Family Orientation on the Levels of Aggressive Behavior and Attitude

towards Homosexuality among Adolescents

By
Guirit, Rudolf Aldrin
Limpangog, Glenn
Sioson, Ella Justine R.
Torrecampo, Regina D.
A THESIS
Submitted to
the Faculty of Psychology
Adamson University, Manila
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY

Department of Psychology
2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Literature Review
2.1 Attitudes towards Homosexuality
2.2 Parenting Style and Aggression
2.3 Non-traditional Families
Purpose and Rationale
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Research Questions
Definition of Terms
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Site and Participant Selection
Instrument

Procedure
Data Analysis
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
Analysis of Results
Practical Contributions of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Conclusions
Recommendations
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
A Sample Questionnaire
B Personal Data Sheet

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Increasing diversity in family types raises the question of effects on

childrens welfare and development (Shechmer, Slone, Lobel & Shechter, 2011).
Thus, the researchers arise with the idea to examine the differences in raising of
children between gay and lesbian and heterosexual parents. Concerning parenting
issues, much attention has been given to the levels of aggressive behavior and
attitudes towards homosexuality among adolescents raised by either traditional or
non-traditional family. Researchers of the present study acknowledge that the
levels of aggressive behavior and attitude towards homosexuality of an individual
influence their reactions to the environment of school and their interactions with
others. Therefore, it is important to address how adolescent aggressive behavior
and attitudes towards homosexuality contribute to their well-being.

Some authors have suggested that parental sexual orientation might

have an important influence or development during childhood and adolescence
(Baumrind, 1995). Others have argued that the qualities of family relationships
and interactions are likely to be more important influence than parental sexual
orientation (Chan, Raboy & Patterson, 1998). In addition, the existing body of
research comparing gay and lesbian parents with heterosexual parents has shown

that parent sexual orientation is not related to overall negative developmental

outcomes in children (Allen & Burell, 1996, 2002; Andersen, Amlie & Yttenoy,
2002; Lambert, 2005).Despite the consistent message borne out by these studies,
however, most gay and lesbian families frequently face discrimination both within
and outside the schools (Ryan & Martin, 2000).
.
The children from two-parent families were less aggressive than their
counterparts from the single-parent families. This could be explained in line with
studies that have shown that parents from couple families tend to constrain
aggressive behavior in both their sons and daughter (Vanfraussen et al., 2002).
Moreover, result had found that children from single parent as opposed to twoparent

families

exhibited

more

externalizing

behavior

problems

and

aggressiveness. Children of lesbian mothers reported more prosocial behaviors

and less loneliness than children from heterosexual families.

Meanwhile, heterosexual father as well as heterosexual mothers to lesbian

parents have also been found to be less likely use or endorse the use of physical
punishment (Gartell, Dook, Rodas, Peyser & Banks, 2005: Gartell et al., 2006,
Golombok et al., 2003, John & OConno,2002); in their choice and approval of
toys, games, and dress (Green, Mandel, Hotuedt, Gray & Smith, 1986; Hoeffer,
1981). However, a recent study of 256 lesbian and gay parent families found that,
in contrast to patterns characterizing the majority of American parents, very few

lesbian and gay parents reported any use of physical punishment (such as
spanking) as a disciplinary technique; instead, they were likely to report use of
positive techniques such as reasoning (Johnson & O'Connor, 2002). It means that
this result could further support our hypothesis that adolescent in traditional and
non-family tends to have lower levels of aggressiveness since they tend to receive
low levels of physical punishment.

The traditional family values are associated with perception that

homosexuality is unacceptable; though only among Hanoi females family values
are significantly related to the perception it is abnormal. Traditional gender roles
are associated with negative view of homosexuality (both as abnormal and
unacceptable) in nearly every gender and city stratification (Feng, Y. et al 2012).

In the Philippine settings, the knowledge of Filipinos in the context of gay

and lesbian parents is merely unfavorable, especially in school only traditional
family are being introduced. Moreover, children raised by gay or lesbian parents
face a number of challenges in the classroom compared to a heterosexual family.
First, many teachers are not well educated on same-sex relationships and school
administrators are reluctant to discuss the issue (Bliss & Harris, 1999). Second,
many prospective teachers hold negative views towards gay and lesbian
individuals, potentially adversely affecting the relationship these teachers will
have with sexuality minority students and families. Third, often teachers are not

likely to initiate a safe and welcoming environment for gay and lesbian students
or their parents (Harris, 1997; Sears, 1991). However, results from the findings
confirm that previous studies in this current body of literature, suggesting that
children raised by same-sex parents fare equally well to children raised
heterosexual parents (Crowl A., Ahn S., & Baker J., 2008).

With this in mind, the researchers find it necessary to conduct this study in
order to determine the effects of traditional and non-traditional family on the
levels of aggressive behavior and attitudes towards homosexuality among early
adolescent. The researchers decided to pursue this study in trying to answer the
questions about the difference between the levels of aggressive behavior in
traditional and non-traditional family, and the difference between the levels of
attitudes towards homosexuality in traditional and non-traditional family. It is
important

to investigate

the

aggressiveness

and the attitudes

toward

homosexuality among early adolescent raised by traditional and non-traditional

family because it might affect their well-being. Hence, it is important to look at
social development of the students to help them cope effectively in school
pressure and family relation.

