Revise RRL

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 children’s 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 & O’Conno,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 parent’s 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  DON’T 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 adolescent’s attitudes towards them, and whether this association is mediated or moderated by one’s 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 Conflict 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 children’s 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 Mother’s sexual orientation did not affect children’s 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 children’s 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 parent–child 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: parent–child relationship. Results confirm previous studies in this current body of literature, suggesting that children raised by same-sex parent’s 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 parent’s 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 child—to 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 childhood—a 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 child’s 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. Cronbach’s 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

N

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

N

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

N

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

N

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

N

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

N

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 Bandura’s 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), 899–907. 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), 385–407. 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),

398–404.

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2008.09.004 Estévez López, E., Pérez, S. M., Ochoa, G. M., & Ruiz, D. M. (2008). Adolescent aggression: effects of gender and family and school environments. Journal of Adolescence, 31 (4), 433–50. 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.), S52–60. 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), 1581–94. 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), 390–7. 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),

266–273.

Santos, M., Galvez, P., Malabuyo, T. (2012). General Psychology. Manila, Philippines Shechner T, Slone M., Lobel T. E. and Shechter R. (2011).Children’s 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) 178–184. 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). Father’s 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), 376–92. 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), 899–907. 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), 385–407. 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),

398–404.

Estévez López, E., Pérez, S. M., Ochoa, G. M., & Ruiz, D. M. (2008). Adolescent aggression: effects of gender and family and school environments. Journal of Adolescence, 31 (4), 433–50. 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.), S52–60. 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), 1581–94. 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), 390–7. 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),

266–273.

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).Children’s 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) 178–184. 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). Father’s 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), 376–92. doi:10.1007/s10578-011-0272-z