Reflections on the Relation Between Sex-Typed Behavior in Childhood and Sexual Orientation in Adulthood

SUMMARY

This article reviews the empirical retrospective and prospective literature on the relation between sex-typed behavior in childhood and sexual orientation in adulthood, including a summary of the retrospective meta-analytic study by Bailey and Zucker (1995). Criticisms of the retrospective literature are addressed, followed by suggestions for additional research. Explanations for the linkage are summarized, followed by a discussion of clinical implications.

Key Words:

• Development
• gay
• gender dysphoria
• gender identity
• gender identity disorder
• gender role
• homosexuality
• lesbian
• meta-analysis
• research
• sexual identity
• sexual orientation
• transsexualism