A short review of biological research on the development of sexual orientation

Horm Behav. 2020 Mar:119:104659. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104659. Epub 2020 Jan 8.

Abstract

We review research supporting biological mechanisms in the development of sexual orientation. This research includes studies on neural correlates, prenatal hormones and related physical/behavioral correlates, genetics, and the fraternal birth order effect (FBOE). These studies, taken together, have provided substantial support for biological influences underlying the development of sexual orientation, but questions remain unanswered, including how biological mechanisms may differ in contributing to men's and women's sexual orientation development.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Fraternal birth order effect; Genetics; Neurodevelopment; Prenatal hormones; Sexual orientation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomedical Research* / methods
  • Biomedical Research* / statistics & numerical data
  • Biomedical Research* / trends
  • Birth Order / psychology
  • Female
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Hormones / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / epidemiology
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / etiology
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / psychology
  • Sex Determination Processes / physiology
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology

Substances

  • Hormones