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Scheller M, de Sousa AA, Brotto LA, Little AC. The Role of Sexual and Romantic Attraction in Human Mate Preferences. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:299-312. [PMID: 36795115 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2176811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in mate preferences are ubiquitous, having been evidenced across generations and cultures. Their prevalence and persistence have compellingly placed them in the evolutionarily adaptive context of sexual selection. However, the psycho-biological mechanisms contributing to their generation and maintenance remain poorly understood. As such a mechanism, sexual attraction is assumed to guide interest, desire, and the affinity toward specific partner features. However, whether sexual attraction can indeed explain sex differences in partner preferences has not been explicitly tested. To better understand how sex and sexual attraction shape mate preferences in humans we assessed how partner preferences differed across the spectrum of sexual attraction in a sample of 479 individuals that identified as asexual, gray-sexual, demisexual or allosexual. We further tested whether romantic attraction predicted preference profiles better than sexual attraction. Our results show that sexual attraction accounts for highly replicable sex differences in mate preferences for high social status and financial prospects, conscientiousness, and intelligence; however, it does not account for the enhanced preference for physical attractiveness expressed by men, which persists even in individuals with low sexual attraction. Instead, sex differences in physical attractiveness preference are better explained by the degree of romantic attraction. Furthermore, effects of sexual attraction on sex differences in partner preferences were grounded in current rather than previous experiences of sexual attraction. Taken together, the results support the idea that contemporary sex differences in partner preferences are maintained by several psycho-biological mechanisms that evolved in conjunction, including not only sexual but also romantic attraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Scheller
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath
- Department of Psychology, Durham University
- School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen
| | | | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia
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Aguilar R. Finger-Length Ratios and Sexual Orientation in Southern Spain: A Large Sample Study on Sex-Linked Personality and Cognitive Traits. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:3301-3312. [PMID: 37537427 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Some similarities between sex differences and sexual orientation differences, with gay men shifted in female-typical directions and lesbians shifted in male-typical directions, have been hypothesized to reflect the effects of prenatal androgen exposure. This report assessed sex-linked personality and cognitive traits in a Spanish sample of 1117 straight (i.e., heterosexual) and non-straight (i.e., non-heterosexual) men and women, using finger-length ratio (2D:4D) as an index of prenatal androgen exposure. Observed sex differences were in the expected direction: Measures of right-hand 2D:4D, left-hand 2D:4D, and anxiety were higher in straight women than men, whereas impulsivity, dominance, cognitive reflection, and mathematical proficiency were higher in straight men than women. Gay men proved to be shifted in a female-typical direction compared to straight men for right-hand 2D:4D, left-hand 2D:4D, anxiety, and cognitive reflection; they were intermediate for dominance and mathematics, and were shifted in a male-typical direction for impulsivity. Lesbians were shifted in a male-typical direction compared to straight women for left-hand 2D:4D, anxiety, cognitive reflection, and mathematics; and they were shifted in a highly female-typical direction for impulsivity and dominance (scoring lower than straight women). Observed sex-linked shifts in gay men and lesbians were larger for psychological traits that displayed larger sex differences, and smallest for impulsivity (which displayed the smallest sex difference). Evidence also suggested that sex-related measures were linked to 2D:4D in theoretically meaningful ways. In conclusion, this report suggests a plausible role of androgens as prenatal determinants of sex-linked personality and cognitive traits in straight and non-straight men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Aguilar
- Departamento de Psicología Básica, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, C/ Doctor Ortiz Ramos, 12, Ampliación de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
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Johnson L, Lukert B. Science, Scripture, and Sexuality: The US United Methodist Church at Crossroads. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023:10.1007/s10943-023-01806-7. [PMID: 37079172 PMCID: PMC10117265 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
During the past 50 years, medical and behavioral scientists have made great progress in understanding the variables which influence the development of sexual orientation, identity, and consequent behavior. In most instances, homosexuality is influenced by hormonal, genetic, and immunologic variables during fetal development, and the effects cannot usually be altered without consequence. The recent struggle within The United Methodist Church in the USA reflects the difficulty that society in general has with accepting homosexuality as part of the spectrum of sexuality. Hopefully, understanding the factors influencing sexual orientation will aid in reducing prejudice and eventually bring an end to the pain endured by the LGBTQ community, and the conflict within The United Methodist Church, a prototype of the struggle.
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Feferkorn I, Suarthana E, Peero EK, Hizkiyahu R, Son WY, Tulandi T, Buckett W. Is there an association between sperm parameters and sexual orientation? A cross sectional study. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2022; 44:987-990. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Tzalazidis R, Oinonen KA. Continuum of Symptoms in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Links with Sexual Behavior and Unrestricted Sociosexuality. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:532-544. [PMID: 32077320 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1726273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exist on a continuum, are associated with hyperandrogenism, and have fertility implications. The present study investigated the relationship between PCOS symptoms and sociosexuality in young women with a continuum of symptoms ranging from none to clinical levels. Given that unrestricted sociosexuality, or one's orientation toward uncommitted sexual activity, is associated with hyperandrogenism, we hypothesized that women experiencing more symptoms of PCOS, and a greater likelihood of androgen excess, would have a more unrestricted sociosexual orientation. Women completed questionnaires about PCOS symptoms, sociosexuality, and sexuality. Unrestricted sociosexuality, unrestricted desire, romantic interest in women, and masturbation frequency were all positively associated with PCOS symptoms (including male pattern hair growth). The sexuality scores were also higher in women who scored above (versus below) the cutoff on a self-report PCOS screening questionnaire. In addition, attraction to women was higher in participants reporting a past diagnosis of PCOS. The findings are in line with theories that androgens play a role in sociosexuality and sexual orientation. Future research should examine sociocultural explanations, and whether the continuum of PCOS symptoms (e.g., hirsutism) is a useful model for studying the effects of androgen exposure, hyperandrogenism, or androgen responsiveness on women's behavior.
