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Genetic and Environmental Influences on Female Sexual Orientation, Childhood Gender Typicality and Adult Gender Identity

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  • Andrea Burri
  • Lynn Cherkas
  • Timothy Spector
  • Qazi Rahman

Abstract

Background: Human sexual orientation is influenced by genetic and non-shared environmental factors as are two important psychological correlates – childhood gender typicality (CGT) and adult gender identity (AGI). However, researchers have been unable to resolve the genetic and non-genetic components that contribute to the covariation between these traits, particularly in women. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we performed a multivariate genetic analysis in a large sample of British female twins (N = 4,426) who completed a questionnaire assessing sexual attraction, CGT and AGI. Univariate genetic models indicated modest genetic influences on sexual attraction (25%), AGI (11%) and CGT (31%). For the multivariate analyses, a common pathway model best fitted the data. Conclusions/Significance: This indicated that a single latent variable influenced by a genetic component and common non-shared environmental component explained the association between the three traits but there was substantial measurement error. These findings highlight common developmental factors affecting differences in sexual orientation.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Burri & Lynn Cherkas & Timothy Spector & Qazi Rahman, 2011. "Genetic and Environmental Influences on Female Sexual Orientation, Childhood Gender Typicality and Adult Gender Identity," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-8, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0021982
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021982
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    1. Sandfort, T.G.M. & Bakker, F. & Schellevis, F.G. & Vanwesenbeeck, I., 2006. "Sexual orientation and mental and physical health status: Findings from a Dutch population survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(6), pages 1119-1125.
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    Cited by:

    1. Christopher Zou & Judith P Andersen, 2015. "Comparing the Rates of Early Childhood Victimization across Sexual Orientations: Heterosexual, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Mostly Heterosexual," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(10), pages 1-15, October.

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