The science of sexuality and shame

This item hit the web about a week ago, but it’s worth repeating. A report released last week at meeting of the American Psychological Association in Toronto has declared that reparative therapy, the process of attempting to bring homosexuals and bisexuals over to the heterosexual team, does not work.

The whole idea of reparative therapy is based on the view that homosexuality and bisexuality are learned disorders, as opposed to innate orientations. The APA notes that it’s usually attempted by people who “have strongly conservative religious views.” According to the report, there’s just not enough evidence that these programs actually work – which is why the APA adopted a resolution stating that “mental health professionals should avoid telling clients that they can change their sexual orientation through therapy or other treatments.”

The APA declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1975. The report cited here is based on the findings of eighty-three studies conducted since 1960. It may not be a mindblower, but it’s nice to have the science to back it up.

Mind you, whether or not the report will have any practical impact remains to be seen. People with “strongly conservative religious views” aren’t exactly known for putting a whole lot of stock in science, after all.

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