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Abstract
Biological sex differences in brain function and structure are reliably associated with several cortico-subcortical brain regions. While sexual orientation (hetero- versus homosexuality) has been similarly linked to functional differences in several phylogenetically-old brain areas, the research on morphological brain phenotypes associated with sexual orientation is far from conclusive. We examined potential cerebral structural differences linked to sexual orientation in a group of 74 participants, including 37 men (21 homosexual) and 37 women (19 homosexual) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Gray matter volumes (GMV) were compared with respect to sexual orientation and biological sex across the entire sample using full factorial designs controlling for total intracranial volume, age, handedness, and education. We observed a significant effect of sexual orientation for the thalamus and precentral gyrus, with more GMV in heterosexual versus homosexual individuals, and for the putamen, with more GMV in homosexual + than heterosexual individuals. We found significant interactions between biological sex and sexual orientation, indicating that the significant effect for the putamen cluster was driven by homosexual women, whereas heterosexual women had increased precentral gyrus GMV. Heterosexual men exhibited more GMV in the thalamus than homosexual men. This study shows that sexual orientation is reflected in brain structure characteristics and that these differ between the sexes. The results emphasize the need to include or control for potential effects of participants' sexual orientation in neuroimaging studies. Furthermore, our findings provide important new insights into the brain morphology underlying sexual orientation and likely have important implications for understanding brain functions and behavior.
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Harris A, Bewley S, Meads C. Sex Hormone Levels in Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Women: Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2405-2420. [PMID: 32405900 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01717-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lesbian and bisexual women may have different levels of sex hormones compared to heterosexual women. We systematically reviewed comparative studies measuring any sex hormones. A protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO-CRD42017072436) and searches conducted in six databases. Any relevant empirical studies published within the last 50 years reporting any circulating sex hormones in sexual minority women compared to heterosexual women were included, with no language or setting restrictions. Inclusions, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analyses of hormone levels, using standardized-mean-differences (SMD) were conducted where five or more studies reported results. From 1236 citations, 24 full papers were examined and 14 studies of mixed designs included, 12 in women without known ovarian problems. Hormones were measured in plasma (n = 9), saliva (n = 4), and urine (n = 2) and included androstenedione, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, pregnanediol, progesterone, testosterone, and several other hormones. Most studies were small, biased, and had considerable heterogeneity. Few found statistically significant differences between groups. All-sample meta-analysis showed increased testosterone in sexual minority women compared to heterosexual women (n = 9; SMD = 0.90; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.22, 1.57, I2 = 84%). This was the only difference found. We conclude that the small amount of heterogeneous research, from 50 years to date, suggests little discernable difference in sex hormone levels between lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women excepting possibly higher testosterone. A large-scale primary study would be required before placing any certainty in the findings or their implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Harris
- Division of Women's Health, Women's Health Academic Centre, King's College London and King's Health Partners, London, UK
| | - Susan Bewley
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London and King's Health Partners, London, UK
| | - Catherine Meads
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK.
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Balthazart J. Sexual partner preference in animals and humans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:34-47. [PMID: 32450091 PMCID: PMC7484171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in brain and behavior of animals including humans result from an interaction between biological and environmental influences. This is also true for the differences between men and women concerning sexual orientation. Sexual differentiation is mediated by three groups of biological mechanisms: early actions of sex steroids, more direct actions of sex-specific genes not mediated by gonadal sex steroids and epigenetic mechanisms. Differential interactions with parents and conspecifics have additionally long-term influences on behavior. This presentation reviews available evidence indicating that these different mechanisms play a significant role in the control of sexual partner preference in animals and humans, in other words the homosexual versus heterosexual orientation. Clinical and epidemiological studies of phenotypically selected populations indicate that early actions of hormones and genetic factors clearly contribute to the determination of sexual orientation. The maternal embryonic environment also modifies the incidence of male homosexuality via immunological mechanisms. The relative contribution of each of these mechanisms remains however to be determined.
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Mohandass A, Krishnan V, Gribkova ED, Asuthkar S, Baskaran P, Nersesyan Y, Hussain Z, Wise LM, George RE, Stokes N, Alexander BM, Cohen AM, Pavlov EV, Llano DA, Zhu MX, Thyagarajan B, Zakharian E. TRPM8 as the rapid testosterone signaling receptor: Implications in the regulation of dimorphic sexual and social behaviors. FASEB J 2020; 34:10887-10906. [PMID: 32609392 PMCID: PMC7496617 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000794r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone regulates dimorphic sexual behaviors in all vertebrates. However, the molecular mechanism underlying these behaviors remains unclear. Here, we report that a newly identified rapid testosterone signaling receptor, Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8), regulates dimorphic sexual and social behaviors in mice. We found that, along with higher steroid levels in the circulation, TRPM8-/- male mice exhibit increased mounting frequency indiscriminate of sex, delayed sexual satiety, and increased aggression compared to wild-type controls, while TRPM8-/- females display an increased olfaction-exploratory behavior. Furthermore, neuronal responses to acute testosterone application onto the amygdala were attenuated in TRPM8-/- males but remained unchanged in females. Moreover, activation of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area following mating was impaired in TRPM8-/- males. Together, these results demonstrate that TRPM8 regulates dimorphic sexual and social behaviors, and potentially constitutes a signalosome for mediation of sex-reward mechanism in males. Thus, deficiency of TRPM8 might lead to a delayed sexual satiety phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithya Mohandass
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Vivek Krishnan
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Ekaterina D Gribkova
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Swapna Asuthkar
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Padmamalini Baskaran
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Yelena Nersesyan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Zahir Hussain
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leslie M Wise
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Robert E George
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Nadarra Stokes
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | | | - Alejandro M Cohen
- Biological Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Life Sciences Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Evgeny V Pavlov
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Llano
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Michael X Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Baskaran Thyagarajan
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Eleonora Zakharian
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
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Daae E, Feragen KB, Waehre A, Nermoen I, Falhammar H. Sexual Orientation in Individuals With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:38. [PMID: 32231525 PMCID: PMC7082355 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic condition of the steroidogenic enzymes in the adrenal cortex normally leading to variable degrees of cortisol and aldosterone deficiency as well as androgen excess. Exposure to androgens prenatally might lead to ambiguous genitalia. The fetal brain develops in traditional male direction through a direct action of androgens on the developing nerve cells, or in the traditional female direction in the absence of androgens. This may indicate that sexual development, including sexual orientation, are programmed into our brain structures prenatally. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature, investigating sexual orientation in individuals with CAH. The study also aimed at identifying which measures are used to define sexual orientation across studies. The review is based on articles identified through a comprehensive search of the OVIDMedline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases published up to May 2019. All peer-reviewed articles investigating sexual orientation in people with CAH were included. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods were considered, as well as self-, parent-, and third-party reports, and no age or language restrictions were enforced on publications. The present review included 30 studies investigating sexual orientation in patients with CAH assigned female at birth (46, XX) (n = 927) or assigned male at birth (46, XY and 46, XX) (n = 274). Results indicate that assigned females at birth (46, XX) with CAH had a greater likelihood to not have an exclusively heterosexual orientation than females from the general population, whereas no assigned males at birth (46, XY or 46, XX) with CAH identified themselves as non-heterosexual. There was a wide diversity in measures used and a preference for unvalidated and self-constructed interviews. Hence, the results need to be interpreted with caution. Methodological weaknesses might have led to non-heterosexual orientation being overestimated or underestimated. The methodological challenges identified by this review should be further investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ingrid Nermoen