Literature Review

Many theories have been proposed to explain aggressive behavior of an

individual and factors affecting the attitudes towards homosexuality. Although the
literature covers a wide variety of such theories, this review will focus on three
major themes which emerge repeatedly throughout the literature reviewed. These
themes are: attitudes towards homosexuality, parenting style and aggression,
lastly, non-traditional families. Although the literature presents these themes in a
variety of contexts, this paper will primary focus on effect of family status on the
level of aggressive behavior and attitude towards homosexuality among
adolescent.
HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIP OF STUDIES
INSERT YOURE OWN ARGUMENTATIVE
DONT FORGET THE REFERENCE
ALDS, PA ADD NA RIN NG ABOUT SA TRADITIONAL
FAMILIES AND
PA SERACH ALDS: FILIPINO ADOLESCENTS ATTITUDES
TOWARDS

HOMOSEXUALITY,

AGGRESIVENESS

TRADITIONAL FAMILIES ADOLESCENTS AND

TRADTIONAL FAM GROUP.
PARAPHRASE MO NA LANG PARA SHORT LANG.

OF
NON-

 THANKS!
2.1 Attitudes towards Homosexuality

Attitudes

have

become

increasingly

more

accepting

toward

homosexuality, Attitudes vary between different societies, cultures and organized

groups such as religions. The variety of attitudes are often reflected in legal codes,
from liberal approaches in countries such as the Netherlands and Canada, where
same-sex marriage is legal, to ultra-repressive attitudes in countries like Saudi
Arabia or Iran where homosexuality is a capital offense.

According to the study of Collier, K., Bos, H., and Stanford, T. (2012)
about gay and lesbian persons affects adolescents attitudes towards them, and
whether this association is mediated or moderated by ones acceptance of gender
nonconformity. The researchers showed that contact with lesbian/gay persons
outside of school was positively associated with attitudes toward lesbians and gay
men. Multilevel analyses showed that acceptance of gender non-conformity
mediated rather than moderated the relationship between intergroup contact and
sexual prejudice in males. The effect of intergroup contact on females' attitudes
toward lesbian women was no longer significant in multilevel analyses. Hicks and
Lee (2006) as well as Avery et al. (2007) found that public opinion has become
increasingly positive since the late 1970s continuing to the present. However, A
very additionally found that attitudes toward civil unions and same gender

marriages are also improving, but more gradually. It was found that most of the
students had liberal attitudes toward

Homosexuality and homosexual parenting, and had high levels of

knowledge about homosexual parenting. Students were generally favourable
towards all three couples in the vignettes, but rated lesbian parents followed by
gay parents most highly. It was found that the inclusion of the topic of
homosexuality within the social work curriculum was extremely minimal
(Camilleri, P., Ryan, M., 2006). On other hands there was no significant
difference found in the perceptions and attitudes about homosexuality between the
female and male students, except for the significant difference in the dimension of
attitude towards non-avoidance of homosexuals. Therefore, it is important to have
early education on beliefs about sexual orientation. (Cao H. ,Wang, P., &Gao, Y.,
2010)

2.2 Parenting style and Aggression

The finding actual cause-and-effect links between specific actions of

parents and later behavior of children is very difficult. Some children raised in
dramatically different environments can later grow up to have remarkably similar
personalities. Conversely, children who share a home and are raised in the same
environment can grow up to have astonishingly different personalities than one

another thus parenting style affect the aggressive behavior of an adult especially
in terms of verbal aggression. According to study of Gelles and Harrop (1991)
about American parents with a child under 18 living at home found that 63%
reported one or more instances of verbal aggression, such as swearing and
insulting the child. Children who experienced frequent verbal aggression from
parents (as measured by the Conict Tactic Scales) exhibited higher rates of
physical aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems than other children.
This relationship is robust since it applies to preschool-, elementary school, and
high school-age children, to both boys and girls. and to children who were also
physically punished as well as those who were not.

Children who experienced both verbal aggression and severe physical

violence exhibited the highest rates of aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal
problem, In addition, they specify the instance of verbal aggression that affect to
the child such as swearing and insulting. Thus, there is a difference effect to those
children experienced frequent verbal aggression from parents than other children
which was exhibited higher rates of physical aggression, delinquency, and
interpersonal problems. Physical and verbal aggressive behavior that children and
adolescents show toward peers is associated with parenting styles. The aim of this
research was to examine the relation between perceived parenting styles (of
mothers and fathers) and the level of physical and verbal aggressive behavior,
anger and hostility shown towards peers. Three hundred and seventy-one students

between the ages of 12 and 16 completed several self-report measures: Scale of

Affect, Scale of Rules and Demands as well as the Aggressiveness Questionnaire.
Analysis of variance revealed that adolescents whose parents showed an
authoritative parenting style obtained lower scores in physical and verbal
aggressive behaviors than peers whose parents showed an authoritarian style. In
addition, boys scored higher than girls in physical aggressive behavior. A
perceived authoritarian parenting style was associated with more aggressive
behavior. Low levels of affect and high levels of control, which define an
authoritarian style, were associated with the expression of aggressive behavior,
becoming a potential threat to the adolescent's adjustment in different contexts
such as peer interaction (Cruz, M. J., Linares M. C., Arias, P. F., 2014)

2.3 Non-traditional Families

The term blended family or stepfamily describes families with

mixed parents: one or both parents remarried, bringing children of the former
family into the new family. Also in sociology, particularly in the works of social
psychologist Michael Lamb (1962), traditional family refers to a middleclass
family with a bread-winning father and a stay-at-home mother, married to each
other and raising their biological children, and nontraditional to exceptions from

this rule. We have families of all ethnic backgrounds, gender backgrounds,

adopted children, biological children, divorced families, same sex couples.

