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Comparing the Rates of Early Childhood Victimization across Sexual Orientations: Heterosexual, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Mostly Heterosexual

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  • Christopher Zou
  • Judith P Andersen

Abstract

Few studies have examined the rates of childhood victimization among individuals who identify as “mostly heterosexual” (MH) in comparison to other sexual orientation groups. For the present study, we utilized a more comprehensive assessment of adverse childhood experiences to extend prior literature by examining if MH individuals’ experience of victimization more closely mirrors that of sexual minority individuals or heterosexuals. Heterosexual (n = 422) and LGB (n = 561) and MH (n = 120) participants were recruited online. Respondents completed surveys about their adverse childhood experiences, both maltreatment by adults (e.g., childhood physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and childhood household dysfunction) and peer victimization (i.e., verbal and physical bullying). Specifically, MH individuals were 1.47 times more likely than heterosexuals to report childhood victimization experiences perpetrated by adults. These elevated rates were similar to LGB individuals. Results suggest that rates of victimization of MH groups are more similar to the rates found among LGBs, and are significantly higher than heterosexual groups. Our results support prior research that indicates that an MH identity falls within the umbrella of a sexual minority, yet little is known about unique challenges that this group may face in comparison to other sexual minority groups.

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  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0139198
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139198
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. Austin, S.B. & Roberts, A.L. & Corliss, H.L. & Molnar, B.E., 2008. "Sexual violence victimization history and sexual risk indicators in a community-based urban cohort of "mostly heterosexual" and heterosexual young women," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(6), pages 1015-1020.
    3. Friedman, M.S. & Marshal, M.P. & Guadamuz, T.E. & Wei, C. & Wong, C.F. & Saewyc, E.M. & Stall, R., 2011. "A meta-analysis of disparities in childhood sexual abuse, parental physical abuse, and peer victimization among sexual minority and sexual nonminority individuals," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(8), pages 1481-1494.
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