- Oslo University, Oslo, Norway
- Akershus University Hospital, Lillestrøm, Norway
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Barron AB, Hare B. Prosociality and a Sociosexual Hypothesis for the Evolution of Same-Sex Attraction in Humans. Front Psychol 2020; 10:2955. [PMID: 32010022 PMCID: PMC6976918 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human same-sex sexual attraction (SSSA) has long been considered to be an evolutionary puzzle. The trait is clearly biological: it is widespread and has a strong additive genetic basis, but how SSSA has evolved remains a subject of debate. Of itself, homosexual sexual behavior will not yield offspring, and consequently individuals expressing strong SSSA that are mostly or exclusively homosexual are presumed to have lower fitness and reproductive success. How then did the trait evolve, and how is it maintained in populations? Here we develop a novel argument for the evolution of SSSA that focuses on the likely adaptive social consequences of SSSA. We argue that same sex sexual attraction evolved as just one of a suite of traits responding to strong selection for ease of social integration or prosocial behavior. A strong driver of recent human behavioral evolution has been selection for reduced reactive aggression, increased social affiliation, social communication, and ease of social integration. In many prosocial mammals sex has adopted new social functions in contexts of social bonding, social reinforcement, appeasement, and play. We argue that for humans the social functions and benefits of sex apply to same-sex sexual behavior as well as heterosexual behavior. As a consequence we propose a degree of SSSA, was selected for in recent human evolution for its non-conceptive social benefits. We discuss how this hypothesis provides a better explanation for human sexual attractions and behavior than theories that invoke sexual inversion or single-locus genetic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B. Barron
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian Hare
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Center for Cognitive Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Wang Y, Wu H, Sun ZS. The biological basis of sexual orientation: How hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors influence to whom we are sexually attracted. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100798. [PMID: 31593707 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans develop relatively stable attractions to sexual partners during maturation and present a spectrum of sexual orientation from homosexuality to heterosexuality encompassing varying degrees of bisexuality, with some individuals also displaying asexuality. Sexual orientation represents a basic life phenomenon for humans. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these diverse traits of sexual orientation remain highly controversial. In this review, we systematically discuss recent advancements in sexual orientation research, including those related to measurements and associated brain regions. Current findings regarding sexual orientation modulation by hormonal, genetic, maternal immune system, and environmental factors are summarized in both human and model systems. We also emphasize that future studies should recognize the differences between males and females and pay more attention to minor traits and the epigenetic regulation of sexual orientation. A comprehensive view of sexual orientation may promote our understanding of the biological basis of sex, and that of human reproduction, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haoda Wu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Sino-Danish College, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Sino-Danish College, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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Evcili F. Sexual Orientation Myhts Scale (SOMS): Development, validity and reliability in Turkey. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2019; 55:554-561. [PMID: 30854681 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study is to develop the Sexual Orientation Myths Scale (SOMS) and to specify its validity and reliability. DESIGN AND METHODS This is a methodological research. Voluntary participiants studying at a state university in Turkey constituted the samples of the research. FINDINGS The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale is 0.85. In the factor analysis carried out with the remaining 19 items on the scale, a five-factor structure that explained 57.628% of the variance and had a factor loading value of above 0.40 emerged. Factorial model of scale was found an excellent fit. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The scale can be beneficial for individuals to determine their adoption levels of sexual orientation-related myths and for providing data for health education programs planned to be created.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funda Evcili
- Child Care and Youth Services, Child Development Department, Vocational School of Health Care Services, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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15
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Bintang RS, Amin MM. Psychological Dynamic of a Gay: A Case Report from Medan. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:2682-2684. [PMID: 31777634 PMCID: PMC6876825 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Masculinity behaviour is not a problematic sexual orientation disorder to find. Some behaviour could complicate the prevention and management, such as: rarely seeking help from a psychiatrist unless facing law problem or surrounding social taboo. The recent number of prevalence represents only the tip of the iceberg. CASE REPORT We presented a case of a 38-year-old man taken by a police officer in the Department of Psychiatry, Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital for a Psychiatric Evaluation after allegedly killing his male partner. Psychiatric evaluation and MMPI-2 examinations were conducted to disclose and analyse his life dynamics and reality. CONCLUSION The prior examination directed us to conduct an examination using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). We found increased from Clinical Scale 5 and 44 positive answers from 66 questions. This patient is egosyntony that make it is very complicated to be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahma S. Bintang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Mustafa M. Amin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
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16
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Manzouri A, Savic I. Possible Neurobiological Underpinnings of Homosexuality and Gender Dysphoria. Cereb Cortex 2019; 29:2084-2101. [PMID: 30084980 PMCID: PMC6677918 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although frequently discussed in terms of sex dimorphism, the neurobiology of sexual orientation and identity is unknown. We report multimodal magnetic resonance imaging data, including cortical thickness (Cth), subcortical volumes, and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, from 27 transgender women (TrW), 40 transgender men (TrM), and 80 heterosexual (40 men) and 60 homosexual cisgender controls (30 men). These data show that whereas homosexuality is linked to cerebral sex dimorphism, gender dysphoria primarily involves cerebral networks mediating self-body perception. Among the homosexual cisgender controls, weaker sex dimorphism was found in white matter connections and a partly reversed sex dimorphism in Cth. Similar patterns were detected in transgender persons compared with heterosexual cisgender controls, but the significant clusters disappeared when adding homosexual controls, and correcting for sexual orientation. Instead, both TrW and TrM displayed singular features, showing greater Cth as well as weaker structural and functional connections in the anterior cingulate-precuneus and right occipito-parietal cortex, regions known to process own body perception in the context of self.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Manzouri
