Mormon Clients’ Experiences of Conversion Therapy

Abstract

Perspectives were gathered of 50 Mormon individuals who had undergone counseling to change their sexual orientation. The data were analyzed using the constant comparative method and participant verification, thereby developing a grounded theory. A model emerged that depicted participants' intrapersonal and interpersonal motivations for seeking conversion or "reparative" therapy, their perceived benefits and harms of such interventions, and the factors that facilitated self-acceptance and consolidation of a positive self-identity. Based on these descriptions, this study provides the foundation for a broader-based treatment approach (besides one focused solely on changing sexual orientation or adopting a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity), which is designed to produce individualized congruent solutions for religiously conflicted, same-sex-attracted clients.

Can We Change Sexual Orientation?

“…Chiropractic services have also been used as a possible intervention (cf. Beckstead & Morrow, 2004).…”

“…Some studies neglected to use fantasy and arousal to indicate sexual orientation and harms were not measured or were inadequately measured based upon self-reports (cf. Beckstead & Morrow, 2004;Shidlo & Schroeder, 2002). The APA report also pointed out how statistical errors made changes in scores unreliable in two typically promoted SOCE research (i.e., Jones & Yarhouse, 2007, later published as Jones & Yarhouse, 2011, and Nicolosi et al, 2000.…”

“…Expressing how honorable they were for their struggle and sacrifice, this leader expressed,''If you are faithful, on resurrection morning-and maybe even before then-you will rise with normal attractions for the opposite sex'' (LDS, 2009, Para 10). Some are advised by their leaders to marry, with high hopes that are unsustainable in the long-term (Beckstead & Morrow, 2004). Moreover, LGB youth can suffer when told by their parents that they should change to fit in (Ryan et al, 2009).…”

“…Harms were described by former clients as due to being misinformed about realistic outcomes; being misled with unsubstantiated theories and treatments; blaming themselvesand being blamed-for not changing and thus internalizing treatment failure; being reinforced that living as LGB must be avoided; restricting education and exploration of options; feeling pressured to be ''one way or another''; and rejecting or suppressing core aspects of self (Beckstead & Morrow, 2004;Duberman, 2001;Ford, 2001;Haldeman, 2001;Moor, 2001;Shidlo & Schroeder, 2002;. Such aspects were reported as increasing despair, self-hatred, confusion, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, discrimination, sexual dysfunction, intimacy difficulties, and suicidality.…”

“…Those who experience non-heterosexual attractions have consequently at times been taught by society and providers to view themselves pejoratively, thereby prompting them to seek a cure (Friedman & Downey, 2002;. Many homosexuals have also tried to become heterosexual because of the social advantages that come to heterosexuals and because of the limitations and stress that can come from identifying as a non-heterosexual (Beckstead & Morrow, 2004;Shidlo & Schroeder, 2002).…”