The Detroit News is reporting that the lawsuit brought against Eastern Michigan University by Julea Ward has been dismissed by District Judge George Caram Steeh. You’ll recall that Ward reportedly had a value conflict with a client’s same-sex behavior in that she did not believe she should affirm it. Apparently her supervisor asked her to make a referral to another counselor who did not experience that value conflict. She was then required to participate in a program that would remediate her Christian value system. When Ward refused, she was dismissed from the counseling program.

The news story on the opinion suggests that the judge cited the program’s commitment to the ACA Code of Ethics for accreditation purposes as significant. Also important was the requirement that students provide counseling services to clients “without imposing their personal values.” More from the opinion as reported by the Detroit News:

“In the case of Ms. Ward, the university determined that she would never change her behavior and would consistently refuse to counsel clients on matters with which she was personally opposed due to her religious beliefs — including homosexual relationships.”

One other line from the opinion as reported by the Detroit News was that Ward’s ”refusal to attempt learning to counsel all clients within their own value systems is a failure to complete an academic requirement of the program.”

Dr. Mark Yarhouse is offering an all-day workshop on addressing sexual identity in clinical practice. The workshop will be held on the Regent University campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It will be held Friday, October 1st, 2010, from 9am to 4pm. On-line registration is now available here.

From the registration page:

This workshop will introduce participants to sexual identity issues often addressed in clinical practice. Participants will learn about professional and ethical issues in navigating sexual and religious identity considerations. Participants will also learn foundations for the practical applications of sexual identity therapy in their work with people who experience same-sex attractions.

Here are the learning objectives:

Objective 1:  Participants will analyze different theories for the etiology of sexual orientation and identity labeling.

Objective 2: Participants will evaluate case studies and professional and legal precedent regarding ethical conflicts among religious identity and sexual identity and behavior.

Objective 3: Participants will relate existing broad ethical principles to the clinical issues clients face when navigating sexual identity conflicts.

Objective 4: Participants will be able to assess clinical issues often faced by sexual minorities who present for counseling services.

Objective 5:  Participants will differentiate a continuum of existing professional responses to sexual orientation and identity conflicts.

Objective 6: Participants will be able to apply the four concepts associated with sexual identity therapy (i.e., three-tier distinction, weighted aspects of identity, attributional search, and congruence) in clinical practice.

The workshop is co-sponsored by ISSI and Genesis Counseling Center.

Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Veronica Johnson, M.A. recently conducted a training at the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium in Carol Stream, Illinois. The title of the training was “Sexual Identity Therapy to Reduce Shame among Christian Sexual Minorities.” Dr. Yarhouse and Veronica discussed attributions regarding same-sex attraction, weighted aspects of identity, the three-tier distinction between same-sex attraction, homosexual orientation, and gay identity, religious identity, and sexual identity therapy. They also described ways to address and reduce the shame that many sexual minorities may feel, a topic Veronica studied for her doctoral dissertation. The Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium is an APA-accredited predoctoral internship program in professional psychology. The program has a specific emphasis on providing services to underserved groups from a Christian perspective. For more information on the internship, please visit their website. – C.M.

This is a continuation of a previous post that summarized Blake Spears and Lanz Lowen’s study of the dynamics in non-monogamous gay couples’ long-term relationships.   Through their personal interviews and empirical research, Spears and Lowen have significantly contributed to the current literature regarding the definition and development of open relationships in the gay community.