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - I Savic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Bogaert AF, Ashton MC, Lee K. Personality and Sexual Orientation: Extension to Asexuality and the HEXACO Model. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:951-961. [PMID: 28276935 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1287844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has examined self-identified sexual orientation in relation to self-reports on the Big Five personality factors. Here we extend this research by including asexuality as a fourth sexual orientation and by assessing the HEXACO personality factors, using self-report data from a large anonymous online sample (N ≈ 100,000). A large overlap was observed among all sexual orientation groups on all six HEXACO dimensions, but notable group differences also emerged. All nonheterosexual groups, particularly bisexual people, averaged higher in openness to experience than did heterosexuals. Heterosexual men averaged much lower in emotionality than heterosexual women, but only a small difference was observed between gay men and lesbians on this dimension. Asexual men and women averaged lower in extraversion and in some facets of emotionality (specifically, dependence and sentimentality) than did the other sexual orientation groups of the same sex. Results are discussed in relation to the different social realities that each sexual orientation group often experiences, along with the (gender-related) developmental influences hypothesized to underlie in part the origins of sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kibeom Lee
- c Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
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Coome LA, Skorska MN, van der Miesen AI, Peragine DE, VanderLaan DP. An examination of the biodevelopment of gender expression in children ages 6- to 12-years. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2018-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A. Coome
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON
| | | | - Anna I.R. van der Miesen
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Doug P. VanderLaan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON
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Roselli CE. Neurobiology of gender identity and sexual orientation. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12562. [PMID: 29211317 PMCID: PMC6677266 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sexual identity and sexual orientation are independent components of a person's sexual identity. These dimensions are most often in harmony with each other and with an individual's genital sex, although not always. The present review discusses the relationship of sexual identity and sexual orientation to prenatal factors that act to shape the development of the brain and the expression of sexual behaviours in animals and humans. One major influence discussed relates to organisational effects that the early hormone environment exerts on both gender identity and sexual orientation. Evidence that gender identity and sexual orientation are masculinised by prenatal exposure to testosterone and feminised in it absence is drawn from basic research in animals, correlations of biometric indices of androgen exposure and studies of clinical conditions associated with disorders in sexual development. There are, however, important exceptions to this theory that have yet to be resolved. Family and twin studies indicate that genes play a role, although no specific candidate genes have been identified. Evidence that relates to the number of older brothers implicates maternal immune responses as a contributing factor for male sexual orientation. It remains speculative how these influences might relate to each other and interact with postnatal socialisation. Nonetheless, despite the many challenges to research in this area, existing empirical evidence makes it clear that there is a significant biological contribution to the development of an individual's sexual identity and sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Roselli
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Miranda A, Sousa N. Maternal hormonal milieu influence on fetal brain development. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00920. [PMID: 29484271 PMCID: PMC5822586 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An adverse maternal hormonal environment during pregnancy can be associated with abnormal brain growth. Subtle changes in fetal brain development have been observed even for maternal hormone levels within the currently accepted physiologic ranges. In this review, we provide an update of the research data on maternal hormonal impact on fetal neurodevelopment, giving particular emphasis to thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids. Thyroid hormones are required for normal brain development. Despite serum TSH appearing to be the most accurate indicator of thyroid function in pregnancy, maternal serum free T4 levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are the major determinant of postnatal psychomotor development. Even a transient period of maternal hypothyroxinemia at the beginning of neurogenesis can confer a higher risk of expressive language and nonverbal cognitive delays in offspring. Nevertheless, most recent clinical guidelines advocate for targeted high-risk case finding during first trimester of pregnancy despite universal thyroid function screening. Corticosteroids are determinant in suppressing cell proliferation and stimulating terminal differentiation, a fundamental switch for the maturation of fetal organs. Not surprisingly, intrauterine exposure to stress or high levels of glucocorticoids, endogenous or synthetic, has a molecular and structural impact on brain development and appears to impair cognition and increase anxiety and reactivity to stress. Limbic regions, such as hippocampus and amygdala, are particularly sensitive. Repeated doses of prenatal corticosteroids seem to have short-term benefits of less respiratory distress and fewer serious health problems in offspring. Nevertheless, neurodevelopmental growth in later childhood and adulthood needs further clarification. Future studies should address the relevance of monitoring the level of thyroid hormones and corticosteroids during pregnancy in the risk stratification for impaired postnatal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Miranda
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B's ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHospital de BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B's ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinic Academic Center ‐ 2CABragaPortugal
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Burke SM, Manzouri AH, Savic I. Structural connections in the brain in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17954. [PMID: 29263327 PMCID: PMC5738422 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17352-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both transgenderism and homosexuality are facets of human biology, believed to derive from different sexual differentiation of the brain. The two phenomena are, however, fundamentally unalike, despite an increased prevalence of homosexuality among transgender populations. Transgenderism is associated with strong feelings of incongruence between one's physical sex and experienced gender, not reported in homosexual persons. The present study searches to find neural correlates for the respective conditions, using fractional anisotropy (FA) as a measure of white matter connections that has consistently shown sex differences. We compared FA in 40 transgender men (female birth-assigned sex) and 27 transgender women (male birth-assigned sex), with both homosexual (29 male, 30 female) and heterosexual (40 male, 40 female) cisgender controls. Previously reported sex differences in FA were reproduced in cis-heterosexual groups, but were not found among the cis-homosexual groups. After controlling for sexual orientation, the transgender groups showed sex-typical FA-values. The only exception was the right inferior fronto-occipital tract, connecting parietal and frontal brain areas that mediate own body perception. Our findings suggest that the neuroanatomical signature of transgenderism is related to brain areas processing the perception of self and body ownership, whereas homosexuality seems to be associated with less cerebral sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Burke
- Brain & Development Research Centre, Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Amir H Manzouri
- Stressmotagningen, S:t Göransgatan 84, 112 38, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivanka Savic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Gay men have, on average, a greater number of older brothers than do heterosexual men, a well-known finding within sexual science. This finding has been termed the fraternal birth order effect. Strong scientific interest in sexual orientation exists because it is a fundamental human characteristic, and because its origins are often the focal point of considerable social controversy. Our study is a major advance in understanding the origins of sexual orientation in men by providing support for a theorized but previously unexamined biological mechanism—a maternal immune response to a protein important in male fetal brain development—and by beginning to explain one of the most reliable correlates of male homosexuality: older brothers. We conducted a direct test of an immunological explanation of the finding that gay men have a greater number of older brothers than do heterosexual men. This explanation posits that some mothers develop antibodies against a Y-linked protein important in male brain development, and that this effect becomes increasingly likely with each male gestation, altering brain structures underlying sexual orientation in their later-born sons. Immune assays targeting two Y-linked proteins important in brain development—protocadherin 11 Y-linked (PCDH11Y) and neuroligin 4 Y-linked (NLGN4Y; isoforms 1 and 2)—were developed. Plasma from mothers of sons, about half of whom had a gay son, along with additional controls (women with no sons, men) was analyzed for male protein-specific antibodies. Results indicated women had significantly higher anti-NLGN4Y levels than men. In addition, after statistically controlling for number of pregnancies, mothers of gay sons, particularly those with older brothers, had significantly higher anti-NLGN4Y levels than did the control samples of women, including mothers of heterosexual sons. The results suggest an association between a maternal immune response to NLGN4Y and subsequent sexual orientation in male offspring.
