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from Clinical/Therapeutic Issues
Editor of the Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy Takes a Stand for Science
By A. Dean Byrd, Ph.D., MBA, MPH
Dr. Karen S. Wampler, Editor of the Journal of Marriage and
Family Therapy, (JMFT) has decried activism and elevated
science to its proper place as she defended her decision to
publish an article by NARTH member Dr. Christopher H. Rosik.
The JMFT article by Dr. Rosik was "Motivational, ethical and
epistemological foundations in the treatment of unwanted
homoerotic attractions" (2003, pp. 12-28).
Just recently, in the most recent edition of the JMFT (P.
395), Dr. Wampler described the difficulties she encountered
after her decision to publish the article, and she reflected
on the potential consequences for herself personally as well
as for the Journal.
Criticism focused, she said, "not on the article itself, but
on me as an editor accepting it for publication." Some
readers chided her with "anger and disgust that I would
accept something that was perceived as extremely harmful to
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals and
their families." Wampler noted that the discussion is
continuing now within AAMFT itself, "triggered in part by
publication of the Rosik article."
Citing the imperfections of even good research, Wampler
correctly noted that any published study can be used to
support political agendas. However, scientists must insure
that the findings of research are as free from personal and
political influences as possible. The same high standards
must apply whether or not a political agenda is supported.
Science, good science, should not be contingent on a study's
consequences. Rather, the search for truth should override
the strident cries of those who would define "diversity" as
nothing more than a narrow politicism, and simply discount
other research that does not support their political
agendas.
In this instance, Dr. Wampler (and the JMFT Board) took a
stand for science, and like a growing number of respected
scientists who are rejecting the politics of intimidation,
she does not regret the decision to publish the Rosik
article. She notes, "...this was not an easy decision, but it
was the right one." I agree.
Updated: 3 September 2008
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