Status of behavioral reorientation techniques in the modification of homosexuality: A review

The use of behavioral techniques to modify various characteristics of sexual preference has increased substantially since 1960. Since 1960, 13 group studies and 24 case studies designed to alter one or more characteristics of sexual preference have been conducted. A number of different procedures have been employed to alter sexual preference, heterosocial skills, and gender identity. The present article attempts to summarize the critical components of the reorientation programs, examine the outcomes of the programs, and discuss possible shortcomings of the procedures currently used. Results of the review indicate that (a) very few females request sexual reorientation treatment (only 4 female homosexuals were included in the sexual orientation literature); (b) the controlled studies yield more conservative data than do the uncontrolled studies (of the studies noted above, only 54% of the group studies and 46% of the case studies included some control variables); and (c) the use of multiple-target treatment procedures greatly enhances the effectiveness of the procedures. (50 ref)