Attributions on the development of homosexuality and factors that lead to non-disclosure of sexual orientation among male covert homosexuals

Abstract

The study aims to know the attributions on the development of homosexuality by male covert homosexuals, their reasons for keeping their sexual orientation hidden, and whether there are common personality characteristics among them. The researcher used in-depth interviews and the test Panukat sa Ugali at Pagkatao of Enriquez et al. to measure respondents’ personality characteristics. The respondents of this study consist of ten male covert homosexuals. The findings showed that the major attributions on the development of homosexuality are; early childhood sexual experience with older males, friends were mostly girls during childhood and adolescence, “it just happened”, a feeling within themselves that they are attracted to males. According to the respondents, fear of parental and societal rejection are the dominant reasons of their covert homosexuality. The personality test results showed that they are; faithfill, responsible, unreasonably obstinate, and have initiative. These were not classified as the traditional female or male stereotypes. Their attributions on the development of homosexuality are more of the interaction of biological and learned factors. Fear of rejection leads them to hide their sexuality.