A Comparison of Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Among Students of Helping Professions in Crete, Greece: The Cases of Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, and Nursing

Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes toward lesbians and gay men among social work, psychology, medical, and nursing students in Crete, Greece, using Herek’s ATLG scale. No respondents held completely heterosexist attitudes; only 1.6% held completely non-heterosexist attitudes. The 44.96 total ATLG score indicates a slightly positive attitude toward lesbians and gay men. Psychology students scored higher than all others on positive attitudes, followed by social work students, medical students, and nursing students. Gender, having lesbian or gay acquaintances or friends, and religiosity were significant factors influencing students’ attitudes, while no impact on attitudes due to the effects of higher education could be discerned. Implications for curriculum design and teaching methods are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• medical students
• nursing students
• psychology students
• social work students
• attitudes toward lesbians
• attitudes towards gay men
• attitudes toward homosexuality