Levels Of Homophobia Among Students Attending A Comprehensive Midwestern University

Abstract

This study looks at past research completed on the topic of homosexuality in the United States, including the history of acceptance of homosexual individuals and perceptions of homosexuality in the perspectives ofreligion, gender, and the law. In addition, the research looks at how the college experience tends to liberalize students. Putting these two ideas together, the study uses the Homosexual Attitude Scale and other demographic information gathering questions to determine the factors that contribute most prominently to homophobia in college students. The sample of students being studied are all undergraduates attending a public, Midwestern, comprehensive university. As a general overview, the results show that the students participating in this study tend to be more accepting than not of homosexuals. There are.trends that suggest that gender and religion could be the two leading determining factors of homophobia. The discussion of results includes a glimpse at how colleges and universities can encourage a welcoming and accepting atmosphere to all walks of life.

Date of Award	2009
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Daniel Nadler (Supervisor)