Knowing what we do not know about sexual orientation change efforts.

Comments on the original article, "Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients," by the American Psychological Association (see record 2011-19419-001). The present authors notes that the APA has provided a very helpful document for those who do clinical work with individuals experiencing same-sex attractions. Psychologists no doubt need to be familiar with the literature described in these guidelines as a part of ethical practice. However, the present authors register concern regarding how the guidelines address sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). They focus their critique on how the guidelines portray two issues pertaining to SOCE-effectiveness and harm-and conclude with a proposal to move the discussion forward via science.

Clients' perceptions of how reorientation therapy and self-help can promote changes in sexual orientation.

Presented is a summary of 882 homosexual people's responses to 5 open-ended questions about sexual reorientation therapy. Of the 882 participants, 726 reported that they had received reorientation therapy from a professional therapist or a pastoral counselor. As a group, 779 (89.7%) of the participants viewed themselves as "more homosexual than heterosexual," "almost exclusively homosexual," or "exclusively homosexual" in their orientation before receiving reorientation therapy or making self-help efforts to change. The majority reported they believed sexual reorientation therapy and various forms of self-help were helpful to them, psychologically, spiritually, and sexually.

Psychological disorders among children and the parents of children undergoing cancer workup.

OBJECTIVES: This paper evaluates the association between psychological problems and cancer workup in children aged less than 20 and their parents. Assessment of the potential psychological stress in these children and their parents has been inadequately studied in the past. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of anxiety or depression among children and the parents of children undergoing cancer workup, based on Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA) claims data and corresponding enrollment files for dependent children aged less than 20, from 1998 to 2002 in the United States and Canada. RESULTS: Less than 20% of cancer workups are followed by cancer diagnosis and treatment. Children with a "cancer workup only" are 89% more likely to experience anxiety/depression than are children without a cancer-related claim; that is, the rate per 100,000 person-years of anxiety/depression is 7,222 for children with a cancer workup only compared with 3,824 for children without a cancer-related claim. Mothers of children with cancer workup are 37% more likely to experience anxiety/depression. Children are significantly more likely to experience anxiety/depression if one or both of their parents experience anxiety/depression. The increased risk is influenced by whether the child experiences both cancer workup and treatment (359% higher), by cancer workup only (308% higher), and by no cancer workup or treatment (295% higher). Finally, the rate of anxiety/depression among children with cancer workup and their mothers was significantly lower in homes with more children. CONCLUSIONS: A cancer workup alone is sufficient to significantly increase the risk of anxiety/depression in children undergoing cancer workup and in their parents. The ability of a child undergoing a cancer workup to cope is influenced by the mental health of their parents. More children in the home are protective against anxiety/depression in children undergoing cancer workup and in their mothers.

A meta-analytic review of treatment of homosexuality.

This paper examined and synthesized studies of treatment of individuals identified as homosexual using meta-analytic technique. A large number of studies (146) evaluating treatment efficacy were identified, most published prior to 1975 and 14 of which met inclusion criteria and provided statistics that could be used in a meta-analysis. These 14 outcome studies were published between 1969 and 1982 and used primarily behavioral interventions. Analysis indicated that treatment for homosexuality was significantly more effective than alternative treatments or control groups for homosexuality (ES=.72), and significant differences were found across pre- to postanalysis (ES =.89). In other words, the average patient receiving treatment was better off than 79% of those in the alternative treatments or as compared to pretreatment scores on the several outcome measures. This meta-analysis of 14 studies provides empirical support for a group of 146 studies which have narratively suggested that treatment for homosexuality is effective. Variables related to treatment efficacy are examined.

A critique of Bem's "exotic becomes erotic" theory of sexual orientation development.

A critique of Bem's "Exotic Becomes Erotic" theory (1996) on the development of male homosexuality was offered. Limitations were outlined in light of relevant research findings. The authors proposed an alternative model to explain male homosexuality, i.e., reparation of early boyhood trauma, which better accounts for significant psychodynamic elements and available research. Finally, comparisons were made between specific elements of the two models.