The Truth About Homosexuality: Mental Illness Or Emotional Problem?

is homosexuality a mental illness or emotional problem

Homosexuality has long been associated with mental illness, but this is a harmful misconception. The American Psychological Association (APA) has been working to remove the stigma of mental illness from homosexuality since 1975. The discipline of psychology is concerned with the well-being of people and groups and, therefore, with threats to that well-being. Prejudice and discrimination against those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual have been shown to have negative psychological effects. Research has found no inherent association between these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Instead, both heterosexual and homosexual behaviour are normal aspects of human sexuality.

Characteristics Values
Is homosexuality a mental illness? No
Is homosexuality an emotional problem? No

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Homosexuality and mental illness

The consensus of scientific research and clinical literature now demonstrate that same-sex attractions, feelings, and behaviours are normal and positive variations of human sexuality. There is a large body of scientific evidence that indicates that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is compatible with normal mental health and social adjustment.

Despite this, some medical professionals continue to view homosexuality as a disease. A 2016 survey of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights found that many medical professionals in countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia believe that homosexuality is a disease. This goes against the Council of Europe Recommendation 2010(5) which recommends that homosexuality not be treated as a disease.

Research has found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in the United States encounter extensive prejudice, discrimination, and violence because of their sexual orientation. This prejudice and discrimination have been shown to have negative psychological effects. For example, a Dutch study found that gay men reported significantly higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders than straight men, and lesbians were significantly more likely to experience depression than straight women. A study from the American Journal of Community Psychology found that LGBTQ+ people who are disabled reported struggling more with their oppressed statuses.

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Homosexuality and emotional problems

Homosexuality is not a mental illness, but gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals may experience emotional problems as a result of the difficulties they face due to their sexual orientation. These difficulties include physical appearance issues, eating disorders, gender-atypical behaviour, and minority stress.

The discipline of psychology has extensively studied homosexuality as a human sexual orientation. While homosexuality was once considered a mental illness, it is now understood to be a normal variation of human sexuality. This shift in perspective is reflected in the removal of homosexuality as a classification in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM and ICD.

Research has consistently failed to find any empirical basis for regarding homosexuality as a mental disorder. Instead, scientific evidence indicates that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is compatible with normal mental health and social adjustment. However, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual may experience emotional problems due to various factors.

One factor contributing to emotional problems in gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals is physical appearance issues and eating disorders. Gay men, in particular, tend to be more concerned about their physical appearance than heterosexual men, and this preoccupation can lead to body image issues and disordered eating patterns.

Another factor is gender-atypical behaviour. Gay men are more likely to display gender-atypical behaviour than heterosexual men, which can lead to internalised stigma and negative mental health outcomes. This is less pronounced between lesbians and straight women.

Additionally, minority stress, or stress caused by sexual stigma, prejudice, and discrimination, is a significant source of emotional problems for individuals with a homosexual orientation. Sexual-minority affirming groups and gay peer groups can help counteract and buffer the negative impact of minority stress.

Furthermore, conflict between religious identity and sexual orientation can result in severe stress and a desire to change one's sexual orientation. This conflict can be addressed through sexual orientation identity exploration and therapy, which can help individuals evaluate the reasons behind their desire to change and resolve the conflict between their religious and sexual identities.

While homosexuality itself is not a mental illness, the social and cultural stigma associated with it can lead to emotional problems and negative mental health outcomes for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. It is important to provide support and create an inclusive environment to promote the well-being of these individuals.

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Homosexuality and prejudice

Homosexuality has been the subject of extensive study in the field of psychology, with the consensus of research indicating that it is a natural and normal sexual orientation. However, this hasn't always been the case, and historical attitudes towards homosexuality have been influenced by religious, legal, and cultural factors. Ancient societies, such as the Israelites, had strict codes forbidding homosexual activity, and these attitudes were later adopted by Christianity. As a result, hostility towards homosexuality became widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages, and it was considered "unnatural" and punishable by law, sometimes even by death.

The view of homosexuality as a mental disorder emerged in the 19th century, with most theories regarding it as a disease. This perspective had a significant influence on cultural attitudes, and it led to homosexuality being included in the first version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) in 1952 as a "sociopathic personality disturbance". However, this classification was scrutinized and challenged by subsequent research, which consistently failed to find any empirical basis for regarding homosexuality as a mental disorder. As a result, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the DSM in 1973, and other major mental health organizations followed suit, recognizing it as a normal and healthy expression of human sexuality.

Despite these developments, prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals persist and have been shown to have negative psychological effects. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people continue to face extensive prejudice, discrimination, and violence due to their sexual orientation. This includes harassment, abuse, and discrimination in employment and housing. Additionally, the association of HIV/AIDS with gay and bisexual men has further stigmatized these communities.

The impact of prejudice and discrimination on the mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals is significant. They experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidality compared to heterosexuals. The social stigma surrounding homosexuality can make it difficult for individuals to cope and find social support, exacerbating the negative effects on their health and well-being.

