Actions Have Consequences!  >  4th  >  A Great Opportunity for You to Make a Real Difference  >  Alameda Families File Suit Over School District's Homosexual Curriculum  >  APA Refuses To Acknowledge Sexual Orientation Can Change

APA Refuses To Acknowledge Sexual Orientation Can Change


APA Refuses To Acknowledge Sexual Orientation Can Change
In 2006, Dr. Nicolas Cumming, PhD, ScD, a former president of the American Psychological Association (APA), raised major concerns regarding the association’s direction and the need for reform. In his remarks, he raised concern over the APA’s growing problem of research and advocacy motivated by political agendas rather than science. He further provided several examples of the association’s refusal to examine studies that fell outside of political correctness. Cumming reminded members of the APA that when psychologists take professional stances, those positions should be based strictly on research evidence and clinical experience, and that failure to rely on unbiased evidence risks the loss of the APA’s credibility.
Last week, at the APA’s annual convention in Toronto, Canada, the association adopted a resolution stating that mental health professionals should avoid telling homosexual clients that change in sexual orientation is possible. The resolution is based on a report by the APA’s task force on the “Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation,” and was commissioned specifically to review the efficacy of “reparative therapy” or sexual orientation change efforts. However, the report actually dismissed or ignored research evidence – past and current – regarding the success of reparative therapy programs. 
According to a 2007 study by Drs. Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse entitled “Ex-Gay?: An Extended Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation,” the six-year study found reorientation was possible, and not harmful to those seeking treatment. Jones’ and Yarhouse’s findings sharply contrast with the APA task force’s assertions that suggest sexual orientation is immutable, and that reparative psychotherapy programs are potentially harmful to patients. In this longitudinal study, the authors assessed the sexual orientation and psychological impacts of 98 individuals who were seeking change through reparative therapy programs. The study evaluated these individuals from the beginning of the change process and followed them regularly throughout the process using sound and respected research methodologies. 
The Jones and Yarhouse study methodology was designed to directly address the criticisms APA used to challenge the validity of previous research. Specifically, the study addressed APA’s claim that older research regarding sexual orientation change was poorly documented, failed to monitor patients over time, lacked objectivity from the patients, and over-relied on patients’ memories of past feelings rather than prospective actions. 
The longitudinal research found that 38% of the study group’s members were successful in their efforts to change. Of note is that this rate of change is comparable to individuals dealing with other difficult issues, such as depression. Within the success group of 38%, 15% no longer considered themselves “homosexual,” and the remaining 23% demonstrated less same-sex attraction and refrained from acting upon homosexual urges. However, the authors agree there is a need for additional study, which they are continuing.
Regardless of the success of the program in assisting individuals in their efforts to change their sexual orientation, researchers found no increased mental distress over time. The authors regularly assessed participants’ well being through standard assessment tools. However, the authors admitted that there was insufficient data on the individuals who dropped out of the program. Still, Jones and Yarhouse state that the data does not support the hypothesis that the change process produces clinical distress or psychological harm. 
Study Analysis: Link
  • Printer-friendly version