Reducing College Students' Homophobia, Erotophobia, and Conservatism Levels Through a Human Sexuality Course

Homophobia is the irrational fear and hatred of homosexual individuals. Results from studies indicate that exposure to and interaction with gay men and lesbians via a college human sexuality course can decrease homophobia levels. More specifically, it has been demonstrated that educational interventions such as panels of gay individuals and information from textbooks, lectures, and classroom discussions serve to positively transform attitudes toward homosexuality. The purpose of this study was to replicate and expand our knowledge in this area. This investigation was designed to examine changes in students' levels of homophobia, erotophobia, and sexual conservatism in relation to educational interventions. A total of 109 participants from a large Midwestern university completed the following questionnaires: a demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Opinion Survey, the Derogatis Information subscale, the Derogatis Attitude subscale, the Homophobia scale, and the Bern Sex Role Inventory. Results revealed that students' homophobia, erotophobia, and sexual conservatism levels were significantly less after participation. This study has implications for the elimination of barriers and stereotypes through the acquisition of greater knowledge and personal contact in a college human sexuality course.