Perceptions of Affectionate Communication Among People with Unfavorable and Favorable Attitudes Toward Homosexuality |
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Authors: | Stacia M Brantley-Hill MA Thomas M Brinthaupt PhD |
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Institution: | Department of Psychology , Middle Tennessee State University , Murfreesboro , Tennessee , USA |
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Abstract: | People are sometimes hesitant to communicate affection if it might be misinterpreted by the intended receiver or an audience. We hypothesized that anti-gay/-lesbian attitudes might negatively affect the perceived appropriateness of expressing affection. One hundred and twenty male and female undergraduates with either very high or very low levels of anti-gay/-lesbian attitudes participated in the study. They rated the appropriateness of expressing affection toward same- and other-sex targets in a set of 2 (public or private setting)?×?3 (positive, neutral, or negative valence) scenarios. Results supported a “generalized inhibition” effect, with high levels of anti-gay/-lesbian attitudes associated with a reluctance to express affection regardless of target, setting, valence, or current relationship status. Implications for research on affectionate expression and anti-gay/-lesbian attitudes are presented. |
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Keywords: | expressions of affection anti-gay/-lesbian attitudes generalized inhibition stereotypes human affection communication |
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