Flirting Style and Sexual Orientation

The present study examined the association between flirting style and sexual orientation. Previous research on flirting has emphasized the importance of evolutionary factors. Given the focus of the present study, gender-role theory, which tends to emphasize the importance of cultural and social factors, may offer a better explanation for any differences that might be found. The present study sought to explore the relative importance of these two theories. Surprisingly, the relationship between these variables has not been previously studied. Participants (271 heterosexual and 177 nonheterosexual) completed an online survey. Perhaps the most interesting finding was a significant interaction between flirting style and sexual orientation. In general, heterosexual and nonheterosexual participants differed in the extent to which they identified with the five flirting styles. For example, heterosexual participants scored higher on the traditional style than nonheterosexual participants. These findings might suggest ways that people can flirt more effectively