Page 56 - IJPS-9-2

International Journal of
Population Studies Personality traits in homosexual men in Iran

or “sex role” (Hart et al., 2003; Moskowitz & Hart, 2011), 2010). Matos et al. (2017) have found that homosexual
is categorized into three groups. Men who prefer to be men tend to have lower levels of psychological flexibility
exclusively receptive during anal intercourse self-identify than their heterosexual counterparts. Furthermore, there
as “bottoms,” while exclusively insertive self-identify exists a direct relationship between social adversities and
as “tops.” The third group consists of those without symptoms of paranoia among sexual minorities (Qi et al.,
preferences, who self-identify as “versatile.” It is worth 2020).
noting that these sexual roles are highly correlated with Rubinstein (2010) showed that homosexual men have a
sexual behavior during anal intercourse, with studies higher rate of narcissistic personality disorder and a lower
showing sexual self-identification to be typically a precise rate of self-esteem than their heterosexual counterparts do.
reflection of preference in anal intercourse (Carballo‐ Moreover, tops are less likely to self-label as homosexual
Diéguez et al., 2004; Gil, 2007; Moskowitz et al., 2008). compared to their bottom and versatile counterparts.
However, the proportion of men with each role is not Therefore, tops are more likely to report internalized
proportionally equal among gays. Approximately, 20% homophobia in comparison with versatile and bottom
of homosexual men are tops (insertive), while 26% are gays (Hart et al., 2003). Liu et al. (2020) demonstrated
bottoms (receptive), and 54% are versatile (receptive or that Chinese bottom and versatile homosexual men suffer
insertive) (Wegesin & Meyer-Bahlburg, 2000; Hart et al., more from depression and anxiety compared to their top
2003). counterparts.
The self-identification of sex roles in homosexual There is scant information regarding the personality
men is not merely a choice based on sexual behavior; it traits and psychopathology of homosexual men in Islamic
has a profound effect on their enduring personality traits. countries. To address this gap and provide appropriate
It is believed that since self-identification of sex role is counseling and mental health services, it is necessary to
considered a stable variable, it should be correlated with examine factors that lead to incompatibility and inefficiency
other stable psychiatric variables (Zheng et al., 2012). in their personal and social performance. Accordingly, the
In this regard, a strong relationship has been identified present study aims to provide a comparison between the
between sexual desires and personality traits (Bogaert et personality traits of homosexual men with different sex
al., 2018). Obviously, since personality is shaped based on roles and their heterosexual counterparts.
biological and environmental factors, as well as interaction
with society, sexual desire is an inseparable part of personal 2. Materials and Methods
identity (Nay et al., 2007). “Personality” is defined as a
group of relatively constant intrapersonal and organized 2.1. Sampling
traits and mechanisms that has a considerable impact on The statistical population included heterosexual and
how one deals with internal and physical issues, as well homosexual Iranian men residing in Rasht and Tehran,
as their social environment (Larsen, 2009). Moreover, Iran, between 2019 and 2020. These two cities were selected
personality has a biological origin (McCrae & Costa, 2008). based on the researchers’ ease of access for collecting data

A study ascertained a moderate relationship between in person. Before commencing the study, the researchers
the emerging mechanism of sex roles and personality traits attended several private gay parties and established
(Orlofsky et al., 1985). When discussing differences between connections with some of the participants. The researchers
homosexuality and other sexual orientations, the focus then sought their opinions regarding conducting a study
primarily lies on personality traits rather than cognitive on issues concerning homosexual men and potential
skills. In fact, sexual orientation contributes more effectively solutions. The idea was met with friendly and welcoming
to differences in personality traits compared to gender. For reactions. With the help of gay friends, the researchers
example, studies have shown that homosexual men exhibit signed up for Hornet, a gay dating application, and joined
higher levels of social anxiety, experiencing symptoms gay groups on Telegram and Instagram.
such as fear of negative evaluation and social turmoil more However, due to various sociocultural-judicial
frequently than their heterosexual counterparts (Downey restrictions on homosexuality, as well as the history
& Feldman, 1996; Pachankis & Goldfried, 2006; Safren & of sexual predators, they had faced, many individuals
Pantalone, 2006). Moreover, homosexual men are more expressed a lack of trust and were unwilling to participate
dissatisfied with their bodies and pay more attention to in the study, whether virtually or in person. Accordingly,
their physical appearance compared to their heterosexual the researchers developed an online questionnaire
counterparts (Yelland & Tiggemann, 2003; Morrison using Google Forms, which allowed for anonymous
et al., 2004; Levesque & Vichesky, 2006; Carper et al., responses. The link to the questionnaire was shared with

Volume 9 Issue 2 (2023) 50 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.0390