Free to Abandon “Born This Way” Narratives? A Test of the Motivated Model of Sexual Orientation Essentialism

Sexual orientation essentialism, evident in “born this way” narratives, has long been enmeshed with pro-LGB attitudes. However, the relationship between these constructs is debated: does essentialism cause pro-LGB attitudes, or is it motivated by preexisting pro-LGB attitudes? In an experimental test of the motivated model, we presented participants across three studies (N = 750) with a passage either promoting or critiquing “born this way” narratives. Those in the “Born this way”-critical conditions demonstrated significantly less sexual orientation essentialism than those in the “Born this way”-supportive conditions, with condition effects particularly strong among liberals. Crucially, effects on essentialism were similar regardless of whether the critique was grounded in epistemic reasons (i.e., “born this way” is inaccurate) or moral motivations (i.e., “born this way” is harmful). There were no condition differences in pro-LGB attitudes. Thus, we find support for the motivated model: moral arguments alone can prompt the strategic attenuation of essentialism.