Conversion therapy

Definition

Conversion therapy refers to a range of practices aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, often based on the belief that non-heterosexual orientations are abnormal or undesirable. This controversial practice is rooted in outdated psychological theories and often causes significant psychological harm to those subjected to it. Many LGBTQ+ advocacy groups consider conversion therapy not only ineffective but also a form of abuse that contradicts the principles of human rights and dignity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conversion therapy has been discredited by numerous medical and psychological organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization.
2. Many jurisdictions have enacted laws banning conversion therapy for minors due to its harmful effects and lack of efficacy.
3. The practice can involve various methods including counseling, behavioral interventions, and even physical coercion, which can lead to long-lasting trauma.
4. Individuals who undergo conversion therapy are at a higher risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
5. Despite its discrediting, conversion therapy continues to be practiced in some regions, often under different names or frameworks.

Review Questions

• What are some of the psychological effects associated with conversion therapy that make it a concern within LGBTQ+ communities?
  • Conversion therapy has been linked to severe psychological effects such as increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among those who experience it. Many individuals report feeling shame and guilt about their sexual orientation or gender identity after undergoing such therapies. This reinforces negative self-image and can lead to long-term emotional scars. The harmful consequences highlight the need for support systems that affirm rather than attempt to change LGBTQ+ identities.
• Evaluate the arguments made by advocates against conversion therapy in terms of human rights and mental health.
  • Advocates against conversion therapy argue that it violates fundamental human rights by forcing individuals to conform to societal norms regarding sexuality and gender. They emphasize that such practices are rooted in discrimination and contribute to the stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ identities. From a mental health perspective, research has shown that conversion therapy is ineffective and can result in profound psychological harm. This evidence supports calls for its prohibition and reflects a broader understanding of mental health that affirms diversity rather than attempts to suppress it.
• Assess how the ongoing existence of conversion therapy reflects societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals and the implications for future social change.
  • The ongoing existence of conversion therapy highlights persistent societal prejudices against LGBTQ+ individuals, suggesting a lack of acceptance and understanding within certain communities. This resistance reflects broader cultural narratives that frame non-heteronormative identities as problematic. As advocates push for legislative changes and greater public awareness, the continued practice of conversion therapy serves as a flashpoint for discussions on equality and human rights. The movement toward banning such practices indicates potential for significant social change, where acceptance and affirmation replace attempts at conversion.

Related terms

Sexual Orientation: A person's emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to individuals of the same or different genders.

Gender Identity: An individual's personal sense of their own gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Efforts and movements aimed at promoting the rights and acceptance of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or others within the spectrum.