According to the study of Power, J.J. et. Al (2010) about Understanding

resilience in the same-sex parented families the work, love, play study While
families headed by same-sex couples have achieved greater public visibility in
recent years, there are still many challenges for these families in dealing with
legal and community contexts that are not supportive of same-sex relationships.
The Work, Love, Play study is a large longitudinal study of same-sex parents.
Another study enlighten this study is the childrens adjustment in non-traditional
families in Israel that result had found that children from single parent as opposed
to two-parent families exhibited more externalizing behavior problems and
aggressiveness. Children of lesbian mothers reported more prosocial behaviors
and less loneliness than children from heterosexual families. No differences
emerged for perceived self-competence across family types and Mothers sexual
orientation did not affect childrens adjustment negatively, whereas single
parenthood placed children at greater risk for some difficulties. Implications
include the need for apprising health professionals of effects of family types on
childrens development.

While there has been a recent upsurge in the number of studies related to
children raised by gay and lesbian parents, the literature in this area continues to

be small and wrought with limitations. This study presents a meta-analysis of the
existing research and focuses on the developmental outcomes and quality of
parentchild relationships among children raised by gay and lesbian parents. A
total of 19 studies were used for the analysis and included both child and parent
outcome measures addressing six areas. Analyses revealed statistically significant
effect size differences between groups for one of the six outcomes: parentchild
relationship. Results confirm previous studies in this current body of literature,
suggesting that children raised by same-sex parents fare equally well to children
raised by heterosexual parents (Crowl, A., Ahn., Baker J., 2007).
According to the study of Wainright, J. L., Russell, S.T., Patterson, C. J.,
(2004) examined associations among family type (same-sex vs. opposite-sex
parents); family and relationship variables; and the psychosocial adjustment,
school outcomes, and romantic attractions and behaviors of adolescents.
Normative analyses indicated that, on measures of psychosocial
adjustment and school outcomes, adolescents were functioning well, and their
adjustment was not generally associated with family type. Assessments of
romantic relationships and sexual behavior were not associated with family type.
Regardless of family type, adolescents whose parents described closer
relationships with them reported better school adjustment.

Our thesis wills also discussing about the non-traditional family which
consists of gay and lesbian parents; single or partnered. In regard to this, the

research said that children raised by same-sex parents fare equally well to
children raised by heterosexual parents. Thus, the treatment of the children raised
by same-sex would be varied from the other country.

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of aggressive behavior
and attitude towards homosexuality among early adolescents who are raised by
traditional and non-traditional family. The researcher have seen how family
become the foundation of every human person and parents become their figure of
attitude. Such situation can affect the adult behavior like aggressiveness and
attitude towards homosexuals making them the most vulnerable for having
affective, behavioral, cognitive component of attitude.
The researchers understood the situations of these parents in supporting
their children especially in field of academics and socialization and the adult
attitude towards homosexual. The purpose of the researchers is to conduct such

research to prove if these adults are capable for having aggressive behavior in line
with the family orientation they engaged.

Theoretical Framework

1.5 c. Frustration-Aggression Theory

Frustration-aggression was proposed by Dollard, Doob, Miller, Mower,
and Sears (1939). According to this view, frustration, which is defined as "the
state that emerges when circumstances interfere with a goal response," often leads
to aggression. Moreover, that feeling of aggression is brought on when we are
prevented from obtaining a goal - increases the probability of an aggressive
response. Frustration is more likely to produce aggression if one is thwarted on

the way to a goal. Aggression also increases when the frustration is unexpected.
Meanwhile, any observer of human emotions recognizes that certain
circumstances and actions by others seem to make us mad. When we are
intentionally hurt, insulted, cheated, deceived, or made fun of--all these things
arouse anger and aggression (Byrne & Kelley, 1981). Hence, parenting is almost
always a mixture of love and resentment for most people. Surely most parents are,
at times, angry at their children and obsessed with an irksome emotional mix of
love and frustration (Samalin, 1991). Most mothers and fathers have, in fact, at
some time, become furious at her/his child. There may well be an urge to
physically hurt the childto spank, hit, or shake him/her. It is hard to know if
your urge to hurt your child is truly dangerous.

1.5 d. Observational Learning Theory

Observational learning by Albert Bandura is learning that occurs through
observing the behavior of others. Albert Bandura, who is best known for the
classic Bobo doll experiment, identified this basic form of learning in 1986.
Bandura stressed the importance of observational learning because it helps
people, especially children; acquire new responses by observing others' behavior.
This form of learning does not need reinforcement to occur, but instead, requires a
model. A social model can be a parent, sibling, friend, or teacher, but

particularly in childhooda model is someone of authority or higher status. A

social model is significantly important in observational learning because it
facilitates cognitive process behavior. It helps the learner encode what they
observe and store it in memory for later imitation. While the model may not
intentionally try to instill a particular behavior, many behaviors the learner
observes, remembers, and imitates are actions that models display. A child may
learn to swear, smack, smoke, and deem other inappropriate behavior acceptable
through poor modeling. Bandura claims that children continually learn desirable
and undesirable behavior through observational learning. Thus, this theory would
assert that if aggression and attitude towards homosexuality is being portrayed by
the parent, it would greatly affect the probability of the child being physically,
verbally aggressive, also including having favorable or unfavorable interpersonal
relationship towards homosexuals.
1.5 e. Attachment theory
Attachment theory describes the dynamics of long-term relationships
between humans. However, attachment theory is not formulated as a general
theory of relationships. The most important tenet of attachment theory is that an
infant needs to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for the
childs successful social and emotional development, and in particular for learning
how to effectively regulate their feelings. Fathers or any other individuals, are
equally likely to become principal attachment figures if they provide most of the

child

care

and

related

social

interaction.

