Sexual Orientation Change Efforts in Men: A Client Perspective

Abstract

This study concerned the psychological and social characteristics of 117 men dissatisfied with their same-sex attraction who had pursued sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). We specifically examined whether sexual identity, male identity, religiosity, marital status, and gender role conflict associated with affection between men were related to self-reports of change in sexual and psychological functioning after having participated in SOCE. Additionally, we explored what motivated the participants to seek SOCE, and what therapeutic interventions and techniques they found to be most and least helpful. Results showed that being married, feeling disconnected with other men prior to seeking help, and reduced conflict in expressing nonsexual affection toward other men related to goals consistent with SOCE. Intrinsic religiosity and a heterosexual identity were related to reports of not changing one's sexual feelings and behavior. Participants perceived the most helpful sexual orientation change interventions to be a men's weekend/retreat, a psychologist, and a mentoring relationship, and the two most helpful techniques to be understanding better the causes one's homosexuality and one's emotional needs and issues and developing nonsexual relationships with same-sex peers, mentors, family members, and friends.

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