| The purpose of this quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group study was to examine whether intention to pursue social interaction was affected by sexual orientation. Research indicates that the development of personal relationships is essential to well-being. Decision-making errors occur when relationships are denied based on factors that are unimportant to the quality of a relationship, such as sexual orientation. These decision errors contribute to distancing from others who may meet personal needs, and it perpetuates chasms between subgroups in society. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was used to explore whether these errors occur. Participants were asked to read a social interaction scenario in which they interacted with a hypothetical, new acquaintance. The sexual orientation of the scenario individual was manipulated to allow for measures in same sexual orientation and cross sexual orientation dyads. Scales from the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory were utilized to measure comfort, enjoyment, intention, and perceived choice. It was hypothesized that no significant differences in ratings among the subgroups would emerge. A total of 329 homosexual and heterosexual adults were recruited from two online universities and via e-mail. For comfort no significant main effects for gender or sexual orientation were found [F(1,325) = 0.17, p = .68], [ F(1,325) = 2.62, p = .11 respectively], but for enjoyment the main effects for gender and sexual orientation were significant [F(1,325) = 13.57, p = <. 01], [ F(1,32, .015) = 8.90, p = .003 respectively]. Adjusted mean scale scores revealed that the intention to pursue interaction occurred significantly less when sexual orientation was different for heterosexual males, homosexual males and heterosexual females [5.22 vs. 4.37, 5.61 vs. 6.16, and 5.74 vs. 5.32, respectively]. Homosexual females did not reveal significant differences (6.15 vs. 5.88). Results indicate that sexual orientation does impact decisions to pursue social interaction. Research that explores decision-making that is more dependent on subjective experiences rather than attitudes about sexual orientation was recommended. Additionally, exploration of how prejudicial attitudes are developed and the affects of prejudice on those who judge others were recommended. Research that focuses on clinical applications relative to decision-making patterns that contribute to ongoing interpersonal distress was recommended. |
