Final answer:
The psychologist would likely explain to μstafa and Elian that research indicates genetic factors significantly contribute to sexual orientation, and while environmental factors may have a role, it is minimal. No single factor causes a certain sexual orientation, and parental influence is not seen as having a significant impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Influences on Sexual Orientation
When considering what might influence the sexual orientation of μstafa and Elian's adopted son, the psychologist might advise them that, according to research, genetic and biological mechanisms play a significant role. Scientific evidence over the past 25 years suggests a notable genetic contribution to sexual orientation. However, while genetic factors are a primary determinant, it is also understood that environmental factors play a role, although this role may be minimal. Studies indicate differences in brain structure among individuals with different sexual orientations, suggesting that these are biological components with which a person is born. Conversely, there is no single factor that has been found to definitively cause a certain sexual orientation.
Additionally, influential psychologist Alfred Kinsey proposed that sexuality is a continuum and that no absolute separation between heterosexuals and homosexuals exists. Kinsey's scale and the idea that sexual orientation exists on a spectrum have influenced contemporary understandings of sexual orientation.
In conclusion, the psychologist would likely explain that the current balance of research does not support the idea that parental influence has a significant impact on sexual orientation. Rather, it suggests that a combination of genetic and perhaps minimal environmental factors contribute to a person's sexual orientation, echoing the notion that individuals are to a large extent born with their orientation.