'Those intense emotions should serve as a call to self-reflection.' 'This study shows that if you are feeling that kind of visceral reaction to an out-group, ask yourself, 'Why?'' co-author Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, said in a statement. The prejudice of homophobia may also stem from authoritarian parents, particularly those with homophobic views as well, the researchers added. Homophobes should consider a little self-reflection, suggests a new study finding those individuals who are most hostile toward gays and hold strong anti-gay views may themselves have same-sex desires, albeit undercover ones.