Topline
The scientifically discredited practice of “conversion therapy” is still prevalent in several U.S. states to this day, and a new study found LGBTQ+ people who undergo the practice are more likely to experience poor mental health than those who haven’t.
Key Facts
Researchers used data between 2019 and 2021 from the PRIDE study—which is used to collect health data from members of the LGBTQ+ community—from 4,426 LGBTQ+ adults between the ages of 18 and 84, according to the study published Monday in The Lancet Psychiatry.
Of the 4,426 participants, 149 had experienced conversion therapy aimed at altering their sexual orientation, 43 had undergone practices targeting their gender identity, and 42 reported experiencing both.
Although previous research has looked into how conversion therapy affects patients’ mental health, this is the first study to look at the different effects of sexual orientation-based conversion therapy versus gender orientation-based methods.
All participants regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation who underwent either form of conversion therapy had an increased risk of experiencing depression, PTSD and suicidal thoughts or attempts, though there wasn’t an increased risk of anxiety.
However, cisgender people—those who identify as the sex they were assigned at birth—who underwent both kinds of conversion practices experienced higher rates of suicidal thoughts or attempts than transgender participants; researchers aren’t sure why.
Between 4% and 34% of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. have experienced conversion practices within their lifetime, according to a 2023 PLoS One study.
What Is Conversion Therapy And Why Is It So Controversial?
Conversion therapy—sometimes called reparative therapy—is a practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, according to nonprofit advocacy organization GLAAD. The technique has been practiced since the 19th century, though older methods often subjected patients to more extreme measures like lobotomies and shock treatments. Conversion therapy is opposed by several medical organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, because they say the practice is ineffective and dangerous. There is “no medical or scientific evidence” conversion therapy works, and it’s based on the assumptions—which aren’t backed by science—that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders, and that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed, according to the AMA. Researchers at Cornell University reviewed 13 studies that looked into whether conversion therapy can alter sexual orientation without causing harm, and 12 of those papers concluded the practice was ineffective or harmful.
Is Conversion Therapy Illegal In The U.s.?
The practice of conversion therapy hasn’t been made illegal by the federal government. However, 23 states and D.C. have full bans against minors receiving conversion therapy, while five states and Puerto Rico have partial bans—which prohibit the use of state funds for conversion practices—on conversion therapy for minors, the nonprofit research group Movement Advancement project found.
What Groups Of People Go Through Conversion Therapy The Most?
Conversion therapy was more commonly reported among participants in the Lancet study who were transgender, were experiencing homelessness, had religious upbringings, were raised in communities not accepting of their gender identity or were minorities. The treatment is typically carried out by religious leaders or organizations, followed by mental health providers, according to the study.
Big Number
1,320. That’s how many conversion therapy practices are in 48 states and D.C., according to 2023 research from the Trevor Project. Pennsylvania, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri and Ohio had the largest number of identified unlicensed and licensed practitioners in social work, psychology or any other related mental health field.
