Exploring Psyche in Sexual Orientations with Human Figure Drawings: Revisiting the Minority Stress Model

Abstract

The study aimed to understand the present scenario in terms of relationship and difference between sexual orientation and personality characteristics exploring possible patterns of personality characteristics through Human figure drawings. 88 homosexual and 90 heterosexual individuals aged 18-25 years were selected for the study. Percentages, Chi-square and Fisher Exact test were used for statistical analysis. In consistency with the assumptions of the minority stress model, the results showed that individuals with different sexual orientations differ in certain aspects of personality. Significant features of anxiety, aggression and sexual disturbance were disclosed in the drawings. However, contrary to the assumptions of the minority stress model, the homosexual population had a significantly positive self-concept reflected through the drawings. Further, there was no significant difference found in features of negative self-concept and developmental impairment/regression among the study populations. The findings are discussed in detail in the text and theoretical implications are suggested.