Psychoticism, Immature Defense Mechanisms and a Fearful Attachment Style are Associated with a Higher Homophobic Attitude

Abstract

Introduction Homophobic behavior and a negative attitude toward homosexuals are prevalent among the population. Despite this, few researches have investigated the psychologic aspects associated with homophobia, as psychopathologic symptoms, the defensive system, and attachment styles. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the psychologic factors mentioned earlier and their correlation with homophobia. Methods Five hundred fifty-one university students recruited, aged 18–30, were asked to complete several psychometric evaluation. Main Outcome Measures In particular, Homophobia Scale (HS) was used to assess homophobia levels, the Symptoms Check List Revised (SCL-90-R) for the identification of psychopathologic symptoms, the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) for the evaluation of defense mechanisms and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) for attachment styles. Results After a regression analysis, we found a significant predictive value of psychoticism (β = 0.142; P = 0.04) and of immature defense mechanisms (β = 0.257; P < 0.0001) for homophobia, while neurotic defense mechanisms (β = −0.123; P = 0.02) and depressive symptoms (β = −0.152; P = 0.04) have an opposite role. Moreover, categorical constructs of the RQ revealed a significant difference between secure and fearful attachments styles in levels of homophobia (secure = 22.09 ± 17.22 vs. fearful = 31.07 ± 25.09; P < 0.05). Finally, a gender difference to HS scores and a significant influence of male sex was found (β = 0.213; P < 0.0001). Conclusions We demonstrated the involvement of psychoticism and immature defense mechanisms in homophobic attitudes, while a contrasting role is played by neurotic defense mechanisms and depressive symptoms. Moreover, secure attachment is an indicator of low levels of homophobia compared with the subjects demonstrating a fearful style of attachment. Hence, in the assessment of homophobia and in the relevant programs of prevention, it is necessary to consider the psychologic aspects described earlier.

Attachment Style, Sexual Orientation, and Biological Sex in their Relationships With Gender Role

“…On the other hand, some psychosocial investigations further demonstrated a major vulnerability of male identity regarding the gender issues. 38,39 For these systems/biopsychosocial reasons, we could consider the role of male biological sex as a facilitating factor for the development of higher levels of masculinity. Figure 1).…”

Defense mechanism is predicted by attachment and mediates the maladaptive influence of insecure attachment on adolescent mental health

“…Ciocca et al (Ciocca et al 2017) showed that paranoid ideation characterized by immature defense mechanisms is clearly associated with an insecure attachment style. The same author (Ciocca et al 2015) demonstrated that immature defense mechanisms and fearful attachment styles are involved in homophobic attitudes, whereas neurotic defense mechanisms and secure attachment are indicating low levels of homophobia.…”

Who has the worst attitudes toward sexual minorities? Comparison of transphobia and homophobia levels in gender dysphoric individuals, the general population and health care providers

“…Several studies have examined the degree of homophobia in heterosexual individuals [14,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] and the degree of internalized sexual stigma in homosexual individuals [33,34]. In particular, high rates of perceived and experienced stigma have been reported by lesbian women and gay men [27][28][29][30][31].…”