It Has Been Awhile

Well, I have been pretty busy with life and haven’t had the time to make any posts on here. I figured I’d make a few posts in the next day or so to catch up.

While scavenging this internet for interesting articles the other day, I came across this little ditty about the American Psychological Association declaring that psychologists/psychiatrists should not tell gay clients that they can become straight.
The declaration comes after a two year research program that found that there is absolutely no solid evidence that any change in sexual orientation is likely through “reparative therapy.” In fact, the research found (as one could already assume) that such “therapies” can lead to depression, suicidal tendencies and other harmful psychological issues. Hmm, who would have thought that suppressing one’s personal identity and feelings to appease some imaginary sky daddy could be harmful?

As a student of psychology, I am glad that the APA has taken a positive stance on this issue. In my time, I have come across way too many so-called psychologists who would like to tell me that homosexuality is a mental disorder, rather than having anything to do with genetics. One woman in particular, a preacher,  comes to my campus and spouts such nonsense and touts her status as a psychiatrist. Such a disgusting example of appeal to authority usually has me quite upset over the obvious ignorance of her own field, one which I study.

The APA attempts to play a slightly accommodationist position in stating that they urge therapists to suggest celibacy or changing churches to one that accepts homosexuality. While I don’t necessarily approve of this (as I would suggest to just leave the whole fantasy world behind), I realize the point that the article makes when it says that unfortunately, faith is still a major part of some of these peoples’ lives and they aren’t just going to give it up.

“There’s no evidence to say that change therapies work, but these vulnerable people are tempted to try them, and when they don’t work, they feel doubly terrified,” Glassgold said. “You should be honest with people and say, ‘This is not likely to change your sexual orientation, but we can help explore what options you have.’”

You simply can’t reprogram people into being attracted to the opposite gender. Attempts to do so more often than not lead to even more confusion and dangerous repression. Rather than relying on an archaic book that questionably references the subject only a few times to dictate how run their sex lives, why not focus on reality?

Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, is quoted as saying:

“It’s a positive step — simply respecting someone’s faith is a huge leap in the right direction,” Chambers said. “But I’d go further. Don’t deny the possibility that someone’s feelings might change.”

I don’t think he gets it. Respecting someone’s faith is a method of not alienating the person further and realizing that they hold these ideas very strongly. An attempt to tell them that they must give up their religion indefinitely will do no good for the person. They are already undergoing a very traumatic time and loss of faith at that point in time may not be the best route (or it could be the best, depends on the person). I personally think that it would make the most sense. What better way to cease having to repress feelings than to realize there is no all-knowing being that is policing your mind, ready to condemn you to hell because you were born with an inclination to the same gender?

Yarhouse and a colleague, Professor Stanton Jones of Wheaton College, will be releasing findings at the APA meeting Friday from their six-year study of people who went through Exodus programs. More than half of 61 subjects either converted to heterosexuality or “disidentified” with homosexuality while embracing chastity, their study said.

Oh goody! A research piece from a pseudo-scientific bunch of crackpots! I’m curious to see the numbers that they attempt to put out though. What proportion is “disidentified” as opposed to being labeled homosexual. What proportion actually establishes a lasting heterosexual relationship? I’ll reserve more judgments until I see the experimental procedures and controls, but I have a feeling I already have a good idea.

“Religious faith and psychology do not have to be seen as being opposed to each other,” the report says, endorsing approaches “that integrate concepts from the psychology of religion and the modern psychology of sexual orientation.”

Interesting approach. This is one part I definitely disagree with. Another of those NOMA (non-overlapping magisteria) areas again? Sure, if you ignore most of the the entire field and stick strictly to limited areas of cognitive psychology. If you actually take into account all the important aspects such as genetics, neuroscience, and the more expanded areas of cognitive and developmental psychology, I feel that it is quite the contrary. As a person which huge interest in psychology of religion, I would say this is a huge opposition to religious faith as well.

One part I definitely agree with is the ending quote from Wayne Besen:

“Ex-gay therapy is a profound travesty that has led to pointless tragedies, and we are pleased that the APA has addressed this psychological scourge,” Besen said.

Here’s hoping this can be expounded upon and more research done to combat the ignorance of the “gay therapy” zealots.