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Noroozzadeh M, Ramezani Tehrani F, Bahri Khomami M, Azizi F. A Comparison of Sexual Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Whose Mothers Had PCOS During Their Pregnancy Period with Those Without PCOS. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:2033-2042. [PMID: 28070801 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0919-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women during reproductive ages. Clinical symptoms associated with PCOS, such as hirsutism, acne, alopecia, obesity, and infertility, may lead to emotional morbidity and then impaired sexual function in those affected. During intrauterine development, the fetus may program the development of diseases during adulthood. In this study, we aimed to examine sexual function in women with PCOS, exposed to maternal androgen excess during their prenatal life compared to non-exposed PCOS patients. In this cross-sectional study, 768 married women with PCOS, aged 18-49 years, were subdivided into two groups, based on their mothers' PCOS status: women whose mothers had PCOS (N = 94) and women whose mothers did not have PCOS (N = 674). Data were collected using a questionnaire including information on demographics, anthropometric and reproductive characteristics, and the Female Sexual Function Index. Blood serum samples were collected from patients for assessment of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels. Results revealed that sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in PCOS women whose mothers also had PCOS, compared to those whose mothers did not (38.6 vs. 25.3%, p = .01). After adjusting for confounding variables, logistic regression analysis showed that odds ratios for sexual dysfunction (total) and sexual dysfunction in the pain domain were significantly higher in the exposed PCOS women versus the non-exposed women (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.06-3.07, p = .02 and 1.68, 95% CI 1.01-2.77, p = .04, respectively). Our study demonstrates increased sexual dysfunction in PCOS women whose mothers also had PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Noroozzadeh
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1985717413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1985717413, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Bahri Khomami
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1985717413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereidoun Azizi
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Reinisch JM, Mortensen EL, Sanders SA. Prenatal Exposure to Progesterone Affects Sexual Orientation in Humans. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1239-1249. [PMID: 28374065 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0923-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal sex hormone levels affect physical and behavioral sexual differentiation in animals and humans. Although prenatal hormones are theorized to influence sexual orientation in humans, evidence is sparse. Sexual orientation variables for 34 prenatally progesterone-exposed subjects (17 males and 17 females) were compared to matched controls (M age = 23.2 years). A case-control double-blind design was used drawing on existing data from the US/Denmark Prenatal Development Project. Index cases were exposed to lutocyclin (bioidentical progesterone = C21H30O2; M W : 314.46) and no other hormonal preparation. Controls were matched on 14 physical, medical, and socioeconomic variables. A structured interview conducted by a psychologist and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on sexual orientation, self-identification, attraction to the same and other sex, and history of sexual behavior with each sex. Compared to the unexposed, fewer exposed males and females identified as heterosexual and more of them reported histories of same-sex sexual behavior, attraction to the same or both sexes, and scored higher on attraction to males. Measures of heterosexual behavior and scores on attraction to females did not differ significantly by exposure. We conclude that, regardless of sex, exposure appeared to be associated with higher rates of bisexuality. Prenatal progesterone may be an underappreciated epigenetic factor in human sexual and psychosexual development and, in light of the current prevalence of progesterone treatment during pregnancy for a variety of pregnancy complications, warrants further investigation. These data on the effects of prenatal exposure to exogenous progesterone also suggest a potential role for natural early perturbations in progesterone levels in the development of sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- June M Reinisch
- The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, Indiana University, Morrison Hall 313, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- The Museum of Sex, New York, NY, USA.
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Erik Lykke Mortensen
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stephanie A Sanders
- The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, Indiana University, Morrison Hall 313, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Cooke PS, Nanjappa MK, Ko C, Prins GS, Hess RA. Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:995-1043. [PMID: 28539434 PMCID: PMC6151497 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have historically been associated with female reproduction, but work over the last two decades established that estrogens and their main nuclear receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) also regulate male reproductive and nonreproductive organs. 17β-Estradiol (E2) is measureable in blood of men and males of other species, but in rete testis fluids, E2 reaches concentrations normally found only in females and in some species nanomolar concentrations of estrone sulfate are found in semen. Aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, is expressed in Leydig cells, seminiferous epithelium, and other male organs. Early studies showed E2 binding in numerous male tissues, and ESR1 and ESR2 each show unique distributions and actions in males. Exogenous estrogen treatment produced male reproductive pathologies in laboratory animals and men, especially during development, and studies with transgenic mice with compromised estrogen signaling demonstrated an E2 role in normal male physiology. Efferent ductules and epididymal functions are dependent on estrogen signaling through ESR1, whose loss impaired ion transport and water reabsorption, resulting in abnormal sperm. Loss of ESR1 or aromatase also produces effects on nonreproductive targets such as brain, adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, cardiovascular, and immune tissues. Expression of GPER is extensive in male tracts, suggesting a possible role for E2 signaling through this receptor in male reproduction. Recent evidence also indicates that membrane ESR1 has critical roles in male reproduction. Thus estrogens are important physiological regulators in males, and future studies may reveal additional roles for estrogen signaling in various target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence highlights the reality of unprecedented human exposure to toxic chemical agents found throughout our environment - in our food and water supply, in the air we breathe, in the products we apply to our skin, in the medical and dental materials placed into our bodies, and even within the confines of the womb. With biomonitoring confirming the widespread bioaccumulation of myriad toxicants among population groups, expanding research continues to explore the pathobiological impact of these agents on human metabolism. METHODS This review was prepared by assessing available medical and scientific literature from Medline as well as by reviewing several books, toxicology journals, government publications, and conference proceedings. The format of a traditional integrated review was chosen. RESULTS Toxicant exposure and accrual has been linked to numerous biochemical and pathophysiological mechanisms of harm. Some toxicants effect metabolic disruption via multiple mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS As a primary causative determinant of chronic disease, toxicant exposures induce metabolic disruption in myriad ways, which consequently result in varied clinical manifestations, which are then categorized by health providers into innumerable diagnoses. Chemical disruption of human metabolism has become an etiological determinant of much illness throughout the lifecycle, from neurodevelopmental abnormalities in-utero to dementia in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Genuis
- a Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Edmond Kyrillos
- b Department of Family Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
