Self-image and emotional stability of Oedipal and non-Oedipal male homosexuals.

The past several years have brought about some changes in the legal status of the homosexual in USA. In some states, the homosexual is labelled as a criminal; in others, homosexuality is not a legal affair. Psychological theories tend to consider the homosexual from two general positions: the Oedipal and the non-Oedipal. The present study was conducted to try to determine how Oedipal and non-Oedipal male homosexuals perceived their self-image and emotional stability. Significant differences were found between the two groups. Considering self-image, Oedipal subjects were found to be more negative. They had less self-worth, self-confidence and self-acceptance than non-Oedipal. They had more negative self-concepts, self-attitudes, and self-motivation. Oedipal homosexuals had less emotional stability. They had more emotional problems, shame, guilt, withdrawal, and depression than non-Oedipal subjects, as well as less success in sexual activity and commitment to the homosexual partner.