Wow.
I didn’t realize you were allowed to do this research in the current year.
Interesting findings!
A new study published in Behavior Genetics provides evidence of a bidirectional relationship between same-sex attraction and psychological distress. The findings indicate that experiencing attraction to people of the same sex can result in higher levels of depression and anxiety, but this relationship goes both ways – psychological distress can also result in an increase in same-sex attraction.
Research has demonstrated that individuals who are sexually attracted to people of the same sex tend to experience higher levels of psychological distress, including depressive symptoms and anxiety, compared to those who are exclusively heterosexual. But most of the research on this topic has been cross-sectional, which limits its ability to draw conclusions about causality. The authors of the new study sought to help fill this gap in the literature.
…
The researchers found a positive correlation between same-sex attraction and psychological distress, meaning that increasing levels of same-sex attraction were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Victimization (such as being made fun of or being physically bullied) was also significantly correlated with both same-sex attraction and psychological distress. These findings support minority stress theory, which suggests that the experiences that come with being a member of a marginalized group can lead to higher levels of mental health issues.
…
The researchers used a statistical technique known as Mendelian Randomization-Direction of Causation models to investigate potential causal relationships. The method is based on the principles of Mendelian inheritance, which dictate that genetic variants are randomly assigned at conception and should not be influenced by environmental or lifestyle factors.
Interestingly, the researchers found evidence of a bidirectional relationship between same-sex attraction and psychological distress. Not only did increasing levels of same-sex attraction lead to higher levels of psychological distress — higher levels of psychological distress also led to increasing levels of same-sex attraction.
The big reason I think this data is so shocking is that no one could have predicted it.