The etiology of homosexuality is probably best explained from a multidimensional framework which takes into account socialization, family background, and individual developmental factors. A research review was conducted to examine the influence of parental characteristics in the etiology of homosexuality. The findings of the review support the contention that parental characteristics are related to the development of a homosexual orientation in both males and females. While causality has not been demonstrated, the incidence of negative parental factors in the backgrounds of homosexuals as compared to heterosexuals clearly suggests that the relationship of these factors to the development of homosexuality cannot be overlooked. These negative parental characteristics may influence the development of homosexuality due to their impact on gender identity formation in the child. Compared to heterosexuals, homosexual men were found to be more likely to recall domineering mothers who discouraged their masculine development. Compared to heterosexual women, homosexual women tended to report rejecting, less influential mothers. Homosexuals of both sexes reported absent, weak, and/or nonaffectionate fathers. (NB)