The Effect of Framing on Heterosexuals' Attitudes Toward Homosexuals: Evidence from Two Cohorts of Turkish University Students
SOCIETIES, vol.16, no.4, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 16 Issue: 4
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.3390/soc16040110
- Journal Name: SOCIETIES
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Framing-how issues are communicated-can influence attitudes. This study examined (1) the impact of value-framing on attitudes toward homosexuality among Turkish university students in 2012 and 2024, (2) cohort differences over time, and (3) socio-demographic predictors. Participants were 199 psychology students (161 female; M age = 21). Attitudes were most positive after equality framing, followed by neutral, then morality framing. Cohorts did not differ in overall attitudes. Morality framing led to significantly less positive views than neutral framing. Positive attitudes were associated with being female, higher parental education, and having more gay friends (for women) or lesbian friends (for men). Findings highlight the negative impact of morality framing and suggest that personal and social factors shape attitudes toward homosexuals.