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from Events/Announcements
Prominent Psychiatrist Announces New Study
Results: "Some Gays CAN Change"
Dr. Robert Spitzer Announces Study Findings at Annual APA Convention
May 9, 2001
New Orleans -- In a report released today
at the annual American Psychiatric Association
(APA) convention, psychiatrist Dr. Robert Spitzer
announced the results of a new study on
homosexuality. Efforts to change sexual
orientation can -- in some men and
women -- apparently produce significant success.
Dr. Spitzer's personal involvement in this
particular study is historically significant: He
was the leading figure in the 1973 APA decision
which removed homosexuality from the official
diagnostic manual of mental disorders. Today, he
is Chief of Biometrics Research and Professor of
Psychiatry at Columbia University in New York
City.
"Contrary to conventional wisdom, some highly
motivated individuals, using a variety of change
efforts, can make substantial change in multiple
indicators of sexual orientation," said Spitzer.
"Like most psychiatrists, I thought that
homosexual behavior could only be resisted, and
that no one could really change their sexual
orientation. I now believe that to be false.
Some people can and do change," said Spitzer.
Dr. Spitzer interviewed 200 men and women who
have experienced a significant shift from
homosexual to heterosexual attraction, and have
sustained this shift for at least five years.
Many of the subjects had sought change because of
disillusionment with a promiscuous lifestyle and
unstable, stormy relationships. Many reported a
conflict with their religious values, and many had
desired to be (or to stay) heterosexually married.
By the time of the study interview,
three-quarters of the men and half of the women
had become married.
One surprising discovery was that 67% of the
men who had rarely or never felt any opposite-sex
attraction before the change effort, now report
significant heterosexual attraction. Even those
whose orientation did not change -- but who gave up
homosexual behavior -- experienced a significant
improvement in emotional health.
Dr. Spitzer cautioned against an "either/or"
view of orientation change. A better way to
conceptualize change "is to see it as a
diminishing of unwanted homosexuality and an
increase in heterosexual potential -- recognizing
that for some, change is possible along a
multi-dimensional continuum." While cautioning
against any form of coercive treatment, he added,
"I believe patients should have the right to
explore their heterosexual potential."
Media can attend the A.P.A. panel discussion, "Clinical & Ethical Concerns
Regarding Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation: An Update"
Wednesday, May 9, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Hilton Riverside Hotel, Rosedown Room, Third Floor
2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA
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Updated: 3 September 2008
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