PSYC 211 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10.4: Congenital Disorder, Cerebrum, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 211
• Professor: Yogita Chaudasama

Document Summary

Some investigators believe that sexual orientation is determined by childhood experiences, esp. interactions between children and their parents. Evidence suggests that prenatal androgens can affect human social behaviour and sexual orientation as well as anatomy. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia leads the adrenal glands to secrete abnormal amounts of androgens (the secretion begin prenatally): thus, the syndrome causes prenatal masculinization. A plausible explanation for the increased incidence of masculine sexual orientation of women with. Cah is that the androgens affect development of the brain: of course, they also have a role in shaping the genitals and these changes may play a role in shaping the development of the girl"s sexual orientation. However, women with non-classical cah (ncah) have normal genitalia, yet also show increased incidence of homosexuality and bisexuality. Children typically show sex difference in toy preferences, as boys prefer toys that be used actively, and girls prefer toys that provide the opportunity for nurturance.