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Abstract:
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Theories on emotion suggest it is central to social functioning(Keltner & Kring, 1998). The author applies this viewpoint to the present study’s examination of sexual orientation and gender categories as viable
variables to emotion research on sex differences. These under researched variables remain a gap in studies on
XX. This omission is
particularly notable
given that sexual
minorities possess
personality characteristics and
biological traits
both divergent and
similar to their
heterosexual counterparts.
The author proposes
that sexual orientation will add
a new binary, homosexual and
heterosexual, to
the prevalent literatures on sex
differences.
Similarly, dividing
men and women into
gender categories
(i.e. masculine,
feminine, and
androgyny) and not
on the basis of sex
will add another new
perspective to emotion research.
This research exemplifies the need
to study the way
in which sexual
orientation and gender categories
affect emotional
reactivity and
in particular emotional expression.
Sixty-‐three
participants watched
two films that elicited sadness and
disgust, while emotion measures assessed their
subjective report
(experience),facial
expression (expression),and
skin conductance
(physiology.
Gay men expressed
significantly less
sadness than their
heterosexual counterparts.
Gender categories
did not significantly differ
from one another on
emotion measures.
Our research reveals
the need for future
studies to explore the reasons behind gay males’ lack of
sadness expression.
Understanding this
facet of emotional
expression for gay men could significantly improve communication and social relationships, and
provide new insight for clinical diagnoses. |