 Results of the study indicated that all of the couples progressed toward a more open relationship.   In one of the most surprising findings of the study, survey data revealed that even the most “fervently monogamous” couples increased their level of openness over time (scoring a 6.2 out of 10 on a scale of inclination towards non-monogamy at the end of the study).  Though some couples needed more time than others to make their decision, almost half of the study couples had chosen to open their relationship within the first year.  In fact, 42% of the couples surveyed had agreed to be non-monogamous within the first 3 months of their relationship.  This research data suggests that gay couples tend to make decisions about monogamy early in their relationship.   For those individuals who are curious as to why couples would choose to have open relationships, Spears and Lowen have included excerpts from their participants’ survey responses.  These quotes are particularly illustrative of the desire and motivations for choosing to be non-monogamous.  As one partner stated, “we both liked seeing the other enjoy himself.”  Several of the study participants recalled making their decision to open the relationship after engaging in a three-way.  Most of the individuals surveyed were not threatened by the openness.  According to one man, “sex is sex; love is forever.”  There was an overwhelming consensus, however, that there must be a prior agreement before either partner engages in outside sex.  A significant number of the couples (20%) had experienced heated arguments when one or both partners were caught with someone else.  None of the couples recommended this method of dealing with issues of non-monogamy.  According to this study, honesty is clearly the best policy.     As hard as the researchers tried to define non-monogamy within a few descriptive models, they could not achieve a unified picture.  Spears and Lowen concluded,

“Non-monogamy is organic, emergent, and often iconoclastic. It has to be in order to fit the couple as they join, grow, change, mature, and evolve.” 

Though no clear model emerged, the researchers were able to identify three key variables that “inform the characteristic look of each couples’ approach.”  First, couples must decide if they plan to engage in outside relationships together or separately (joint vs. independent).  Over half of the study couples chose to blend these options.  Second, parameters must be laid concerning how much will be communicated within the relationship (disclosure and integration).  Eighty percent of the study couples reported engaging in some degree of disclosure.  There was considerable questioning, however, about the specific type of information one should share. Finally, couples must agree upon the appropriate emotional boundaries concerning outside relationships (connection and involvement).  Of the couples surveyed, 66% allow some type of connection with their outside sexual partners. Discussions about non-monogamy can be difficult and decisions are not made lightly.  In view of this, Spears and Lowen draw upon their research to provide suggestions for couples that are engaging in this process.  They recommend setting clear boundaries, reassuring one another, and relying on a foundation of trust in the relationship.   - K.H.      

 For more information and a comprehensive summary of the study, visit http://www.thecouplesstudy.com/  

• People magazine reports that rock musician Melissa Etheridge and partner Tammy Lynn Ethridge separated after a nine-year relationship. They exchanged vows in September 2003 and Melissa famously referred to Tammy as her wife in her Academy Awards acceptance speech for Best Original Song in 2007. The couple has two children together and Melissa has two other children with a former partner.

• Christian folk-pop singer Jennifer Knapp recently came out as a lesbian after a seven-year hiatus from the music business. She also admits an eight-year relationship with a woman. Jennifer gave interviews to both The Advocate, an LGBT newsmagazine, and Christianity Today, an Evangelical Christian publication. Jennifer says she has “reconciled her spirituality with [her] sexuality.”
• The Mississippi high school of Constance McMillen cancelled the school’s prom after the teen made plans to escort her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo to prom. School officials said they cancelled the prom because McMillen’s “challenge to the rules had caused disruption.” The American Civil Liberties Union then sued in U.S. District Court to force the school district to sponsor the prom. Read the full story here.
• The 21^st GLADD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards were recently held to “recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives.” This year’s notable winners include Glee for Outstanding Comedy Series, Drew Barrymore for the Vanguard Award, Wanda Sykes, and Cynthia Nixon. See the full listing of the awards here.

- C.M.

Elan Karten and Jay Wade (2010) recently published a study of the experiences of men who have attempted to change their sexual orientation. They examined what drove the men to seek sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) and how these efforts impacted their lives. The researchers reported that, overall, SOCE led to a self-reported decrease in homosexual behavior and feelings, increased heterosexual behavior and feelings, increased psychological functioning (including increased self-esteem, better social relationships, decreased depression, lower self-harming behaviors, and decreased suicidal ideation and attempts) from the onset of treatment to the present.

