Review paper for PSY492

1. Childhood Trauma Linked to Male Homosexuality Shelley Mangum December 10, 2009 Argosy University

2. The null hypothesis’ are: Emotional trauma as a child has no relationship to male homosexuality. CSA (Childhood Sexual Abuse) has no correlation to male homosexuality. Childhood psychological abuse has no correlation to male homosexuality. Childhood physical abuse has no relationship to male homosexuality.

3. The Opposition

4. The Opposition Homosexuality is Biologically Linked Homosexuality and Childhood Abuse D. F. Swaab in 1990 performed the first study to document structural physiological differences in a homosexual man’s brain. Research of the hypothalamus is very limited Relationship between CSA and homosexuality in men, as much as 75% in some cases (Johnston, 2009). We have been asking the wrong question for many years.

5. The Opposition Homosexuality is Biologically Linked: Weaknesses Homosexuality and Childhood Abuse: Weaknesses Lack of other causes for enlarged hypothalamus. Subjects are not a live when studied The ability to study the living brain Time and Money limitations Every case is different and unique. It is difficult to identify all the variables in each case. Not all men that experience CSA are homosexual Lack of longitudinal studies

6. Research Purpose This research study explores five different aspects of childhood trauma. The null hypothesis’ are: Emotional trauma as a child has no relationship to male homosexuality. CSA (Childhood Sexual Abuse) has no correlation to male homosexuality. Childhood psychological abuse has no correlation to male homosexuality. Childhood physical abuse has no relationship to male homosexuality. Other childhood traumas have no relationship to male homosexuality.

7. Results Of Childhood Sexual Abuse Children are not equipped to handle adult sexuality. Emotionally Physically Spiritually Psychologically

8. Results Of Childhood Sexual Abuse The authors from Unequal Opportunity write about some of the outcomes associated with childhood sexual abuse (Purcell, 2008): Sexual compulsivity Shame Guilt Long-standing uncertainty about sexual orientation Sexual identity confusion and struggle with masculinity More lifetime sexual partners Increased risk for depression and partner violence More sexual risk behavior and higher prevalence of HIV infection

9. Results Of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reverend Bob Perdue speaks from personal experience of how CSA can affect the development and power of a man (Johnson, 2009): Abuse breaks a man’s sense of power. Those who were overpowered by another man or older boy feel powerless. Those who were exposed to phallic images that were much larger than their own feel powerless and less of a man than others. This desire for power can become fixated on the male genitalia and fuels an attraction that is really more about power than about sex. (pg. 1)

10. Summary What we learn from this study could help us better understand development. It could help point research in direction that will improve techniques for helping change developmental patterns that can trap men in unwanted behavioral patterns. Perhaps the results of this study will shift the old beliefs of some, that homosexuality is only biologically determined. The more willing we are to look at all the possible elements the more likely we will be to find effective solutions to the problems people face, in this case SSA men.