Research

by developmental

psychologist Mary Ainsworth in the 1960s and 70s found that children will have
different patterns of attachment depending primarily on how they experienced
their early caregiving environment. Early patterns of attachment, in turn, shape
but do not determine - the individual's expectations in later relationships. Four
different attachment classifications have been identified in children: secure
attachment, anxious-ambivalent

attachment, anxious-avoidant

attachment,

and disorganized attachment. Attachment theory has become the dominant theory
used today in the study of infant and toddler behavior and in the fields of infant
mental health, treatment of children, and related fields.
The parental use of verbal aggressiveness can cause a disruption in the
relationship between the child and the parent. When a parent uses verbally
aggressive behavior children are often frightened, this leads to avoidance of the
parent. The verbal aggressiveness causes the child to feel fear and anxiety and
therefore the child loses trust in their relationship. Parental verbal aggressiveness
has a negative correlation with relational satisfaction and closeness to their
children. Studies found that parents who are verbally aggressive tend to have
children who are also verbally aggressive. This is proven through Bandura's social
learning theory. Children who are consistently around their parents are likely to
model their behavior.

According to the attachment theory, all humans are dependent on one or

several individuals during the early years of their lives. It is important to
understand how a parent's verbal aggressiveness can change the attachment style
the child has toward the parent. If a parent is shown as attacking a child's selfimage, it is likely that these attacks will hinder the growth of a confident
attachment style.

Conferring one of the patterns of attachment theory the

ambivalently attached children usually become very distressed when a parent

leaves. This attachment style is considered relatively uncommon in children.
Research suggests that ambivalent attachment is a result of poor maternal
availability. These children cannot depend on their mother (or caregiver) to be
there when the child is in need. Styron and Janoff-Bulman (1997) found, more
than 60% of participants who had been verbally abused as children had reported
an insecure attachment style. Authoritative parents are characterized by
encouraging and democratic behaviors. These types of parents value verbal "giveand-take. Authoritarian parents prefer punishment as a way to control their
child's behavior and they value obedience from their children. Parents low in
verbal aggression tends to adopt an authoritative parenting style and that is
positively related to a secure attachment style.
Relative in our study the researcher will be measuring the level of
aggressive behavior of children from traditional and non-traditional family and
how their attitudes affected by observing their parents as models whom they learn
a behavior.

Conceptual Framework
Guided by Attachment Theory, Observational Learning Theory, and
Frustration-Aggression Theory, the researchers believed that through the
caregivers of children, parenting styles and observations of the children would
serve as accurate parameters to determine aggressive behavior and attitudes

towards homosexuality of adolescent raised by non-traditional and traditional

family.
DEPENDENT VARIABLE

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

Aggressive behavior

Types of family

Traditional
Nontraditional
Attitudes towards
homosexuality

Figure 1. The Schematic Diagram on the Effects of Traditional and NonTraditional family on the Levels of Aggressive Behavior and Attitude towards
Homosexuality among Early Adolescent.

Research Questions

Based on the foregoing discussions, the following research questions were

derived:

Research Questions:

1.) What are the levels of aggressive behavior in traditional family among
early adolescent?
1.1 Physical aggression
1.2 Verbal aggression
1.3 Hostility aggression
1.4 Anger aggression
2.) What are the levels of aggressive behavior towards homosexuals in nontraditional family among early adolescent?
2.1 Physical aggression
2.2 Verbal aggression
2.3 Hostility aggression
2.4 Anger aggression
3.) What are the factors of attitude towards homosexuality in traditional
family?

4.) What are the factors of Attitude towards homosexuality in non-traditional

family?
5.) Is there a significant difference between the levels of aggressive behavior
of adolescents in non- traditional and traditional family?
6.) Is there a significant difference between the levels of attitudes towards
homosexuality of adolescents in non- traditional and traditional family?

Definition of Terms
Traditional Family defines as a family structure of both heterosexual
parents.
Non- traditional Family- a family structure raised by either a lesbian or a gay
parent. It may be a single third-sex parent or a homosexual couple with adopted or
biological child/children.
Aggressive behavior define as a verbal and physical aggressive behavior by
adolescents from traditional and non-traditional family that affects their wellbeing.
Attitudes towards Homosexuality define on how adolescents perceive
homosexuality as a gender. It could be a favorable or unfavorable perception.

Hypotheses

This study set forth the null and alternative hypotheses that will be test at
0.05 level of significance.

H1: There is no significant difference between levels of aggressive behavior in

traditional and non-traditional family.
H2: There is no significant difference between the levels of attitudes towards
homosexuality in traditional and non-traditional family.

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods and procedures employed in this study.
Specifically, this chapter includes research design, participant selection,
apparatus/instruments,

data

gathering

procedure,

data

analysis,

ethical

consideration and statistical treatment necessary to evaluate the data obtained

from this study.

Research Design

Causal Comparative research attempts to determine reasons, or causes, for

the existing condition between variables. It gives an indication starts with cause
and investigates its effects on some variable. However, the independent variable
cannot be manipulated. The independent variables are known as the attribute
variable. In this study, the effects of traditional and non-traditional family as the
independent variable in the level of aggressive behavior and attitude towards
homosexuality which are the dependent variables among adolescents.

Site and Participants Selection

There are two groups of respondents in this study, adolescent raised by
traditional family and adolescents raised by non-traditional family. Purposive

sampling used in the selection of the respondents. Purposive sampling statistical

method focus on particular characteristics of a population that are interest, which
will best enable

Thirty (30) healthy adolescents from traditional family and thirty

(30) healthy adolescents from non-traditional family (ages 12-19, whether male or
female) will be selected for the study. Selection of participants was based on
inclusion criteria: must be biological or adopted child of both heterosexual and
homosexual parents, must have no past history of verbal and physical abuse and
negative experience towards homosexuality.

