Aggression, empathy and sexual orientation in males

Article


Sergeant, Mark J.T., Dickins, Thomas E., Davies, M. and Griffiths, Mark D. 2006. Aggression, empathy and sexual orientation in males. Personality and Individual Differences. 40 (3), pp. 475-486.
AuthorsSergeant, Mark J.T., Dickins, Thomas E., Davies, M. and Griffiths, Mark D.
Abstract

Homosexual males are reported to be less physically aggressive than heterosexual
males (Ellis, Hoffman, & Burke, 1990; Gladue & Bailey, 1995). Previous aggression
studies have not, however, compared all forms of direct aggression, indirect
aggression and empathy among these populations. Empathy is a significant factor to consider since it both mitigates the expression of aggression (Kaukiainen, Björkqvist, Lagerspetz, Österman, Salmivalli, Rothberg, & Ahlbom, 1998) and differs between heterosexual and homosexual males (Salais & Fischer, 1995). This study therefore evaluated levels of direct and indirect aggression and empathy among homosexual (n = 91) and heterosexual (n = 91) males. Data was collected from an Internet-based sample of the two groups using self-report psychometric measures in order to reduce social desirability effects. Homosexual males reported significantly lower levels of physical aggression and higher levels of empathy but report similar levels of indirect aggression, and other forms of direct aggression, to heterosexual males.

KeywordsDirect aggression; Indirect aggression; Empathy; Sexual orientation; Internet-based research
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Journal citation40 (3), pp. 475-486
ISSN0191-8869
Year2006
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY-ND
Web address (URL)http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2005.07.002
http://hdl.handle.net/10552/570
Publication dates
PrintFeb 2006
Publication process dates
Deposited09 Feb 2010
Additional information

Citation:
Sergeant, M.J.T. et al (2006) ‘Aggression, empathy and sexual orientation in males.’ Personality and Individual Differences, 40, 475-486.

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