The APA says attempts to convert homosexuals aren't effective and may hurt people.
By ethan lascity — Written on Aug 06, 2009
Remember a while back when the crazy church in Connecticut exorcised a gay demon from a teen, and then put a video on it online and was surprised when those in the general public weren't fans of the exorcism?
Well, apparently they need to read the latest research from the American Psychological Association. CNN reports the APA just released a massive 138-page report, which investigated 87 peer reviewed studies, and found that conversion therapy for gays and lesbians is not only ineffective, but also has potential to harm the individual. True Blood Is Anti-Gay?
Judith M. Glassglod, who headed up the research, said:
At most, certain studies suggested that some individuals learned how to ignore or not act on their homosexual attractions. Yet, these studies did not indicate for whom this was possible, how long it lasted or its long-term mental health effects. Also, this result was much less likely to be true for people who started out only attracted to people of the same sex.
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The research panel looked at cases from 1960 to 2000 and found serious methodical problems. It also said that any "high-quality" evidence that did exist showed that the liklihood of an individual changing their sexual orientation was uncommon.
And, gay demons aside, the research found that trying to change sexual orientation could cause emotional distress including a loss of sexual feeling, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
While many seek to change their orientation to adhere with religious practices, the APA also suggested therapists have frank discussions about the possibilities of changing their sexual orientation and how they can bridge the gap between their orientation and religious beliefs. Cho: "God Is Happy You Are Gay"
One advocate for conversion therapy, Alan Chambers told CNN that conversation therapy can work—as it did for him. He currently leads Exodus International which sponsors support groups for homosexuals looking to change their orientation. He even wrote a book on the topic, "Leaving Homosexuality" about his success with the program.
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However, he pointed out that about a third of the program's participants successfully converted. And while, our math may be a little hazy, wouldn't that mean the treatment doesn't work for 66% percent of the people?