Psychological Characterization of Homosexuality

Rep. William E. Dannemeyer’s recent letter incorrectly characterized “mainstream, professional psychology” as viewing homosexuality “as an acquired behavior and even ‘perverse’ in the clinical sense.”

On the issue of homosexuality being an acquired behavior, research indicates that sexual orientation develops at a very early age, perhaps by the age of 6 and certainly by early adolescence. Contrary to Dannemeyer’s characterization, no consensus about causation has emerged among psychologists. Furthermore, once established, homosexual orientation is highly resistant to attempts to change it.

In such circumstances--where sexual orientation is acquired at a very early age and subsequent attempts to change are unsuccessful--it makes little sense to argue that homosexual behavior is a choice. On the issue of homosexuality being “ ‘perverse’ in the clinical sense,” by 1973 accumulated research findings from studies comparing homosexuals to heterosexuals on measures of psychological adjustment and mental health consistently revealed that there was no justification for homosexuality to be labeled a mental disorder.

It was on the basis of the scientific research and clinical experience of its members that the American Psychological Assn. stated in 1975 that “homosexuality per se implies no impairment in judgment, stability, reliability, or general social and vocational capabilities.”

When access to human and civil rights is involved, discrimination on the basis of stereotypes must not be tolerated by our society. The American Psychological Assn. is proud of its history of opposition to such discrimination and will continue to support protections for the rights of racial, ethnic and religious minorities, women, people with disabilities, children and the elderly, and for gay men and lesbians.

JOSEPH D. MATARAZZO

President

American Psychological Assn.

Washington