Mustanski Brian S, Chivers Meredith L, Bailey J Michael
Department of Psychology, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA.
Annu Rev Sex Res. 2002;13:89-140.
This article provides a comprehensive review and critique of biological research on sexual orientation published over the last decade. We cover research investigating (a) the neurohormonal theory of sexual orientation (psychoneuroendocrinology, prenatal stress, cerebral asymmetry, neuroanatomy, otoacoustic emissions, anthropometrics), (b) genetic influences, (c) fraternal birth-order effects, and (d) a putative role for developmental instability. Despite inconsistent results across both studies and traits, some support for the neurohormonal theory is garnered, but mostly in men. Genetic research using family and twin methodologies has produced consistent evidence that genes influence sexual orientation, but molecular research has not yet produced compelling evidence for specific genes. Although it has been well established that older brothers increase the odds of homosexuality in men, the route by which this occurs has not been resolved. We conclude with an examination of the limitations of biological research on sexual orientation, including measurement issues (paper and pencil, cognitive, and psychophysiological), and lack of research on women.
本文对过去十年发表的关于性取向的生物学研究进行了全面综述和批判。我们涵盖了以下方面的研究：（a）性取向的神经激素理论（心理神经内分泌学、产前压力、大脑不对称性、神经解剖学、耳声发射、人体测量学）；（b）遗传影响；（c）兄弟出生顺序效应；以及（d）发育不稳定性的假定作用。尽管各项研究和特征的结果并不一致，但神经激素理论还是获得了一些支持，不过大多是在男性中。运用家庭和双胞胎方法的遗传学研究已经得出了一致的证据，证明基因会影响性取向，但分子研究尚未找到关于特定基因的令人信服的证据。虽然年长的哥哥会增加男性同性恋的几率这一点已经得到充分证实，但这种现象发生的途径尚未明确。我们最后审视了性取向生物学研究的局限性，包括测量问题（纸笔测试、认知和心理生理学方面）以及对女性研究的缺乏。
