June 11th, 2009
I have an article in The Advocate about a major university study that shows concealing one’s sexual orientation affects mental and physical performance:
Gay and lesbian study participants who were asked to conceal their sexual orientation performed 20% worse on spatial reasoning tests and 50% worse on physical endurance tests as compared to those who were not given this instruction. The findings have clear implications for the battlefield. Gays and lesbians — even those who follow the policy — are prevented from performing optimally, which may affect the readiness of military units.
What is interesting about this study is that the participants don’t have to feel distressed about concealing their sexual orientation and it doesn’t matter how much practice they have. Of course many of us assumed that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell affected gays’ performance, but it’s good to have some scientific confirmation that can be used to argue for a policy change.
(The study isn’t published yet, but it will be posted when it is.)
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Christopher Waldrop
June 11th, 2009
Unfortunately I can see how those who oppose gays and lesbians serving in the military will interpret this study. They’ll say, “if you’re gay or lesbian, you shouldn’t be in the military.”
It doesn’t really help gays and lesbians who want to serve.
Timothy Kincaid
June 11th, 2009
Interesting. I look forward to the study being published.
Richard W. Fitch
June 11th, 2009
Can you tell us a bit more about the study? Were all participants gay or lesbian and only some expected to hide their orientation?
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