There were several interesting more specific findings in the study. For example, married men reported experiencing significantly greater decreases in sexual behavior and feelings toward men compared to single men. The researchers hypothesized that this was a) because they stand to lose more by heterosexual activity (i.e. a family) and b) their heterosexual marriages allow them to sublimate their homosexual desires. In addition, lower intrinsic spirituality was related to a greater decrease in same-sex attractions and behaviors. The researchers explained this result as due to the openness inherent in intrinsic religiosity; they proposed that being open to changing one’s faith might be more open-minded regarding same-sex attraction (SSA) rather than having a strong conviction to decrease SSA. The researchers also reported that those men who had difficulty seeing themselves as similar to other men experienced greater increases in heterosexual attractions and behaviors and larger decreases in homosexual behavior and attractions. Men who reported decreases in their discomfort with males expressing nonsexual affection reported greater amounts of change in all three areas: homosexual behaviors and attractions decreased, heterosexual behaviors and attractions increased, and mental health improved as well. Finally, men who identified as more heterosexually attracted at the outset of SOCE experienced less change in same-sex and opposite-sex attractions and behaviors as a result of SOCE. The researchers theorized that those who were already primarily heterosexually oriented would be less likely to seek change to become more heterosexual, whereas those who experience more conflict are more motivated to change their sexual attractions and behaviors.

Regarding reasons or seeking SOCE, the researchers found that a large majority of men reported they sought orientation change as a result of conflict between their spiritual beliefs and homosexuality (88%), followed by emotional dissatisfaction with a homosexual lifestyle (86%), with the smallest number reporting seeking change due to parent or sibling disapproval (34%). Regarding treatments, researchers reported that participants found a men’s retreat, psychologist, and mentoring relationship for the purpose of changing SSA to be the most helpful. Seeing a psychiatrist was considered least helpful. Specific therapeutic techniques were also examined. The participants reported that understanding the causes of one’s own homosexuality, emotional needs, and issues; creating more significant relationship with individuals of the same sex which are not sexual, and exploring links between SSA and childhood or family experiences were most helpful. The least helpful technique was employing female sexual surrogates, which was deemed not at all helpful.

Possible criticisms of the study include that their sample included those who had some level of SSA which was distressing to them, but were not required to have more same-sex compared to opposite-sex attraction. This may mean that the results of this study are not generalizable to those who experience primarily SSA compared to those who have primarily OSA. In addition, this sample was not very diverse regarding ethnicity: out of 117 participants, only 11 reported ethnicity other than Caucasian. In addition, participants were asked to report their feelings and experiences at the present (at least 6 months after SOCE) as well as at the onset of SOCE and six months prior to SOCE involvement. This creates a strong possibility of retrospective bias, in which participants respond via the way they see the past, rather than how they would have rated themselves at that time. The differences between how they would have rated themselves at the time and present ratings of themselves at that time may be related to cognitive dissonance (a need to justify the sacrifices that have been made by portraying positive results) or social desirability (a need to be well-liked by others). In addition, this study was correlational in nature, not allowing the researchers to definitely state causal relationships, and there was no control group. Finally, the measures used do not have an extensive research base and are infrequently used, making the findings somewhat suspect.

Despite these problems, this study contributes to the literature on SSA by providing insight into the experiences of those who seek SOCE, and provides evidence that participants view this process as helpful in increasing opposite-sex attractions and behaviors, decreasing same-sex attractions and behaviors, and increasing psychological well-being. It also suggests that some men who experience distress related to SSA may feel estranged from other men and may report benefits from developing close nonsexual relationships with other men. The researchers also make suggestions for therapists treating men with unwanted SSA, suggesting a weekend retreat for men and a mentoring relationship because this sample found these two modalities most helpful. In addition, they suggest that therapists might want to employ techniques to help men understand their specific emotional needs and their homosexuality, and creating positive same-sex relationships that are non-sexual. Although they do not suggest that psychologists pursue sexual reorientation therapies, they suggest that when treating men who are distressed by unwanted SSA, these modalities can be helpful even if a change in SSA is not the therapeutic goal. – H.P.

