Genetic, Hormonal, And Environmental Determinants Of Sexual Orientation

Abstract

Sexual orientation is a complex aspect of human behavior that has received increasing scientific attention because of the diverse range of factors associated with its development. Current scientific evidence suggests that it cannot be attributed to a single determinant, but rather emerges from interactions among biological, hormonal, genetic, developmental, and environmental factors, with their relative influence varying between individuals.

The aim of this thesis is to critically review and integrate existing scientific knowledge concerning the determinants of human sexual orientation from a multidisciplinary perspective. For this purpose, major contributions from genetics, endocrinology, embryology, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and sociology are examined to establish a comprehensive framework for understanding sexual orientation as a complex biological and psychosocial phenomenon.

This research is based on the need to move beyond reductionist approaches that seek to explain sexual orientation from an individual perspective. Accordingly, it examines processes associated with embryonic development, sexual differentiation, prenatal hormonal influences, genetic factors identified in scientific research, functional organization of the nervous system, psychological processes related to identity and    affectivity, and the influence of family, social, and cultural environments throughout human development.

Sexual orientation begins to develop during the early stages of life through complex processes that may involve genetic, hormonal, neurobiological, and environmental influences. During prenatal development, childhood, and adolescence, significant processes of differentiation, maturation, and interaction with the environment occur and may contribute to the development of human sexuality. Therefore, understanding sexual orientation requires consideration of different developmental stages, ranging from gamete formation and embryonic development to sexual maturation, while avoiding the attribution of its origin to a single factor or specific developmental period.

The methodology consists of a documentary and comparative review of scientific literature from the biomedical and social sciences, incorporating studies obtained from national and international databases. The collected information is systematically organized to identify the principal explanatory models, their limitations, and the level of scientific evidence supporting each model.

The findings indicate that sexual orientation is a multifactorial phenomenon that requires the integration of knowledge from multiple scientific disciplines. No single explanatory model adequately accounts for the diversity observed in human sexual orientation. Instead, the available evidence supports a complex interaction between biological and environmental factors occurring throughout human development.

Finally, this thesis proposes an integrative and evidence-based approach to the study of sexual orientation, contributing to a broader understanding of its determinants and providing a theoretical framework that may support and guide future research in this field.