Environment and Sexual Orientation

Environment and sexual orientation is research into possible environmental influences on the development of human sexual orientation. Some researchers distinguish environmental influences from hormonal influences, while others include biological influences such as prenatal hormones as part of environmental influences.

Research has shown that sexual orientation may be a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences. The American Psychological Association stated, "Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles."

Results from a 2008 twin study were consistent with moderate, primarily genetic, familial effects, and moderate to large effects of the nonshared environment (social and biological) on same-sex sexual behavior.

Read more about Environment And Sexual Orientation:  Childhood Gender Non-conformity, Family Influences, City of Origin, Cultural Influences, History of Sexual Abuse, See Also

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