A Comparison of Cognitive Development in College Students as a Function of Sexual Orientation

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Barton, Michelle

Keywords

Cognitive Development, Sexual Orientation, College Students

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

The differences in cognitive development between gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (GLBTQ) and heterosexual college students were investigated. The Learning Environment Preferences questionnaire was used to determine cognitive developmental level as described in the Perry Scheme. The results indicated that GLBTQ students experienced more stress over their sexual orientation than did heterosexuals, that stress over sexual orientation was positively correlated with cognitive development, and that GLBTQ students had a higher cognitive development score than heterosexual students. Understanding differences in students' cognitive development can help colleges to provide the necessary challenge, structure, and support in order to help all students to continue developing throughout their college years.

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