Sample
Subjects included in the sample were selected to meet specific criteria.
The adolescents raised by mother and father heterosexual parents had to meet the
following criteria to be included in the sample. They should be biologically or
adoptively children, be mentally sound in order to consent to participation, be
willing to participate, be of either sex or any race
While the adolescents raised by gay/lesbian parents, had to meet the
following criteria to be included in the sample. They should be biologically or
adoptively children, be mentally sound in order to consent to participation, be
willing to participate, be of either sex or any race

Apparatus/Instruments

Two assessment tools or scales will be utilized to collect data for this research.
Each instrument is described in detail below:

3.4.1 Homosexual Attitude Scale

This scale was developed Kite, M.E., & Deaux, K. (1986).

The

Homosexuality Attitude Scale (HAS) is a Likert scale that assesses people's

stereotypes, misconceptions, and anxieties about homosexuals. The measure
contains a unidimensional factor representing a favorable or unfavorable
evaluation of homosexuals. The scale has excellent internal consistency (alphas
>.92). The scale has a good test-retest reliability (r = .71). It is equally reliable for
gay male and for lesbian targets. Attitude scores for "gay male", "lesbian", and
"homosexual" targets do not differ significantly. However, researchers are best
served by selection of a specific target and avoiding "homosexual" as an attitude
object. The scale correlates (rs =.50) with the FEM Scale (Smith, Ferree, &
Miller, 1975) and the Attitude Toward Women Scale (Spence & Helmreich, 1978).
It is unrelated to the agency/communion scales of the Personal Attributes
Questionnaire (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1974) and is unrelated to the M and
F Scale of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem, 1974). It is also unrelated to the

Self-monitoring Scale (Snyder, 1974), the Marlowe-Crown Social Desirability

Scale (Crowne & Marlowe, 1960), and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale
(Rosenberg, 1965).

3.4.2 Buss-Perry Aggression Scale

The scale was designed by Arnold Buss and Mark Perry, professors from
the University of Texas at Austin in a 1992 article for the Journal of Personality
and Social Psychology. The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ) is one
of the most widely used aggression scales. BAQ is a self-report scale consisting of
27 items answered on a 4-point Likert type scale that was adapted from the BussDurkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) (Buss and Durkee 1957). Its 4 subscales
measure physical aggression, verbal aggression, hostility, and anger. The physical
aggression subscale includes 9 items about physically harming others, the verbal
aggression subscale includes 5 items about verbal aggression directed towards
others, the anger subscale includes 7 items that measure the affective aspect of
aggression, and the hostility subscale includes 8 items that assess the cognitive
aspect of aggression. The reliability of the BAQ-Turkish Version was calculated
using internal consistency, test-retest, and split-half methods. Cronbachs alpha
coefficient (Cronbach 1951) was used to determine the internal consistency of
each of the 4 subscales.

Procedure

To come up with the data needed for this study, the researchers will
follow certain procedure. The sources of the data will be taken from the available
adolescents from traditional family and non-traditional family upon meeting the
inclusion criteria for this study. For this purpose, an informed consent will be
given requesting the respondents in the study to become the subject and
cooperatively answer the questionnaires. Questionnaires will be personally given
to the respondents for them to accomplish and to be collected personally by the
researcher at an agreed time after they had gone through answering with the
questionnaires.

3.4.1 Clinical Screening

The clinical screening session occurred three days prior to test

administration to prepare the participants psychologically. Participants were given
general information about the scope of the study. Participants were made aware of
the option of withdrawing from the study at any and for any reason without
prejudice. Participants signed the Informed Consent Form before conducting the
test administration and interview.

Data Analysis

Data gathered from aggressive behavior and attitudes toward

homosexuality scores were treated using descriptive statistics and parametric
inferential statistics tools.

In summary, the statistical analysis of the data was through the following
statistical procedures.

1. Mean- this statistical treatment was used to determine the average of aggressive
behavior and attitudes towards homosexuality of participants from traditional
and non-traditional family.

2. Standard Deviation- this statistical treatment was used to describe the degree of
dispersion of scores among participants from traditional and non-traditional
family.

3. T-test - this was utilized to determine if there was significant difference

between the aggressive behavior among participants from traditional and nontraditional family as well as the attitudes towards homosexuality.

Ethical Considerations

Prior to test administration and interview, the researcher will protect

the participants from psychological harm while their identity is protected under
privacy and confidentiality. The proposal includes the purpose and nature of the
study, how the participants will selected and treated, and the expected results that
the study should or may yield. In addition, all participants have given an informed
consent form. Finally, no financial inducements were given to participate in the
study.

RESULTS
This research has arrived on answering the following research questions:
Research Questions
1. What are the levels of aggressive behavior in traditional family among
adolescent?
a. Physical aggression
b. Verbal aggression
c. Hostility aggression
d. Anger aggression
Table 1.1 shows the computed value of the mean (x) and standard
deviation values for the level of aggressive behavior in traditional family.
Table 1.1
Mean and Standard Deviation Value of Aggressive Behavior in Traditional
Family.