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May T, Pang KC, Williams K. Brief Report: Sexual Attraction and Relationships in Adolescents with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1910-1916. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Prenatal administration of letrozole reduces SDN and SCN volume and cell number independent of partner preference in the male rat. Physiol Behav 2017; 171:61-68. [PMID: 28057567 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During development, the exposure to testosterone, and its conversion to estradiol by an enzyme complex termed aromatase, appears to be essential in adult male rats for the expression of typical male sexual behavior and female-sex preference. Some hypothalamic areas are the supposed neural bases of sexual preference/orientation; for example, male-oriented rams have a reduced volume of the sexually dimorphic nucleus (oSDN), while in homosexual men this nucleus does not differ from that of heterosexual men. In contrast, homosexual men showed a larger number of vasopressinergic cells in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Interestingly, male rats perinatally treated with an aromatase inhibitor, 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD), also showed bisexual preference and an increased number of vasopressinergic neurons in the SCN. However, this steroidal aromatase inhibitor has affinity for all three steroid receptors. Recently, we reported that the prenatal administration of the selective aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, produced a subpopulation of males with same-sex preference. The aim of this study was to compare the volume and number of cells of the SDN and SCN (the latter nucleus was immunohistochemically stained for vasopressin) between males treated with letrozole with same-sex preference, males treated with letrozole with female preference and control males with female preference. Results showed that all males prenatally treated with letrozole have a reduced volume and estimated cell number in the SDN and SCN, independent of their partner preference. These results indicate that the changes in these brain areas are not related to sexual preference, but rather to the effects of letrozole. The divergent results may be explained by species differences as well as by the critical windows during which the aromatase inhibitor was administered.
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Skorska MN, Bogaert AF. Pubertal Stress and Nutrition and their Association with Sexual Orientation and Height in the Add Health Data. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:217-236. [PMID: 27511207 PMCID: PMC5925759 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0800-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A number of studies have indicated that gay men tend to be shorter, on average, than heterosexual men. Less evidence exists that lesbian women are taller, on average, than heterosexual women. The most popular explanation of the association between sexual orientation and height involves prenatal factors, such that, for example, gay men may have been exposed to lower than typical androgens during fetal development, which impacts their height and sexual orientation as adults. An alternative explanation involves stress, given that stress has been associated with sexual minority identification and with lower height. Another alternative explanation involves nutrition, although its relationship is less clear with sexual minority identification. Using the Add Health data, which is a large, nationally representative and longitudinal sample of American adolescents (n = 14,786), we tested a mediation model, such that sexual orientation → pubertal stress/nutrition → height. Within men, we found that gay men (n = 126) were shorter, on average, than heterosexual men (n = 6412). None of the 24 pubertal stress-related and 15 pubertal nutrition-related variables assessed in the Add Health data mediated the relationship between sexual orientation and height in men. Within women, lesbians (n = 75) did not differ significantly in stature compared to heterosexual women (n = 6267). Thus, prenatal mechanisms (e.g., hormones, maternal immune response) are likely better candidates for explaining the height difference between gay men and heterosexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvina N Skorska
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Anthony F Bogaert
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
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Skorska MN, Bogaert AF. Sexual Orientation, Objective Height, and Self-Reported Height. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2017; 54:19-32. [PMID: 26813611 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2015.1124831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies that have used mostly self-reported height have found that androphilic men and women are shorter than gynephilic men and women, respectively. This study examined whether an objective height difference exists or whether a psychosocial account (e.g., distortion of self-reports) may explain these putative height differences. A total of 863 participants, recruited at a Canadian university, the surrounding region, and through lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) events across Canada, self-reported their height and had their height measured. Androphilic men were shorter, on average, than gynephilic men. There was no objective height difference between gynephilic, ambiphilic, and androphilic women. Self-reported height, statistically controlling for objective height, was not related to sexual orientation. These findings are the first to show an objective height difference between androphilic and gynephilic men. Also, the findings suggest that previous studies using self-reported height found part of a true objective height difference between androphilic and gynephilic men. These findings have implications for existing biological theories of men's sexual orientation development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony F Bogaert
- b Department of Psychology and Department of Health Sciences , Brock University
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Bonnet X, Golubović A, Arsovski D, Đorđević S, Ballouard JM, Sterijovski B, Ajtić R, Barbraud C, Tomović L. A prison effect in a wild population: a scarcity of females induces homosexual behaviors in males. Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Ellis L, Skorska MN, Bogaert AF. Handedness, sexual orientation, and somatic markers for prenatal androgens: Are southpaws really that gay? Laterality 2016; 22:157-180. [DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2016.1151024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Balthazart J. Sex differences in partner preferences in humans and animals. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150118. [PMID: 26833838 PMCID: PMC4785903 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of morphological, physiological and behavioural traits are differentially expressed by males and females in all vertebrates including humans. These sex differences, sometimes, reflect the different hormonal environment of the adults, but they often remain present after subjects of both sexes are placed in the same endocrine conditions following gonadectomy associated or not with hormonal replacement therapy. They are then the result of combined influences of organizational actions of sex steroids acting early during development, or genetic differences between the sexes, or epigenetic mechanisms differentially affecting males and females. Sexual partner preference is a sexually differentiated behavioural trait that is clearly controlled in animals by the same type of mechanisms. This is also probably true in humans, even if critical experiments that would be needed to obtain scientific proof of this assertion are often impossible for pragmatic or ethical reasons. Clinical, epidemiological and correlative studies provide, however, converging evidence strongly suggesting, if not demonstrating, that endocrine, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms acting during the pre- or perinatal life control human sexual orientation, i.e. homosexuality versus heterosexuality. Whether they interact with postnatal psychosexual influences remains, however, unclear at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Balthazart
