A preregistered, prospective, longitudinal study followed 315 sexual minority current/former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over 2 years to examine the efficacy and health impact of self-initiated sexual orientation change efforts (SISOCE).
No significant differences in sexual attraction, aversion, or behavior were found at 2 years between those engaged in SISOCE and those who were not. At baseline, SISOCE participants reported more religiousness, self-alienation, internalized homonegativity, and concealment, alongside less social support, lower well-being, and more depression. At 2-year follow-up, those who had engaged in SISOCE at baseline still reported more depression and less social support than non-SISOCE participants. 74.6% had engaged in SISOCE at some point; 62.8% of those active at baseline had stopped by the 2-year mark.
Sample is restricted to a single religious community (LDS church members), limiting generalizability. The study captures only self-initiated efforts, not therapist-led conversion therapy. The 2-year window may not capture longer-term trajectories of change or harm.
Sexual orientation change efforts appear ineffective at altering attraction and are associated with persistent depression and reduced social support. Clinicians should offer acceptance-focused, identity-affirming interventions rather than support or encourage change efforts.
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