Dimensions

Mean

SD

Physical
aggression

30

17.30

3.20

13.03

2.31

Verbal
aggression
Hostility

30
30

20.10

6.57

Anger

30

18.73

4.82

Verbal
Interpretation

HIGH

Total

17.29

3.06

Table 1.1 illustrates the dimensions for variable X representing Physical

aggression with a mean of 17.30 and SD of 3.20, Verbal aggression with a mean
of 13.03 and SD of 2.31, Hostility with a mean of 20.10 and SD of 6.57 and
Anger with a mean of 18.73 and SD of 4.82. The dimensions of Verbal aggression
got the less level of extent while Physical aggression, Hostility and Anger got a
high level of extent among traditional family. This means that Physical
aggression, Hostility and anger have higher probability in the level of aggressive
behavior in traditional family.
2. What are the levels of aggressive behavior in non-traditional family
among adolescent?
a. Physical aggression
b. Verbal aggression
c. Hostility aggression
d. Anger aggression
Table 2.1 shows the computed value of the mean (x) and standard
deviation values for the level of aggressive behavior in non-traditional
family.
Table 2.1
Mean and Standard Deviation Value of Aggressive Behavior in NonTraditional Family.
Dimensions

Mean (X)

SD

Physical
aggression

30

17.17

2.90

13.10

1.81

19.27

3.64

Verbal
aggression
Hostility

30
30

Verbal
Interpretation

LOW

Anger

30

Total

17.43

3.91

16.74

2.60

Table 2.1 illustrates the dimensions for variable X representing Physical

aggression with a mean of 17.17 and SD of 2.90, Verbal aggression with a mean
of 13.10 and SD of 1.81, Hostility with a mean of 19.27 and SD of 3.64 and
Anger with a mean of 17.43 and SD of 3.91. The dimensions of Verbal aggression
got the less level of extent while Physical aggression, Hostility and Anger got a
high level of extent among traditional family. This means that Physical
aggression, Hostility and anger have higher probability in the level of aggressive
behavior in traditional family
3. What are the factors of attitude towards homosexuality in traditional
family?
Table 3.1 shows the computed value of the mean (x) and standard
deviation values for the level of aggressive behavior in non-traditional
family.
Table 3.1
Mean and Standard Deviation Value of Attitude towards Homosexuality in
Traditional Family.

Dimensions

Mean

SD

Affective
Component

30

8.6

2.63

Verbal
Interpretation

Behavioral
Component
Cognitive
Component
Total

30
30

11.23

3.36

8.5

2.34

9.44

1.55

LOW

Table 3.1 illustrates the dimensions for variable X representing Affective

Component with a mean of 8.6 and SD of 2.63, Behavioral Component with a
mean of 11.23 and SD of 3.36, and Cognitive Component with a mean of 8.5 and
SD of 2.34. The dimensions of behavioral component got the less level of extent
and cognitive component got the average level of extent while affective
component got a high level of extent among traditional family. This means that
Affective Component have higher probability in the level of component in the
attitude towards homosexuality among traditional family.

4. What are the factors of attitude towards homosexuality in non-traditional

family?
Table 4.1 shows the computed value of the mean (x) and standard
deviation values for the level of aggressive behavior in non-traditional
family.
Table 4.1
Mean and Standard Deviation Value of Attitude towards Homosexuality in
Non-Traditional Family.

Dimensions

Mean

SD

Affective
Component

30

12.23

4.12

Verbal
Interpretation

Behavioral
Component
Cognitive
Component
Total

30
30

14.03

2.91

11.27

3.45

12.51

1.40

HIGH

Table 4.1 illustrates the dimensions for variable X representing Affective

Component with a mean of 12.23 and SD of 4.12, Behavioral Component with a
mean of 14.03 and SD of 2.91, and Cognitive Component with a mean of 11.27
and SD of 3.45. The dimensions of cognitive component got the less level of
extent and affective got the average level of extent while behavioral component
got a high level of extent among traditional family. This means that Behavioral
Component have higher probability in the level of component in the attitude
towards homosexuality among non-traditional family.
5. Is there a significant difference between the levels of aggressive behavior
of adolescents in non- traditional and traditional family?

Table 5.1 shows the t-test for independent sample showing statistical
difference for both groups.
Table 5.1
T-test for independent sample showing statistical difference for both groups
on Level of Aggressive Behavior.

Groups

Mean (x)

SD

Traditional

30

67.93

1.74

Non-

30

66.97

1.46

traditional

T-value

Decision

0.43

Accept HO

Total

60

Table 5.1 illustrates the results from the t-test for independent sample of
the dimension of variable X for the Traditional and Non-Traditional group. For
the dimension of level of aggressive behavior, traditional and non-traditional have
the same t-value of 0.43, this means that there is significant difference between
traditional and non-traditional family in the level of aggressive behavior.
6.

Is there a significant difference between the levels of attitudes towards

homosexuality of adolescents in non- traditional and traditional family?

Table 6.1 shows the t-test for independent sample showing statistical
difference for both groups.
Table 6.1
T-test for independent sample showing statistical difference for both groups
on Attitude towards Homosexuality.

Groups

Mean (x)

SD

Traditional

30

28.27

7.21

Non-

30

37.03

8.46

traditional
Total

60

T-value

Decision

4.32

Reject HO

Table 6.1 illustrates the results from the t-test for independent sample of
the dimension of variable X for the Traditional and Non-Traditional group. For
the dimension of attitude towards Homosexuality, traditional and non-traditional
have the same t-value of 4.32, this means that there is a significant difference
between traditional and non-traditional family in the level of aggressive behavior.

