Werner10.20

Biology, Psychology and Anthropology

Psychological Studies

By far the most complete and careful study of family relationships and homosexuality is Green's (1987) fifteen year comparison of effeminate and masculine boys beginning from the time the boys were four to twelve years old, and continuing into adulthood. The boys and parents were interviewed and observed regularly over this time period, and psychological tests were administered at various points. Of 30 feminine boys accompanied throughout this period and with sexual experiences, 24 were "more than incidentally homosexual" as adults. Of the 25 "masculine" controls, only one was more than incidentally homosexual as an adult. Many of the effeminate boys were subjected to behaviorist or other therapies during their childhood, all apparently without effect on their later homosexual behaviors or fantasies. In addition, although a good deal of attention has been given to the role of parents in the origin of homosexuality, neither Green nor others (Greenstein 1966; Siegelman 1974; Green 1987) have found much support for these arguments.