2018/11/07 by Caitlin Ryan, Russell B. Toomey, Rafael M. Diaz +2 · 1 citation
Medicine · Psychology · #LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy #Reproductive Health and Technologies
paper · doi:10.1080/00918369.2018.1538407
openalex publication_date 2018/11/07 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Studies of adults who experienced sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) have documented a range of health risks. To date, there is little research on SOCE among adolescents and no known studies of parents' role related to SOCE with adolescents. In a cross-sectional study of 245 LGBT White and Latino young adults (ages 21-25), we measured parent-initiated SOCE during adolescence and its relationship to mental health and adjustment in young adulthood. Measures include being sent to therapists and religious leaders for conversion interventions as well as parental/caregiver efforts to change their child's sexual orientation during adolescence. Attempts by parents/caregivers and being sent to therapists and religious leaders for conversion interventions were associated with depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, less educational attainment, and less weekly income. Associations between SOCE, health, and adjustment were much stronger and more frequent for those reporting both attempts by parents and being sent to therapists and religious leaders, underscoring the need for parental education and guidance.