To address these issues, mental health professionals are encouraged to provide supportive and non-judgmental care, respecting the self-determination and identity of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Additionally, efforts to reduce prejudice and discrimination in society are crucial, including promoting open and honest discussions about sexual orientation and challenging negative stereotypes.

shunspirit

Homosexuality and discrimination

Homosexuality has historically been viewed as a psychological disorder, with roots in religious, legal, and cultural traditions. Ancient Near Eastern communities, such as the Israelites, had strict codes against homosexual activity, and early Christians adopted these negative attitudes. By the end of the 12th century, hostility towards homosexuality had spread throughout Europe's secular and religious institutions, and until the 19th century, homosexual activity was punishable by law and sometimes by death.

The field of psychology has extensively studied homosexuality, and while there is no consensus on the exact reasons an individual develops a particular sexual orientation, nature and nurture are believed to play complex roles. The consensus of current scientific research and clinical literature demonstrates that same-sex attractions, feelings, and behaviors are normal and positive variations of human sexuality. There is now a large body of scientific evidence that indicates that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is compatible with normal mental health and social adjustment.

Despite this, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people continue to face extensive prejudice, discrimination, and violence because of their sexual orientation. Intense prejudice was widespread throughout the 20th century, and while public opinion has become more accepting, expressions of hostility remain common in contemporary society. This prejudice and discrimination have both social and personal impacts. Stereotypes of LGB people persist and are often used to justify unequal treatment, such as limitations on job opportunities, parenting, and relationship recognition.

On an individual level, prejudice and discrimination can have serious negative effects on the health and well-being of LGB people, especially if they attempt to conceal or deny their sexual orientation. LGB individuals are at a higher risk of mental disorder symptoms, suicide, and substance misuse compared to heterosexual adults, particularly among younger and older adults. This is thought to be due to the experience of discriminatory and stigmatized treatment, as well as early exposure to adversity. Chronic stress brought about by internalizing stigma may lead LGB individuals to experience poorer mental health and well-being.

To address these inequalities, sexual orientation should be measured routinely in all health studies and administrative data. Clinicians should ensure that they provide services where LGB patients can disclose their sexual orientation and receive supportive and integrated care. Public health policies aimed at reducing health inequalities require an evidence base, and population data on sexual orientation will provide policymakers with the necessary information.

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Homosexuality and therapy

Homosexuality is not a mental illness or emotional problem. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed homosexuality from the DSM-II in 1973, and the American Psychological Association (also APA) followed suit in 1975, calling on mental health professionals to help "remove the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated" with homosexuality. In 1993, the National Association of Social Workers also adopted this position. The World Health Organization, which had listed homosexuality in the ICD-9 in 1977, removed it from the ICD-10 in 1990.

The consensus of scientific research and clinical literature demonstrates that same-sex attractions, feelings, and behaviors are normal and positive variations of human sexuality. There is now a large body of scientific evidence that indicates that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is compatible with normal mental health and social adjustment.

Despite this, some people may still seek therapy to help them come to terms with their sexual orientation. Most people with a homosexual orientation who seek psychotherapy do so for the same reasons as straight people (stress, relationship difficulties, difficulty adjusting to social or work situations, etc.). However, their sexual orientation may be of primary, incidental, or no importance to their issues and treatment.

Gay affirmative psychotherapy is a form of therapy for gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients that encourages them to accept their sexual orientation. It does not attempt to change their sexual orientation to heterosexual or to eliminate or diminish their same-sex desires and behaviors. The American Psychological Association and the British Psychological Society offer guidelines and materials for this type of therapy. Practitioners of gay affirmative psychotherapy state that homosexuality or bisexuality is not a mental illness, and that embracing and affirming gay identity can be a key component to recovery from other mental illnesses or substance abuse.

The APA recommends that if a client wants treatment to change their sexual orientation, the therapist should explore the reasons behind the desire without favoring any particular outcome. The therapist should help the client evaluate the reasons behind their goals and come to their own decisions. This is known as sexual orientation identity exploration.

Therapy for People with Homosexual Feelings Who Are Religiously Opposed to Homosexuality

Some people may wish to change their sexual orientation because of their religious beliefs. For these people, some other method of integrating their conflicting religious and sexual selves may be required.

The American Psychiatric Association states that:

> "The potential risks of 'reparative therapy' are great and include depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient."

The American Psychological Association urges mental health professionals to:

> "take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with homosexual orientation" and "oppose portrayals of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and adults as mentally ill due to their sexual orientation."

Therapy for People in Mixed-Orientation Marriages

People with a homosexual orientation in mixed-orientation marriages may struggle with the fear of losing their marriage. This is known as sexual relationship disorder, where the gender identity or sexual orientation of one of the partners interferes with maintaining or forming a relationship. Therapy may include helping the client feel more comfortable and accepting of same-sex feelings and exploring ways of incorporating same-sex and opposite-sex feelings into life patterns.

Frequently asked questions

No, lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders. Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Both heterosexual behaviour and homosexual behaviour are normal aspects of human sexuality.

All major national mental health organisations have concerns about therapies promoted to modify sexual orientation. There is no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation is safe or effective.

Prejudice and discrimination have social and personal impacts. On a social level, prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are reflected in everyday stereotypes. On an individual level, prejudice and discrimination may also have negative consequences, especially if lesbian, gay, and bisexual people attempt to conceal or deny their sexual orientation.

Research indicates that many lesbians and gay men want and have committed relationships. For example, survey data indicate that between 40% and 60% of gay men and between 45% and 80% of lesbians are currently involved in a romantic relationship.

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