## Psychological and Therapeutic Reports ### Dr. Neil Whitehead On Same-Sex Attraction Research conducted by Dr. Neil Whitehead provides compelling evidence that same-sex attraction (SSA) can change over time, particularly during adolescence. A study of 10,800 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 22 found that a significant proportion of those who initially reported SSA transitioned to opposite-sex attraction within a year. Specifically, 61% of 16-year-old males with SSA reported opposite-sex attraction at age 17, and 81% of females with SSA experienced a similar shift. Furthermore, 75% of males with SSA at age 17 had developed opposite-sex attractions by age 22 ([[Savin-Williams2007-up]]). Whitehead's analysis indicates that while some heterosexual adolescents may develop SSA, the transition towards heterosexuality is much more prevalent. Adolescents with SSA are 25 times more likely to become heterosexual by the following year than their heterosexual peers are to develop SSA. This suggests that heterosexuality is more stable and possibly a "default" orientation. Whitehead also points out that approximately 3% of the current heterosexual population previously identified as having SSA or bisexual attractions, meaning that there are more individuals who have shifted to heterosexual attraction than those currently identifying as homosexual or bisexual. Moreover, these young men and women experienced change : > without any known therapeutic or faith-based intervention. > It was through “natural” life experiences.This challenges the notion that SSA is a fixed and unchangeable trait, showing that many individuals experience these changes naturally and without intervention. ### Alan Shlemon and J. Nicolosi A study published in Psychological Reports in 2000 investigated 882 individuals dissatisfied with their homosexual orientation. Following various forms of therapy, 34% of participants reported a shift to an exclusively or predominantly heterosexual orientation ([[Nicolosi2000-kt]]). Additionally, these individuals experienced significant reductions in *homosexual thoughts and fantasies* and reported improvements in *psychological, interpersonal, and spiritual well-being* ([[Shlemon_undated-ii]]). ### Jones and Yarhouse One of the most rigorous studies on sexual orientation change was conducted by Jones and Yarhouse and published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. This longitudinal study tracked 98 individuals with unwanted SSA over six years. The results showed that 15% of participants experienced substantial reductions in homosexual attraction and transitioned to heterosexual attractions and functioning. Interestingly, those with the highest levels of homosexual attraction, fantasy, and behavior (classified as "truly gay") reported the most significant changes ([[Jones2011-gy]]). ### Modern Perspectives In her article, Laurie Higgins references several scholars who challenge the notion that sexual orientation is immutable and purely genetic ([[Higgins2015-qa]]). Dr. Howard Fradkin, a psychologist who treats victims of childhood molestation, acknowledges that molestation can result in "sexual orientation confusion" ([The Oprah Show](https://www.oprah.com)). Lisa Diamond, a professor of psychology and gender at the University of Utah, believes in sexual fluidity and that both men and women can experience changes in their sexual orientation over time ([American Psychological Association](https://www.apa.org)). Camille Paglia, a feminist scholar and social critic, describes sexuality as highly fluid ([Vamps & Tramps](https://www.amazon.com/Vamps-Tramps-Camille-Paglia/dp/0679751203)). John D’Emilio, a professor of history and women’s and gender studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, criticizes the "born gay" hypothesis. He explains that the scientific evidence for the "born gay" phenomenon is thin, yet it is socially useful and thus widely accepted([Interview](https://www.uic.edu/depts/wsweb/people/faculty/demilio.shtml)). Trudy Ring, a writer for The Advocate, admits that sexual orientation is fluid ([The Advocate](https://www.advocate.com)). David Benkof, a historian, emphasizes that the concept of an immutable "gay identity" is a relatively recent social construct ([USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com)). Nicholas Cummings, a former president of the American Psychological Association, shares his clinical experiences where hundreds of individuals successfully changed their sexual orientation through therapy ([USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com)). Contemporary psychiatric literature continues to recognize the potential for sexual orientation change. A recent psychiatry textbook, *Essential Psychopathology & Its Treatment*, concluded that homosexual orientation can indeed be therapeutically changed in motivated clients. The authors noted that reorientation therapies do not produce emotional harm when attempted with willing participants ([[Kilgus2015-gi]]). ## Reports from individuals on change ### Biblical Evidence Historical accounts also support the possibility of change in sexual orientation. For instance, the ancient text of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 mentions individuals in Corinth who transitioned from homosexuality to heterosexuality, indicating that such changes were recognized and acknowledged even in ancient times. While some may reject biblical references on theological grounds, they can still be considered as historical evidence of sexual orientation change. ### Historical Accounts For over a century, clinicians and scientists have documented cases of individuals experiencing changes in their sexual orientation. In 1882, Jean-Martin Charcot, often referred to as the "father of modern neurology," described instances where homosexual individuals became heterosexual as a result of his treatments. In the 1920s, Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, reported successful changes in sexual orientation through psychoanalytic methods. Freud's work paved the way for continued research and therapeutic interventions throughout the 20th century. Throughout the 20th century, numerous researchers reported similar findings. Wilhelm Stekel in the 1930s, Frank Caprio and Albert Ellis in the 1950s, and Russell Monroe and Edward Glover in the 1960s all documented cases of sexual orientation change through various therapeutic approaches. Their work contributed to a growing body of evidence suggesting that sexual orientation is not fixed and can be influenced by psychological treatment. In the 1970s, Irving Bieber conducted extensive research that further supported the possibility of sexual orientation change. His findings were echoed by Karolynn Siegel in the 1980s and Houston MacIntosh in the 1990s, who also reported successful cases of sexual reorientation therapy. Various psychological and therapeutic reports indicate that SSA can and does change over time. Those with SSA often return to opposite-sex attraction (OSA) naturally, without any known therapeutic or faith-based intervention. Studies further support that a significant percentage of individuals with unwanted SSA can experience substantial changes through various forms of therapy that are not harmful. These findings imply that sexual orientation can be fluid and subject to change over one's lifetime based on choice.