Self-Reported Sexual Orientation and Identity Before and After Sexual Reorientation Therapy

Abstract

Researchers disagree on whether sexual reorientation (i.e., conversion or reparative) therapy (SRT) can change sexual orientation. Much of the recent research relies on participants from a particular religious denomination or from SRT organizations. This study recruited participants from SRT organizations and from gay-affirming ones. In this cross-sectional study, 37 former SRT participants reported no statistically significant differences in sexual orientation and sexual identity from before SRT participation to the time of their participation in this study. Practitioners with clients struggling with their sexual orientation or identity must be informed of SRT alternatives, including person-centered and gay-affirmative approaches.

KEYWORDS:

• gay
• lesbian
• reorientation therapy
• sexual identity
• sexual orientation

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Dr. Nancy J. Smyth, Supervisory Committee Chair, and Committee Members Drs. Howard J. Doueck, Shelly Wiechelt, Susan Kahn, and Tai Kang for their guidance on the dissertation from which this paper originated, and Justin Ulrich and Drs. Sandy Beverly, Daphne S. Cain, and Catherine M. Lemieux for comments on an earlier version.