Citation

Van de Ven P. Adolescence 1995; 30(117): 19-42.

Affiliation

National Centre for HIV Social Research, School of Behavioural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Libra Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7625256

Abstract

Violence against gay males and lesbians, much of it perpetrated by young people, has emerged as a significant social problem. Thirty-one juvenile offenders were asked a series of structured questions in order to elucidate the functions their attitudes toward homosexuals serve. In addition, responses were examined for evidence of social-structural and cognitive variables which mediate offending behaviors. Juvenile offenders were found to hold attitudes toward homosexuals characterized by negativity, ambivalence, and defensiveness. These attitudes were maintained by particular myths and stereotypes about gay and lesbian culture, and were related to Opportunism, Impulsivity, Role-Taking Inability, and Disabilities in Social Problem Solving. Specific recommendations for combating homophobic attitudes and behaviors in juvenile offender populations are discussed.

Language: en