Combined intervention for controlling unwanted homosexual behavior

Abstract

A combined method to teach active homosexuals control of their sexual arousal when exposed to homosexual stimuli was developed. Desensitization, aversion, and a contraction-breathing technique were utilized. Attention was directed toward heterosexual dream content and the patient-therapist relationship. Out of 54 homosexuals, aged 13–25 years (mean age 17), 49 (91%) were able to control their sexual arousal to homosexual mental images, slides, and photographs over a period of 16 weeks. Erection to female slides and photographs, a secondary goal, took place in 78% of the subjects. Only one of the 49 successfully treated patients returned to homosexual behavior. This was 11 weeks after therapy. Of 22 patients who have been followed for 3 1/2 years, 11 (50%) have remained fully heterosexual.