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Chapter 4
Development of Symptoms
Chapters 2 and 3 described biologic and PSYCHOSOCIAL factors that many psychologists believe are involved in the development of homosexuality. This chapter investigates how these underlying factors may lead to adult homosexuality. The chapter begins by considering the concept of an interactional model of homosexual development. In essence, this model suggests that both biologic factors (including genetics and hormonal variables) and psychosocial factors (including relationships with family and peers as well as abuse) may interact in predisposing a boy to develop homosexual longings. The chapter then explores emotional needs and early manifestations of these needs which result from the underlying biological and psychosocial factors. Finally, the process by which emotional needs created during boyhood become transformed into sexual desires and behaviors is discussed.
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PSYCHOSOCIAL: a term used to describe any situation or condition that involves both psychological and social factors.12(p596)