Conversion Practices Tied to Worse Mental Health Outcomes
- Conversion practices, also known as conversion therapy, attempt to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity and are linked to significantly worse mental health outcomes, such as PTSD, depression, and increased suicidality among participants.
- Despite widespread opposition from medical and mental health organizations, conversion practices persist in parts of the United States, particularly impacting transgender individuals and minority ethnic groups, highlighting an urgent need for state and federal bans.
- Legislative and educational interventions are crucial to combat the harmful effects of conversion practices, with calls for policy changes, support networks for survivors, and mental health screening to protect LGBTQ+ individuals and ensure they receive appropriate care and support.
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The Hidden Dangers in the Quest to Change Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Conversion practices, commonly known as conversion therapy, have long been a topic of controversy within the medical and psychological communities. These practices aim to alter an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through various methods, ranging from psychological and behavioral techniques to physical and faith-based interventions. Despite widespread opposition from professional medical and mental health organizations, conversion practices continue to affect members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This issue has garnered significant attention due to a recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, which reveals a disturbing link between conversion practices and poor mental health outcomes among those who undergo them. The study, which involved over 4,400 participants from the LGBTQ+ community, sheds light on the long-term effects of these practices and underscores the urgent need for legislative and educational interventions.
What Are Conversion Practices?
Conversion practices are formal, structured attempts to alter a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These practices often involve a combination of psychological, behavioral, physical, and faith-based methods. The techniques used can be quite extreme, ranging from the application of shock treatments to lobotomies in the past, although these methods are no longer common today.
The Study: A Closer Look
The study, led by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, utilized data from the PRIDE study, a long-term health study of LGBTQ+ individuals in the USA. The analysis included 4,426 participants aged 18 to 84 years, with 92% identifying as White and 43.4% identifying as transgender or gender diverse.
The study found that participants who underwent conversion practices aimed at altering their sexual orientation or gender identity experienced significantly higher rates of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Specifically, the study revealed that:
- Symptoms of PTSD and Suicidality: Participants who recalled both forms of conversion practice—aimed at sexual orientation and gender identity—had a strong association with increased symptoms of PTSD and suicidality.
- Depression and Anxiety: The study found that recalling only sexual orientation-related conversion practice corresponded with greater symptoms of PTSD, while recalling only gender identity-related conversion practice was linked to greater depressive symptoms.
- Transgender Individuals: Transgender participants reported greater mental health symptoms overall compared to cisgender participants. However, cisgender participants who underwent both types of conversion practices experienced higher rates of suicidal thoughts or attempts.
The Prevalence of Conversion Practices
Despite the clear evidence of harm, conversion practices still occur in various parts of the United States. According to a 2023 survey by The Trevor Project, 17% of LGBTQ+ youth reported being threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy. The practice is more commonly reported among transgender individuals and those from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Why Are These Practices So Controversial?
Conversion practices are opposed by several major medical organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. These organizations argue that there is no medical or scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of conversion therapy. Instead, they claim that the practice is based on outdated assumptions that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders that can be changed.
The Long-Term Consequences
The study's findings underscore a critical need for policy changes at both federal and state levels. Effective legislative actions should include bans on conversion practices, particularly for minors. Additionally, educational efforts involving families, religious leaders, and mental health providers are necessary to prevent these harmful practices from occurring in the first place.
Support networks for LGBTQ+ youths and targeted mental health screening to identify and support survivors of conversion practices are also vital. This multi-pronged approach aims to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from the impacts of these harmful practices, ensuring they receive the support they need to maintain good mental health.
A Call to Action
The study's lead investigator emphasized the urgent need for legislative and educational efforts to combat conversion practices. "Our findings add to a body of evidence that shows conversion practice is unethical and linked with poor mental health," said Nguyen K. Tran, PhD, of Stanford University School of Medicine. "Protecting LGBTQ+ people from the impacts of these harmful practices will require multi-pronged legislation, including state and federal bans. Additional measures such as support networks and targeted mental health support for survivors are also vital."
Conclusion
Conversion practices targeting the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ+ individuals are not only unethical but also have severe and lasting mental health consequences. The study highlights the need for comprehensive legislative actions at multiple levels of government and underscores the importance of educational efforts aimed at preventing these harmful practices.
By recognizing the dangers associated with conversion therapy and working together to prevent it, we can create a safer environment for all individuals to live without fear of persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is our responsibility to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals receive the support and care they deserve, free from the harm caused by these discredited practices.
