Parental factors in the childhood of homosexuals.

Data were gathered anonymously on a group of male homosexuals who were functioning adequately in the community. Ss were administered the Perception of Parent Behavior Scale which consists of a list of 60 items covering childhood situations to which parents might react. Results were factor analyzed, yielding patterns of reactions which differentiated homosexuals from controls at high levels of significance. The most marked difference occurred on a pattern of "socialization," or emphasizing respect for other people. The control group showed much higher scores on this, especially for the fathers, than did the homosexuals. A comparison was made in the same way with hospitalized schizophrenics, who described their parents as significantly more restrictive than did the homosexuals.