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, 15 avenue Hippocrate, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Ellis L, Lykins A, Hoskin A, Ratnasingam M. Putative Androgen Exposure and Sexual Orientation: Cross-Cultural Evidence Suggesting a Modified Neurohormonal Theory. J Sex Med 2015; 12:2364-77. [PMID: 26663858 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION According to neurohormonal theory, prenatal androgens are key determinants of sexual orientation. As a reputed marker for prenatal androgens, the 2D:4D finger length ratio has been used in more than a dozen studies to test the hypothesis that prenatal androgens influence sexual orientation. Findings have been very inconsistent. AIM The present study sought to retest the hypothesis that 2D:4D and sexual orientation are related is a manner consistent with neurohormonal theory. METHODS A 2D:4D measure (of the right hand) along with four additional somatic markers of androgen exposure (height, physical strength, muscularity, and athletic ability) with samples of college students in Malaysia (N = 2,058) and the United States (N = 2,511). The five androgen measures were factor analyzed, resulting in a two-factor solution: Factor 1 consisted of strength, muscularity, and athletic ability (the muscular coordination factor), and Factor 2 was comprised of the r2D:4D and adult height (the bone growth factor). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual orientation was measured by asking each respondent the extent to which they were sexually attracted to males and the extent to which they were sexually attracted to females, both on 11-point scales. RESULTS When the countries and sexes were analyzed separately, neither the r2D:4D measure nor Factor 2 correlated with sexual orientation to significant degrees. Instead, it was the muscular coordination factor that correlated the best. Support was found for the hypothesis that prenatal androgens influence sexual orientation, but the nature of these influences was more complex than neurohormonal theory predicted. CONCLUSION A modified theory is needed and presented to accommodate the results from this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Ellis
- University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amy Lykins
- University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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Buoli M, Croci R. Testosterone, fraternal birth order, and homosexuality: comment on Kishida and Rahman (2015). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:1755-1756. [PMID: 26076927 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-015-0578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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Yu W, Tu D, Hong F, Wang J, Liu X, Cai Y, Xu R, Zhao G, Wang F, Pan H, Wu S, Feng T, Wang B. Analysis of the Association between Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase Val158Met and Male Sexual Orientation. J Sex Med 2015; 12:1920-6. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Mokkonen M, Crespi BJ. Genomic conflicts and sexual antagonism in human health: insights from oxytocin and testosterone. Evol Appl 2015; 8:307-25. [PMID: 25926877 PMCID: PMC4408143 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the hypothesized and observed effects of two of the major forms of genomic conflicts, genomic imprinting and sexual antagonism, on human health. We focus on phenotypes mediated by peptide and steroid hormones (especially oxytocin and testosterone) because such hormones centrally mediate patterns of physical and behavioral resource allocation that underlie both forms of conflict. In early development, a suite of imprinted genes modulates the human oxytocinergic system as predicted from theory, with paternally inherited gene expression associated with higher oxytocin production, and increased solicitation to mothers by infants. This system is predicted to impact health through the incompatibility of paternal-gene and maternal-gene optima and increased vulnerability of imprinted gene systems to genetic and epigenetic changes. Early alterations to oxytocinergic systems have long-term negative impacts on human psychological health, especially through their effects on attachment and social behavior. In contrast to genomic imprinting, which generates maladaptation along an axis of mother–infant attachment, sexual antagonism is predicted from theory to generate maladaptation along an axis of sexual dimorphism, modulated by steroid and peptide hormones. We describe evidence of sexual antagonism from studies of humans and other animals, demonstrating that sexually antagonistic effects on sex-dimorphic phenotypes, including aspects of immunity, life history, psychology, and behavior, are commonly observed and lead to forms of maladaptation that are demonstrated, or expected, to impact human health. Recent epidemiological and psychiatric studies of schizophrenia in particular indicate that it is mediated, in part, by sexually antagonistic alleles. The primary implication of this review is that data collection focused on (i) effects of imprinted genes that modulate the oxytocin system, and (ii) effects of sexually antagonistic alleles on sex-dimorphic, disease-related phenotypes will lead to novel insights into both human health and the evolutionary dynamics of genomic conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Mokkonen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada ; Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Burke SM, Menks WM, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Klink DT, Bakker J. Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions in children and adolescents with gender identity disorder. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2014; 43:1515-1523. [PMID: 24567168 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0278-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) are echo-like sounds that are produced by the inner ear in response to click-stimuli. CEOAEs generally have a higher amplitude in women compared to men and neonates already show a similar sex difference in CEOAEs. Weaker responses in males are proposed to originate from elevated levels of testosterone during perinatal sexual differentiation. Therefore, CEOAEs may be used as a retrospective indicator of someone's perinatal androgen environment. Individuals diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder (GID), according to DSM-IV-TR, are characterized by a strong identification with the other gender and discomfort about their natal sex. Although the etiology of GID is far from established, it is hypothesized that atypical levels of sex steroids during a critical period of sexual differentiation of the brain might play a role. In the present study, we compared CEOAEs in treatment-naïve children and adolescents with early-onset GID (24 natal boys, 23 natal girls) and control subjects (65 boys, 62 girls). We replicated the sex difference in CEOAE response amplitude in the control group. This sex difference, however, was not present in the GID groups. Boys with GID showed stronger, more female-typical CEOAEs whereas girls with GID did not differ in emission strength compared to control girls. Based on the assumption that CEOAE amplitude can be seen as an index of relative androgen exposure, our results provide some evidence for the idea that boys with GID may have been exposed to lower amounts of androgen during early development in comparison to control boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Burke
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1131, 1081 HX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
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Ball GF, Balthazart J, McCarthy MM. Is it useful to view the brain as a secondary sexual characteristic? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 4:628-38. [PMID: 25195165 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many sex differences in brain and behavior related to reproduction are thought to have evolved based on sexual selection involving direct competition for mates during male-male competition and female choice. Therefore, certain aspects of brain circuitry can be viewed as secondary sexual characteristics. The study of proximate causes reveals that sex differences in the brain of mammals and birds reflect organizational and activational effects of sex steroids as articulated by Young and collaborators. However, sex differences in brain and behavior have been identified in the cognitive domain with no obvious link to reproduction. Recent views of sexual selection advocate for a broader view of how intra-sexual selection might occur including such examples as competition within female populations for resources that facilitate access to mates rather than mating competition per se. Sex differences can also come about for other reasons than sexual selection and recent work on neuroendocrine mechanisms has identified a plethora of ways that the brain can develop in a sex specific manner. Identifying the brain as sexually selected requires careful hypothesis testing so that one can link a sex-biased aspect of a neural trait to a behavior that provides an advantage in a competitive mating situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N, Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- GIGA Neuroscience, University of Liege, 1 boulevard de l'Hôpital, 4000 Liege, Belgium.
