Abstract
M.A.
The aim of this study was to make an attempt to differentiate
between certain etiological factors which could contribute
to lesbian behaviour. Because of the fact that only a relatively
small amount of research bas been done on female
homosexuality, it was considered to be an important subject
for further study. Because of the small amount of research
on female homosexuality it is often found that generalizations
are made about female homosexuality on the basis of
findings on male homosexuality. This is an additional motivation
for research on female homosexuality as a seperate
entity.
Initially, the general developement of sexuality in the female
was examined without emphasizing hetero- or homosexuality.
The importance of this approach was that important deductions
could be made with regard to etiological factors.
Secondly, attention was given to the theoretical approaches
to female homosexuality, on the basis of previous research,
as well as theoretical speculations. The approaches which
were examined, were the psychoanalytical model, the biological
model and the social model.
Thirdly, the personality traits of the lesbian were considered
in particular. This section was based on previous research
relevant to this theme, for example specific factors
like aggression, depression, sexual identity, social adaptation
and feelings of dependency were considered. Although
there was no agreement in the studies, it appeared that there
were no obvious differences between lesbian and heterosexual
women.
The experimental section of this study contains the analysis
of biographical data, which was obtained by means of a biographical
questionnaire, and the analysis of data collected
by means of administration of the Rorschach technique. The
biographical data were collected to elicit etiological factors
while the Rorschach aimed at finding personality
characteristics typically encountered in lesbianism.