August 7th, 2009
From NARTH:
As a scientific and professional organization the National Association for
Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) welcomes all responsible
discussion and investigation into the important psychological factors
surrounding homosexuality. The gay and lesbian task force report just
released at the American Psychological Association (APA) convention in
Toronto suggests no change in the clearly established APA policy that client
self-determination is the crowning principle of all ethical mental health
treatment. Respect for religious diversity demands that psychologists and
mental health professionals give as much weight to belief as they do to
sexual identity.
NARTH appreciates that the APA stressed the importance of faith and
religious diversity. Unfortunately, however, the report reflects a very
strong confirmation bias; that is, the task force reflected virtually no
ideological diversity. No APA member who offers reorientation therapy was
allowed to join the task force. In fact, one can make the case that every
member of the task force can be classified as an activist. They selected and
interpreted studies that fit within their innate and immutable view. For
example, they omitted the Jones and Yarhouse study, the Karten study, and
only gave cursory attention to the Spitzer study. Had the task force been
more neutral in their approach, they could have arrived at only one
conclusion: homosexuality is not invariable fixed in all people, and some
people can and do change, not just in terms of behavior and identity but in
core features of sexual orientation such as fantasy and attractions.
With regard to possible negative effects of therapy, as in all provisions of
psychological care, the possibility exists that the client may not be happy
with the outcome. We believe the report indirectly supports the findings
published in the current Journal of Human Sexuality that reveal no
significant ill-effects of therapy. Further, if some clients are
dissatisfied with the therapeutic outcome, as in therapy for other issues,
the possibility for dissatisfaction appears to be outweighed by the
potential gains. The possibility of dissatisfaction also seems insignificant
when compared to the substantial medical, emotional, and physical risks
associated with homosexual behavior.
NARTH would suggest that these medical and emotional risks, along with the
incongruity of homosexual behavior with the personal and religious values of
many people will continue to be the motivation for some individuals to seek
assistance for their unwanted homosexual attraction.
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