Sex and Sexual Orientation Differences in Personality in China

Using data from an Internet survey, we assessed masculinity-femininity (self-ascribed masculinity-femininity [Self-MF], gender-related
interests, instrumentality, expressiveness) and Big Five personality traits in a Chinese sample of 201 heterosexual men, 220
homosexual men, 353 heterosexual women, and 215 homosexual women. Sex differences and sexual orientation differences were
largest for gender-related interests and Self-MF. Homosexual-heterosexual differences in emotional stability were opposite
for men and women, supporting the “gender shift” over the “social stress” hypothesis. Sex and sexual orientation differences
in gender-related interests, Self-MF, and emotional stability observed in China were consistent with those found in other
countries, suggesting possible biological influences. In contrast, group differences in other traits were more variable, suggesting
possible cultural influences.