Psychological Characteristics of Bisexual, Heterosexual and Homosexual Women

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-five female volunteers completed a questionnaire designed to measure masculinity, femininity, body cathexis, and self-esteem. Women were categorized as bisexual, heterosexual or homosexual according to self-labeling and according to erotic preference. The proportion of androgynous and undifferentiated individuals was much greater among self-labeled homosexual women. Feminine individuals were conspicuously under-represented among self-labeled homosexual and bisexual women. Women who reported both opposite-sex and same-sex sexual experiences, regardless of their self-label or erotic preference, were more agentic (i.e., possessed more socially desirable masculine traits), more satisfied with their bodies and its functions, more satisfied with both their sexual activities and their biological sex, and more satisfied with themselves and their abilities than were women who only reported opposite-sex sexual experiences.

Sexual orientation as a factor in risk for binge eating and bulimia nervosa: A review

“…Lesbians may, therefore, be at lower risk for body dissatisfaction that may lead to disordered eating. LaTorre and Wendenburg (1983) found that women who had had a sexual experience with another woman were more satisfied with their bodies and with themselves in general.…”

Neurohormonal functioning and sexual orientation: A theory of homosexuality–heterosexuality.

“…Only two studies failed to find significant average differences, and in both cases, the differences still were in the predicted direction (Heilbrun & Thompson, 1977;Schlaich, 1976). Studies of female homosexuals and bisexuals, likewise, have found their mannerisms and interests, on average, to be more M/dF than among female heterosexuals (Heilbrun & Thompson, 1977;Kaye et al, 1967;LaTorre & Wendenburg, 1983;Oldham, Farnhill, & Ball, 1982;Spence & Helmreich, 1978;Thompson et al, 1973).…”

Bisexuality: An Exploratory Review

“…In a study noted previously, LaTorre and Wendenburg (1983) found that among self-labeled groups, masculine women were over-represented and feminine women under-represented among bisexuals. Among homosexuals, feminine and masculine women were under-represented while undifferentiated women were over-represented.…”