Study Finds Homosexuals Can Change

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Study Finds Homosexuals Can Change

Special Report - September 17, 2007
Men and women engaged in the homosexual lifestyle can overcome same-sex attractions without suffering psychological harm, according to the findings of a four-year study announced last week. Intervarsity Press published the results of the study in the book, Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation by psychologists Stanton Jones of Wheaton College and Mark Yarhouse of Regent University. The researchers monitored a sampling of 98 homosexuals who participated in counseling services offered by Exodus International, a Christian ministry that helps individuals who want to leave the homosexual lifestyle. According to a report on the study by Baptist Press, 25 participants had dropped out by the conclusion of the study, some because they claimed to have overcome their same-sex attractions and others because they no longer wanted to change.

In sum, the study found that 38 percent of participants experienced a successful “conversion” to heterosexuality and encountered either a substantial decline in homosexual attraction or attractions that were incidental or non-distressing. Twenty-nine percent reported modest declines in homosexual attraction but committed to keep trying. Finally, 15 percent remained unchanged and were undecided about what to do next, four percent remained unchanged and decided to leave the counseling services, and eight percent remained unchanged and decided to leave and embrace the homosexual identity. In contrast to the position of organizations like the American Psychological Association, the study concluded that homosexual therapy poses no psychological harm. At the same time, researchers acknowledged that change is difficult and not possible for everyone.

Bill Brooks, president of the North Carolina Family Policy Council, said the study provides strong evidence that homosexual behavior can be overcome. “Many men and women have left the homosexual lifestyle and have gone on to have happy marriages and raise children,” Brooks said. “This new research provides critical insight into an often underreported part of the debate over homosexuality.”