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA
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Hollier LP, Keelan JA, Hickey M, Maybery MT, Whitehouse AJO. Measurement of androgen and estrogen concentrations in cord blood: accuracy, biological interpretation, and applications to understanding human behavioral development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:64. [PMID: 24829559 PMCID: PMC4014673 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately measuring hormone exposure during prenatal life presents a methodological challenge and there is currently no "gold standard" approach. Ideally, circulating fetal hormone levels would be measured at repeated time points during pregnancy. However, it is not currently possible to obtain fetal blood samples without significant risk to the fetus, and therefore surrogate markers of fetal hormone levels must be utilized. Umbilical cord blood can be readily obtained at birth and largely reflects fetal circulation in late gestation. This review examines the accuracy and biological interpretation of the measurement of androgens and estrogens in cord blood. The use of cord blood hormones to understand and investigate human development is then discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P. Hollier
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
- Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Jeffrey A. Keelan
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Murray T. Maybery
- Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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Earp BD, Sandberg A, Savulescu J. Brave New Love: The Threat of High-Tech "Conversion" Therapy and the Bio-Oppression of Sexual Minorities. AJOB Neurosci 2014; 5:4-12. [PMID: 24587962 PMCID: PMC3932804 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2013.863242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the neurochemical bases of human love and attachment, as well as of the genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and experiential factors that conspire to shape an individual's sexual orientation, is increasing exponentially. This research raises the vexing possibility that we may one day be equipped to modify such variables directly, allowing for the creation of “high-tech” conversion therapies or other suspect interventions. In this article, we discuss the ethics surrounding such a possibility, and call for the development of legal and procedural safeguards for protecting vulnerable children from the application of such technology. We also consider the more difficult case of voluntary, adult “conversion” and argue that in rare cases, such attempts might be permissible under strict conditions.
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Thienel M, Heinrichs M, Fischer S, Ott V, Born J, Hallschmid M. Oxytocin's impact on social face processing is stronger in homosexual than heterosexual men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 39:194-203. [PMID: 24120269 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is an evolutionarily highly preserved neuropeptide that contributes to the regulation of social interactions including the processing of facial stimuli. We hypothesized that its improving effect on social approach behavior depends on perceived sexual features and, consequently, on sexual orientation. In 19 homosexual and 18 heterosexual healthy young men, we investigated the acute effect of intranasal oxytocin (24IU) and placebo, respectively, on the processing of social stimuli as assessed by ratings of trustworthiness, attractiveness and approachability for male and female faces. Faces were each presented with a neutral, a happy, and an angry expression, respectively. In heterosexual subjects, the effect of oxytocin administration was restricted to a decrease in ratings of trustworthiness for angry female faces (p<0.02). In contrast, in homosexual men oxytocin administration robustly increased ratings of attractiveness and approachability for male faces regardless of the facial expression (all p ≤ 0.05), as well as ratings of approachability for happy female faces (p<0.01). Results indicate that homosexual in comparison to heterosexual men display higher sensitivity to oxytocin's enhancing impact on social approach tendencies, suggesting that differences in sexual orientation imply differential oxytocinergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Thienel
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Markus Heinrichs
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory for Biological and Personality Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging Center, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Volker Ott
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck 23562, Germany
| | - Jan Born
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Manfred Hallschmid
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
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Castillo M. Apples. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2013; 34:479-80. [PMID: 22595901 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Motofei IG, Rowland DL, Georgescu SR, Baconi DL, Dimcevici NP, Paunica S, Constantin VD, Balalau C. A pilot study on the sexual side effects of finasteride as related to hand preference for men undergoing treatment of male pattern baldness. BJU Int 2012; 111:E221-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2012.11580.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Woodson JC. I love you with all my brain: laying aside the intellectually dull sword of biological determinism. SOCIOAFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE & PSYCHOLOGY 2012; 2:17334. [PMID: 24693345 PMCID: PMC3960069 DOI: 10.3402/snp.v2i0.17334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Background By organizing and activating our passions with both hormones and experiences, the heart and mind of sexual behavior, sexual motivation, and sexual preference is the brain, the organ of learning. Despite decades of progress, this incontrovertible truth is somehow lost in the far-too-often biologically deterministic interpretation of genetic, hormonal, and anatomical scientific research into the biological origins of sexual motivation. Simplistic and polarized arguments are used in the media by both sides of the seemingly endless debate over sexual orientation, equality, and human rights with such catch phrases as ‘born gay’ contrasted against attempts of “reparative therapy” or “pray the gay away”. Though long abandoned in practically every other area of psychology, this remnant of the nature-nurture controversy remains despite its generally acknowledged insufficiency in explaining any adult aspect of the human condition within the scientific community. Methods This theoretical review article identifies three factors: 1) good intentions with regard to the argument from immutability; 2) false dichotomies limiting intellectual progress by oversimplification of theory and thus hypothesis, and most dangerously, interpretation and; 3) Tradition: a historical separation of the disciplines of biology and psychology, which, to this day, interferes with the effective translation of well-conducted science into good public understanding and policy. Results Studies clearly demonstrate that progress toward sexual-orientation equality is being made, if slowly, despite the apparent irrelevance of the “born gay” argument from immutability. Evidence is further provided supporting the inadequacy of polarized, dichotic theories of sexual development, particularly those pitting “blank slate learning” against a fated, deterministic biological perspective. Results of this review suggest that an emerging interactionist perspective will promote both better scientific progress and better public understanding, hopefully contributing to progress toward nondiscriminatory public policy. Conclusion Accepting that the brain is a highly plastic, modularly dimorphic, developmentally biased organ of learning, one which is organized and activated by both hormones and experiences across the lifespan, is essential for doing “good science” well. Interactionist theories of psychosexual development provide an empirically sound, strong, yet modifiable foundation for testable hypotheses exploring biologically biased sexual learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Woodson
- Department of Psychology, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
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