DISCUSSIONS
The present study aimed to examine the aggressive behavior and attitudes
towards homosexuality of adolescents growing up in traditional and nontraditional family. These behavior and attitudes were separately analyzed by
family orientation. In two large samples of respondents, traditional family have
higher level of aggression than non-traditional. The results in the means of X
variables indicate that traditional family have higher level of physical, verbal,

hostility and anger that can lead to aggressiveness. This means that non-traditional
family physical, verbal, hostility and anger have a less probability of being
aggressive. According to Bryne and Kelley (1981) when we are intentionally hurt,
insulted, cheated, deceived or made fun of all these things arouse anger and
aggression. Moreover, studies found that parents who are aggressive tend to have
children who are also aggressive. This is proven through Banduras social
learning theory. Children who are consistently around their parents are likely to
model their behavior.
Meanwhile, attitudes have become increasingly more accepting toward
homosexuality. Attitudes vary between different societies, cultures and organized
groups such as religions. In this study, the non-traditional families showed the
higher level of attitudes towards homosexuality than traditional. The results in the
means of X variables indicate that non-traditional families have higher level of
affective, behavioral, and cognitive while the traditional obtained low scores in
affective, behavioral, and cognitive. This means that adolescents raised by
gay/lesbian parents have a favorable attitude towards homosexuality than
adolescents raised by heterosexual parents. And thus, adolescents raised by
traditional family have less scores because they have less likely had personal
contact with lesbian or gay. The variety of attitudes are often reflected in legal
codes from liberal approaches in countries such as the Netherlands and Canada,
where same-sex marriage is legal, to ultra-repressive attitudes in countries like
Saudi Arabia or Iran where homosexuality is a capital offense (Collier, Bos, and
Stanford, 2012). However, it is important to have an early education about sexual
orientation (Cao,Wang, & Gao, 2010).
This research provide direct support evidence that children raised by
traditional family are more aggressive than children raised by gay/lesbian parents.
And also attitude towards homosexuality which favored a positive attitude to
adolescents raised by non-traditional family. Thus, the researchers conclude that

children raised by parents with different lifestyles, values and attributes, are likely
to be different from other children (Baumrind, 1995)

Practical Contributions of the Study

The findings of this study can be beneficial to the following:

For the participants, this study served as a guide on understanding how the
levels of aggressive behavior and attitude towards homosexuality affect their
well-being. This could help to handle their own personal, emotional, and social
development.
For the parents, this study help them to realize what would be the effects
of aggressive behavior and attitude towards homosexuality to the nature of their
child's development. This may give them ideas on how they can help their own
children handle their aggressive behavior and attitude towards homosexuality that
could make them more mature individuals.
For the teachers and guidance personnel, this study benefit them by
making them become more knowledgeable about the impact of aggressive
behavior and attitude towards homosexuality that can play a major role in their
development as an individual. This could also serve as a tool for them to come up
with programs where the students can manage their aggressive behavior and
attitude towards homosexuality effectively.

For the psychology profession, the study aid in providing an additional

support on the other theory and literature pertaining to aggressive behavior and
attitude towards homosexuality which have been tackled in this study.
For the future researchers, this study help them by providing a broader
understanding that they may use as a reference for their study. Furthermore, this
study also served as a source of data for further researches that may contain same
variable.
Limitations of the Study

The study focused on the levels of aggressive behavior including physical

and verbal aggression among adolescents raised by either traditional or nontraditional family. Furthermore, the researchers of the study also determined the
levels of attitude towards homosexuality including affective,behavioral, and
cognitive responses among adolescents from either traditional or non-traditional
family.

Conclusions

Based on the foregoing results, the following conclusions are made:

1. For the aggressive behavior, the mean of the dimensions physical, verbal,
hostility and anger were higher in adolescents raised by heterosexual
parents than with adolescents raised by gay/lesbian parents. This means
that traditional family is more aggressive than non-traditional family.
2. For the attitudes towards homosexuality, the mean of the dimensions
affective, behavioral, and cognitive was higher in non-traditional than with
traditional family. This means that adolescents raised by gay/lesbian
parents have higher score in attitude towards homosexuality than
adolescents raised by heterosexual parents. This means that non-traditional
family have positive attitude towards homosexuality than children raised
by mother and father parents.
3. There is no significant difference between levels of aggressive behavior in
traditional and non-traditional family.
4.

There is significant difference between levels of attitudes towards

homosexuality in traditional and non-traditional family.

Recommendations

In the light of the foregoing conclusions and limitations, the following are
hereby recommended:
1. That, researchers should increase the number of participants in the
Traditional and Non-Traditional Family so that the possible results and
findings of the future research will be more precise and valid.
2. Researchers are also suggested to find a test instrument that only
focuses on Physical and Verbal Aggression base on the view that the
recent researchers used BAQ which measures four areas namely
physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility.
3. Students are advised to try investigating different aspects about
Traditional and Non-Traditional Family by changing the variables of
the previous researchers and focusing to other possible topic.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Buss, A. H., & Perry, M. P. (1992). The aggression questionnaire. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 63, 452-459.
Collier, K. L., Bos, H. M. W., & Sandfort, T. G. M. (2012). Intergroup contact,
attitudes toward homosexuality, and the role of acceptance of gender nonconformity in young adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 35(4), 899907.
doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.12.010
Crowl, A., Ahn, S., & Baker, J. (2008). A Meta-Analysis of Developmental
Outcomes for Children of Same-Sex and Heterosexual Parents. Journal of
GLBT Family Studies, 4 (3), 385407.
Erich, S., Kanenberg, H., Case, K., Allen, T., & Bogdanos, T. (2009). Children
and Youth Services Review An empirical analysis of factors affecting
adolescent attachment in adoptive families with homosexual and straight
parents.

Children

and

Youth

Services

Review,

31(3),

398404.

