Ryan cautioned, however, that this link is only one source of anti-gay sentiments. 'In addition, it appears that sometimes those who would oppress others have been oppressed themselves, and we can have some compassion for them too, they may be unaccepting of others because they cannot be accepting of themselves.' 'Sometimes people are threatened by gays and lesbians because they are fearing their own impulses, in a sense they 'doth protest too much,'' Ryan told LiveScience. The research, published in the April 2012 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, reveals the nuances of prejudices like homophobia, which can ultimately have dire consequences.
'Those intense emotions should serve as a call to self-reflection.' 'This study shows that if you are feeling that kind of visceral reaction to an out-group, ask yourself, 'Why?'' co-author Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, said in a statement.
The prejudice of homophobia may also stem from authoritarian parents, particularly those with homophobic views as well, the researchers added. Homophobes should consider a little self-reflection, suggests a new study finding those individuals who are most hostile toward gays and hold strong anti-gay views may themselves have same-sex desires, albeit undercover ones.
