Impact of a Homonegativity Awareness Workshop on Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

Abstract

The current study evaluated the effects of a homonegativity awareness workshop on attitudes toward homosexuality and examined individual difference variables associated with attitude change. Participants included 71 female and 43 male students (approximate mean age = 23). Compared to a control group of introductory psychology students, participants were less homonegative and erotophobic (F(1, 359) = 62.47 and 15.92, ps < .001) after the workshop. Implications for contact with gay and lesbian persons through structured intervention programs on attitudes toward homosexuality are discussed in terms of both the practice and theory of reducing prejudice and discrimination.

Adolescents' and Young Adults' Perception of Homosexuality and Related Factors in Three Asian Cities

“…Adolescents and young adults with one or more of these background characteristics may have greater exposure to various and different social norms and values, particularly those regarding sexual orientation [24], and may be more likely to come into contact with people having a variety of lifestyles and ideas from a world beyond theirs [25]. Studies have demonstrated that having friends or relatives with a homosexual orientation or having prior contact with homosexual people is positively related to positive attitudes toward homosexuality [26,27]. When it comes to the relationship between age and adolescents’ and young adults’ perception of homosexuality, the existing studies present conflicting results.…”

The “Persuadable Middle” on Same-Sex Marriage: Formative Research to Build Support among Heterosexual College Students

“…Studies conducted with college students regarding their attitudes toward gay and lesbian people often investigate the role of exposure to educational content on sexual diversity (Finken 2002;Hinrichs and Rosenberg 2002;Rye and Meaney 2009). Research found that students taking part in diversity courses (women's studies) tend to support same-sex marriage more than students who participated in nondiversity courses (Case and Stewart 2010).…”

Confronting Homophobia at School: High School Students and the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles

“…The GMCLA's AMP demonstrates students are not only capable of hearing about these issues, but appreciate, respect, and even "admire" the work done in this presentation. Many previous workshop and curricular efforts have used one strategy including live performance, historical/factual content, or personal testimony to lower homophobia, anxiety, and anti-gay prejudice (Dasgupta & Rivera, 2008;Guth et al, 2005;Rye & Meaney, 2009;Thomas, 2008;Van de Ven, 1995). The AMP combines these efforts into a transformative presentation for high school youth.…”

“…Several studies have investigated the use of mass media in lowering homophobia and anxiety, and providing identification with outgroup characters, such as a gays and lesbians (Ortiz & Harwood, 2007;Schiappa, Gregg, & Hewes, 2005). Research consistently demonstrates the reduction of homophobia, anti-gay bias, and prejudice after both long-and short-term workshops involving personal testimony and interpersonal contact with outgroup members (Dasgupta & Rivera, 2008;Molina & Wittig, 2006;Perrotti & Westheimer, 2001;Rye & Meaney, 2009). Workshops involving coming out stories, combined with experiential activities and interventions, consistently demonstrate more significant results in lowering anxiety, and decreasing prejudice (Blumenfeld, 1992 …”