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A wide spectrum of opinions and beliefs concerning homosexuals was sampled, compiled into a questionnaire format, and administered to a large group of heterosexual subjects. Factor analysis yielded six independent sets of attitudes that describe the variance in heterosexual reactions to homosexuals. The relationship of sex differences and familiarity with homosexuals to variations in response style is discussed.

The hypothesis that the need for social approval may be viewed most adequately as a multidimensional construct consisting of at least partially independent dimensions was evaluated. An inventory was created and tested that measured independently each of four factors identified as operative in previous research in this area. Based on a conception of the importance of attribution and denial as central elements in self-descriptive statements differing in social desirability value, four scales were created measuring the frequency of endorsement of statements comprising each of the following: the attribution of positive traits, the attribution of negative traits, the denial of positive traits, and the denial of negative traits. The inventory was designed also to control for the possible operation of both agreement and acceptance acquiescence. The data obtained provided strong support for the conceptualization delineated and for the inventory constructed.

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