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2008.09.004
Estvez Lpez, E., Prez, S. M., Ochoa, G. M., & Ruiz, D. M. (2008). Adolescent
aggression: effects of gender and family and school environments. Journal
of Adolescence, 31 (4), 43350. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2007.09.007

Feng, Y., Lou, C., Gao, E., Tu, X., Cheng, Y., Emerson, M. R., & Zabin, L. S.
(2012). Adolescents and young adults' perception of homosexuality and
related factors in Three Asian Cities. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50 (3
SUPPL.), S5260.
Gau, S. S.-F., & Chang, J. P.-C. (2013). Maternal parenting styles and motherchild relationship among adolescents with and without persistent attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34(5),
158194. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2013.02.002
Hou, S.-Y., Pan, S.-M., Ko, N.-Y., Liu, H.-C., Wu, S.-J., Yang, W.-C., Yen, C.F. (2006). Correlates of attitudes toward homosexuality and intention to care
for homosexual people among psychiatric nurses in southern Taiwan. The
Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 22(8), 3907. doi:10.1016/S1607551X(09)70328-6
Kite, M.E., & Deaux, K. (1986). Attitudes toward homosexuality: Assessment and
behavioral consequences. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 7, 137-162.

Rinaldi, C. M., & Howe, N. (2012). Mothers and fathers parenting styles and
associations with toddlers externalizing, internalizing, and adaptive
behaviors.

Early

Childhood

doi:10.1016/j.ecresq.2011.08.001

Research

Quarterly,

27(2),

266273.

Santos, M., Galvez, P., Malabuyo, T. (2012). General Psychology. Manila,

Philippines
Shechner T, Slone M., Lobel T. E. and Shechter R. (2011).Childrens adjustment
in non-traditional families in Israel: The effect of

parental

sexual

orientation and the number of parents on childrens development. Child:

care health and development, 39 (2) 178184.
Short, E., Riggs, D. W., Perlesz, A., Brown, R., & Kane, G. (2007). Lesbian ,
Gay , Bisexual and Transgender ( LGBT ) Parented Families A Literature
Review prepared for The Australian Psychological Society, 497(August).
Scruton, R. (1996). Aggressive Tendency towards Homosexual. The New
Criterion, 15(3), 5-13.
Vera, J., Granero, R., & Ezpeleta, L. (2012). Fathers and mother's perceptions of
parenting styles as mediators of the effects of parental psychopathology on
antisocial behavior in outpatient children and adolescents. Child Psychiatry
and Human Development, 43(3), 37692. doi:10.1007/s10578-011-0272-z

REFERENCES
Buss, A. H., & Perry, M. P. (1992). The aggression questionnaire. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 63, 452-459.
Collier, K. L., Bos, H. M. W., & Sandfort, T. G. M. (2012). Intergroup contact,
attitudes toward homosexuality, and the role of acceptance of gender nonconformity in young adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 35(4), 899907.
doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.12.010
Crowl, A., Ahn, S., & Baker, J. (2008). A Meta-Analysis of Developmental
Outcomes for Children of Same-Sex and Heterosexual Parents. Journal of
GLBT Family Studies, 4 (3), 385407.
Erich, S., Kanenberg, H., Case, K., Allen, T., & Bogdanos, T. (2009). Children
and Youth Services Review An empirical analysis of factors affecting
adolescent attachment in adoptive families with homosexual and straight
parents.

Children

and

Youth

Services

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2008.09.004

Review,

31(3),

398404.

Estvez Lpez, E., Prez, S. M., Ochoa, G. M., & Ruiz, D. M. (2008). Adolescent
aggression: effects of gender and family and school environments. Journal
of Adolescence, 31 (4), 43350. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2007.09.007
Feng, Y., Lou, C., Gao, E., Tu, X., Cheng, Y., Emerson, M. R., & Zabin, L. S.
(2012). Adolescents and young adults' perception of homosexuality and
related factors in Three Asian Cities. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50 (3
SUPPL.), S5260.
Gau, S. S.-F., & Chang, J. P.-C. (2013). Maternal parenting styles and motherchild relationship among adolescents with and without persistent attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34(5),
158194. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2013.02.002
Hou, S.-Y., Pan, S.-M., Ko, N.-Y., Liu, H.-C., Wu, S.-J., Yang, W.-C., Yen, C.F. (2006). Correlates of attitudes toward homosexuality and intention to care
for homosexual people among psychiatric nurses in southern Taiwan. The
Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 22(8), 3907. doi:10.1016/S1607551X(09)70328-6
Kite, M.E., & Deaux, K. (1986). Attitudes toward homosexuality: Assessment and
behavioral consequences. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 7, 137-162.

Rinaldi, C. M., & Howe, N. (2012). Mothers and fathers parenting styles and
associations with toddlers externalizing, internalizing, and adaptive

behaviors.

Early

Childhood

Research

Quarterly,

27(2),

266273.

doi:10.1016/j.ecresq.2011.08.001
Santos, M., Galvez, P., Malabuyo, T. (2012). General Psychology. Manila,
Philippines
Shechner T, Slone M., Lobel T. E. and Shechter R. (2011).Childrens adjustment
in non-traditional families in Israel: The effect of

parental

sexual

orientation and the number of parents on childrens development. Child:

care health and development, 39 (2) 178184.
Short, E., Riggs, D. W., Perlesz, A., Brown, R., & Kane, G. (2007). Lesbian ,
Gay , Bisexual and Transgender ( LGBT ) Parented Families A Literature
Review prepared for The Australian Psychological Society, 497(August).
Scruton, R. (1996). Aggressive Tendency towards Homosexual. The New
Criterion, 15(3), 5-13.
Vera, J., Granero, R., & Ezpeleta, L. (2012). Fathers and mother's perceptions of
parenting styles as mediators of the effects of parental psychopathology on
antisocial behavior in outpatient children and adolescents. Child Psychiatry
and Human Development, 43(3), 37692. doi:10.1007/s10578-011-0272-z