Review of homosexuality research (1960-1966) and some implications for treatment.

Abstract

This paper reviews the psychological literature dealing with the dynamics and treatment of homosexuals. The review encompasses the past seven years and is limited to experimental findings.Before dealing with dynamics and therapy we must consider the problem of clinical definition. The controversy in the recent literature revolves around whether or not homosexuality is necessarily a pathological syndrome always associated with neurotic patterns. Several experts (Bieber, 1964; Froy, 1962) see homosexuality as a choice of symptoms by a primarily neurotic individual. Attempting to lend some empirical support to this argument, Cattell (1964) reported that 16 PF profiles of homosexuals are similar to those of neurotics.Evelyn Hooker (1959) reports data to refute this position. She reported that three psychologists who examined the Rorschach protocols of 30 homosexuals and 30 heterosexuals agreed that two-thirds of the homosexuals were average to superior in adjustment. She concluded that some homosexuals may not be characterized by any demonstrable pathology.