Religiosity and attitudes toward homosexual relationships: Does empathy moderate the relationship?

• Main Authors: Conocer, Tricia Ann B., Mirhan, Jay Michaela R., Olindo, Catherine Mae C., Santos, Edy Roseanne S.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Homosexuality; Sexual minorities; Religiousness; Attitude (Psychology); Empathy; Lesbians; Gays; Bisexuals; Transgender people; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/7955
• Institution: De La Salle University

Previous research has often focused on the stigmatization experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Attitudes toward homosexual relationships conversely, have obtained minimal attention. Using a predictive and quantitative approach, the present study explored the relationships among religiosity, empathy, and attitudes toward homosexual relationships. Data was gathered through a survey questionnaire which consist of the Intrinsic Religious Motivation Scale (Hoge, 1972), Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (Spreng, R. N., McKinnon, M. C., Mar, R. A., & Levine, B., 2009), and a Modified Attitudes Toward Homosexual Relationships scale that was specifically structured for this study. Regression analyses revealed that religiosity and empathy are both significant predictors of Filipinos' attitudes towards homosexual relationships. Empathy, however, did not moderate the relationship between the two variables. Results of the study are discussed in relation to the established literature on Filipinos' attitudes toward homosexual relationships and the possible underlying factors concerning empathy. Suggestions for future research include the application of an established Attitudes Toward Homosexual Relationships scale for Filipinos, as well as a comprehensive exploration of the different aspects of homosexual relationships.