Does Self-Esteem and Gender Attitudes Affect Sexual Prejudice Among Young Adults?

Project Abstract

The overarching aim of the current research is to better understand what predicts prejudice associated with lesbian and gay individuals and eventually inform prevention and intervention efforts. Given that sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) individuals are 2.7 times more likely to be victims of violent crimes compared to heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, and 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide within 2022, this body of research is necessary and vital. The current study expands previous research by proposing two different models predicting sexual prejudice; both which combine individual factors (e.g., self-esteem), perception of group norms based on gender (e.g., dominance in men; derogation in women), and measures of internalized societal expectations for men and women (i.e., precarious manhood; internalized sexism). Online survey data will be collected to assess self-esteem, gender roles and norms, and homophobia. It is hypothesized that heterosexual, cisgender participants’ individual factors, perceived level of gender norms, and internalized societal expectations will affect prejudicial attitudes against LGB individuals and homophobic outcomes. By examining these systemic relations, future studies could specify internalized sources of sexual prejudice from populations differing in gender and sexuality influenced by other societal norms. Understanding how prejudice is shaped by perceptions of the socio-cultural aspects of femininity and masculinity and individual level variability is vital for foundational interventions in reducing prejudice against sexual minoritized individuals.

Funding Type

Research Grant

Academic College

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Area/Major/Minor

Psychology/Gender & Diversity Studies

Degree

Bachelor's of Arts

Classification

Senior

Name

Amanda Joyce, PhD

Academic College

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

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