer questions on a scale about their beliefs regarding the aetiology of sexual orientation, sexual prejudice, and attitudes toward adoption by same-sex couples. Results confirmed that the relationship between aetiology beliefs and support for adoption by gay and lesbian couples was fully mediated by sexual prejudice. These results suggest that the belief that sexual orientation is controllable may serve to justify one’s prejudice and, in turn, result in a lower support for same-sex couples’ adoption.

(2022). The Role of Sexual Prejudice and Aetiology Beliefs in the Italians’ Attitudes Toward Adoption by Same-Sex Couples [journal article - articolo]. In EUROPE'S JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10446/232809

The Role of Sexual Prejudice and Aetiology Beliefs in the Italians’ Attitudes Toward Adoption by Same-Sex Couples

Di Battista, Silvia;Pivetti, Monica
2022-01-01

Abstract

Research found that those who believe sexual orientation is inborn have generally positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. However, other studies have also found that these beliefs could include negative eugenic ideas. This study aims to investigate the role of people’s beliefs about the aetiology of sexual orientation in attitudes toward adoption for both gay and lesbian couples in Italy. We hypothesized that this relationship would be mediated by sexual prejudice. To test the predictions, 256 Italian heterosexual participants were asked to answer questions on a scale about their beliefs regarding the aetiology of sexual orientation, sexual prejudice, and attitudes toward adoption by same-sex couples. Results confirmed that the relationship between aetiology beliefs and support for adoption by gay and lesbian couples was fully mediated by sexual prejudice. These results suggest that the belief that sexual orientation is controllable may serve to justify one’s prejudice and, in turn, result in a lower support for same-sex couples’ adoption.
articolo
2022
DI BATTISTA, Silvia; Paolini, Daniele; Mongelli, Lucia; Pivetti, Monica
(2022). The Role of Sexual Prejudice and Aetiology Beliefs in the Italians’ Attitudes Toward Adoption by Same-Sex Couples [journal article - articolo]. In EUROPE'S JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10446/232809
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10446/232809
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