Conversion therapies, also known as reparative therapies or sexual reorientation therapies, are pseudoscientific practices that seek to change a person's sexual orientation. These therapies are based on the mistaken belief that homosexuality, bisexuality, or any other sexual orientation other than heterosexual is a disease that can be "cured." However, numerous studies and research have shown that conversion therapies are harmful and have no scientific support.
Origin and foundations of conversion therapies
Conversion therapies have their roots in discredited psychological theories that view homosexuality as a mental disorder or a choice that can be modified through therapy. These practices emerged in the 1960s and have been perpetuated in some religious and conservative circles that promote the idea that homosexuality is a sin or a deviation from the norm.
Approaches used in conversion therapies
Conversion therapies can take various approaches, ranging from pseudoscientific methods to radical religious approaches. Some of the common techniques include aversion therapy, shock therapy, sexual reorientation therapy, and masculinity or femininity repair therapy. These practices are usually based on the idea that sexual orientation is a choice and that it can be modified through therapeutic interventions.
Psychological impact of conversion therapies
Conversion therapies Conversion can have devastating consequences on the mental and emotional health of the people who receive them. These practices usually generate feelings of guilt, shame, self-rejection and internal conflict in individuals, by promoting the idea that their sexual orientation is a problem that needs to be corrected. Numerous studies have shown that people who have undergone conversion therapies have higher rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and suicidal thoughts.
Development of trauma and psychological disorders
The Social and family pressure, along with the stigmatization of homosexuality, bisexuality or other non-heterosexual sexual orientations, increases the risk of developing psychological trauma and mental health disorders in people who are exposed to conversion therapies. The lack of acceptance and support from the social environment can have a profound impact on the self-esteem and psychological well-being of individuals, leading them to experience feelings of alienation, hopelessness and despair.
Risk factors associated with conversion therapies
There are various risk factors that can contribute to the negative impact of conversion therapies on people's mental health. The lack of regulation and supervision of these practices, the absence of solid scientific support, ignorance of human rights and discrimination based on sexual orientation are some of the elements that make conversion therapies especially dangerous for the integrity psychological effects of individuals.
Long-term effects on mental health
The psychological consequences of conversion therapies can last throughout a person's entire life, affecting their ability to establish healthy and satisfying relationships, both with themselves and with others. The long-term effects of these practices include anxiety disorders, chronic depression, psychological trauma, and difficulties with identity and self-acceptance. People who have been subjected to conversion therapies often experience profound emotional suffering that can harm their general well-being and quality of life.
Position of scientific associations and colleges of psychologists regarding conversion therapies
The main scientific associations and colleges of psychologists around the world have unanimously condemned conversion therapies and have declared that these practices are ineffective, harmful and contrary to the ethical principles of psychology. Organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) have issued statements warning about the risks of conversion therapies and recommending their prohibition and eradication.
Support for sexual and gender diversity
Scientific associations and colleges of psychologists have highlighted the importance of respecting and celebrating sexual and gender diversity, recognizing that sexual orientation and gender identity Gender are intrinsic aspects of the person that should not be modified or treated as disorders. Promoting acceptance, support and inclusion of all sexual and gender orientations is essential to ensure the psychological and emotional well-being of the LGBTQ+ population and combat discrimination and stigma associated with these populations.
Legislation and protections against conversion therapies
In many countries, conversion therapies have been banned or restricted due to their harmful nature and lack of scientific support. Legislation prohibiting the practice of conversion therapies has been implemented in places such as Canada, Germany, Brazil, Malta and several states in the United States. These measures seek to protect the human rights, physical and psychological integrity of LGBTQ+ people and ensure that they are not subjected to harmful and discriminatory treatments.
Importance of inclusive psychological and therapeutic support
Given the devastating effects of conversion therapies, it is essential that LGBTQ+ people have access to inclusive, respectful and non-pathologizing psychological and therapeutic support services. Mental health professionals play a crucial role in supporting and caring for people who have been victims of conversion therapies, providing a safe and empathetic space for processing traumatic experiences and reconstructing identity and well-being. psychological.
Conclusions
In summary, conversion therapies are harmful practices that threaten the integrity and psychological well-being of LGBTQ+ people. These therapies lack scientific foundations, promote discrimination and stigma towards non-heterosexual sexual orientations, and generate negative short- and long-term effects on the mental and emotional health of individuals. It is essential to eradicate these pseudoscientific practices, promote acceptance and respect for sexual and gender diversity, and guarantee access to inclusive and non-pathologizing psychological support services for all people.