History and Iatrogenic Effects of Conversion Therapy

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Ethics

Background:

• Sexual orientation change efforts (SOCEs) historically stem from religious and pseudoscientific theories.
• Negative attitudes toward homosexuality have fueled the development and practice of SOCEs.
• Societal oppression of sexual minorities influences patient requests for conversion therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history and consequences of SOCEs.
• To examine the transition from reparative to affirmative therapeutic models.
• To discuss the ethical implications of SOCEs from an institutional community psychology perspective.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and contemporary research on SOCEs.
• Analysis of the psychological and social impacts of SOCEs.
• Ethical evaluation of SOCEs within the context of minority oppression.

Main Results:

• SOCEs are demonstrably ineffective in changing sexual orientation.
• SOCEs are associated with significant iatrogenic effects, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
• The shift towards affirmative care represents a move away from harmful, non-evidence-based practices.

Conclusions:

• SOCEs are unethical and should be abandoned, irrespective of patient consent.
• Affirmative therapeutic approaches are crucial for the well-being of the queer community.
• The ethical consideration of "ought" supersedes the technical possibility of conversion in psychological interventions.