Sexual Orientation Change Efforts Through Psychotherapy for LGBQ Individuals Affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Authors

Kate Bradshaw, Dartmouth College
John P. Dehlin, Utah State University
Katherine A. Crowell, Pacific Lutheran University
Renee V. Galliher, Utah State UniversityFollow
William S. Bradshaw, Brigham Young University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy

Volume

41

Issue

4

Publisher

Routledge

Publication Date

6-13-2014

First Page

391

Last Page

412

Abstract

This study reports the results of a comprehensive online survey of 1,612 current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many of whom engaged in psychotherapy to cope with (i.e., understand, accept, or change) their same-sex attractions. Data obtained from written and quantitative responses showed that therapy was initiated over a very wide age range and continued for many years. However, counseling was largely ineffective; less than 4% reported any modification of core same-sex erotic attraction. Moreover, 42% reported that their change-oriented therapy was not at all effective, and 37% found it to be moderately to severely harmful. In contrast, affirming psychotherapeutic strategies were often found to be beneficial in reducing depression, increasing self-esteem, and improving family and other relationships. Results suggest that the very low likelihood of a modification of sexual orientation and the ambiguous nature of any such change should be important considerations for highly religious sexual minority individuals considering reorientation therapy.

Recommended Citation

Bradshaw, K., *Dehlin. J. P., *Crowell, K. A., Galliher, R. V., & Bradshaw. W. S. (2015). Sexual orientation change efforts through psychotherapy for LGBTQ individuals affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 41, 391-412. DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2014.915907