Damned if I Do: Gay Men and the Wounds of Conversion Therapy.
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| Title: | Damned if I Do: Gay Men and the Wounds of Conversion Therapy. |
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| Authors: | Santo, Nick (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Psychoanalytic Inquiry. Jul2025, Vol. 45 Issue 6, p548-557. 10p. |
| Subjects: | Conversion therapy, Mental health, Rhetoric & politics, LGBTQ+ people, Self-perception, Emotional trauma, Affirmative action programs, Identity (Psychology) |
| Abstract: | Research shows that affirmative relationships and environments have a positive impact on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people. Yet many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience relational traumas from rejecting families which may include conversion or reparative practices. This paper will discuss the unique developmental challenges LGBTQIA+ people face, the impact of early developmental stage rejection, and ways to improve clinical engagement with clients for more affirming care. From an Intersubjective Self Psychological framework, I will draw upon Daniel Shaw's concept of relational systems of subjugation. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the prevalence of conversion therapy and trauma related to religious beliefs as factors in the developmental years of LGBTQ+ people, and of the implications of this prevalence. One such implication is how political discourse and proposals of anti-LGBTQ+ policies and laws impact the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people, particularly about perceived safety. I will examine how subjugation by their caregivers/parents, communities, and other social environments toxifies LGBTQIA+ individuals' selfobject ties and their perception of self, with far-reaching ramifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Research shows that affirmative relationships and environments have a positive impact on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people. Yet many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience relational traumas from rejecting families which may include conversion or reparative practices. This paper will discuss the unique developmental challenges LGBTQIA+ people face, the impact of early developmental stage rejection, and ways to improve clinical engagement with clients for more affirming care. From an Intersubjective Self Psychological framework, I will draw upon Daniel Shaw's concept of relational systems of subjugation. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the prevalence of conversion therapy and trauma related to religious beliefs as factors in the developmental years of LGBTQ+ people, and of the implications of this prevalence. One such implication is how political discourse and proposals of anti-LGBTQ+ policies and laws impact the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people, particularly about perceived safety. I will examine how subjugation by their caregivers/parents, communities, and other social environments toxifies LGBTQIA+ individuals' selfobject ties and their perception of self, with far-reaching ramifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07351690 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07351690.2025.2510185 |
