The Effects of Interaction with Gay Persons on Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

This investigation focused on the influence of exposure to and interaction with gay persons on heterosexual self-reported attitudes of comfort with homosexuality. A group-administered questionnaire, including a 25-item scale by Hudson and Ricketts to measure the perceived degree of dread or discomfort of contact with homosexuals, was used in human sexuality classes at a southeastern metropolitan university during 1983. Findings taking into account the total scale scores, as well as the 25 individual item scores. suggested that exposure to and interaction with homosexuals results in a self-reported attitude of reduction in discomfort with homosexuals.