ISSI members recently participated in a training conducted by Veronica Johnson, M.A., on the topic of shame among Christians who experience same-sex attraction. As part of her dissertation, Veronica developed a group therapy curriculum designed to increase greater sensitivity in recognizing shame through identifying vulnerability points. Vulnerability points, as outlined by Veronica in her program, are environmental cues that often trigger feelings of shame and ineffectual coping behaviors. The curriculum aims to assist group members in finding more beneficial and less isolating methods of coping with shameful emotions when they arise. Veronica and Dr. Mark Yarhouse recently concluded a pilot study of the efficacy of her program. Veronica had the following to say about developing the curriculum and conducting the initial pilot study:

My favorite part about running the Reducing Shame Therapy Group was the honor of knowing the members - they are incredible individuals - full of courage and compassion. But from a professional standpoint: writing my dissertation gave me head-knowledge - I theoretically knew what to do to reduce shame. Actually running the group was like seeing that knowledge get up off the paper and come to life. It gave me confidence to see how the pieces came together (most of the time).

-RK

Members of ISSI have been conducting a study on the experiences of transgender individuals who identify as Christian. The project was completed in the fall of 2009, and Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Trista L. Carr, M.A., will present the findings at the Virginia Psychological Association’s (VPA’s) spring convention in a paper titled, “Transgender Christians’ Experiences: A Qualitative Study.” Here is the abstract:

Though the experiences of transgender persons have been explored to some extent, very few scholars have delved into the relationship between gender identity as a trangender person and religious identity as a Christian. Therefore, the qualitative data described herein reflects the narratives of 32 transgender individuals who are biological males and identify as Christians. The study sought to bring some understanding of the events and processes that occur for this specific population. Although some participants indicated that their gender identity conflict led to a strengthening of their personal faith, others reported a past struggle - often with specific persons or church leadership - and some indicated that they moved away from organized religion in light of their conflict. Many participants in this study still identified religious coping activities tied to their faith tradition as sources of support during present difficulties. Participants also shared experiences with conflicts in their marriages and places of employment.

The VPA convention is hosted this spring in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. The session is scheduled for Thursday, April 22 from 4-5pm.

Dr. Mark Yarhouse participated in a panel discussion yesterday at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies national conference on the broad topic of Ethics in Couples Interventions. Several topics were discussed, including confidentiality, violence in relationships, managed care, same-sex relationships, and forgiveness. In the discussion about Christian mental health professionals working with same-sex couples, the other panelists reflected on the challenges some Christians have faced in whether or not to provide services, issues related to professional competence, and value conflicts. In this light, Dr. Yarhouse discussed the Ward case at Eastern Michigan University, as well as cases that have involved Christians who provides services through Employee Assistance Programs, such as the Bruff case in N. Mississippi. There was some disagreement among panelists on how Christians can (or should) respond to these issues, with one voice emphasizing more of the issue of religious rights and competence, while another voice emphasized value conflicts being normal and occasionally rising to the level of a referral. The panelists discussed different options for Christians in practice, as well as relevant training concerns and what is in the best interest of the client seeking services.

Trista L. Carr, M.A. successfully defended her dissertation titled Sexual Minority Christians: A Typology of Identity Outcomes and Tension Resolution. Trista was been a member of ISSI since the fall of 2004 when she entered the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at Regent, and she has served as Research Assistant to Dr. Mark Yarhouse from 2005-2009 and has been part of numerous projects over her time at Regent. Here is the abstract from her dissertation:  

This paper explores faith (or religious) and sexual identities. The literature review demonstrates that there are multiple pathways and multiple tension resolution outcomes of one’s religious and sexual identities. A typology is proposed that delineates these identity outcomes into eight types. Additionally, an investigation was conducted utilizing a web-based questionnaire to determine if these eight types of outcomes do in fact exist in a population of sexual minority persons who have at some point in time considered themselves to be Christian. The concern within this study is not surrounding the mutability of orientation but rather how people ultimately identify themselves in regards to their Christian faith and their sexual identity. Participants were solicited for an Internet-based survey of the relationship between sexuality and religious beliefs, as such, 498 individuals started the survey and 177 (57.8%) of the completed surveys were analyzed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Grounded Theory qualitative methodologies were implemented. An additional category was evident in the responses of some participants that was not accounted for in the a priori identity types. There were no predictive factors for the typology found by way of the Multinomial Logistic Regression in terms of religious or sexual identity statuses. However, the qualitative themes that emerged through stringent content analyses point to different emphases for persons in each identity outcome, suggesting an existence of either the typology postulated or one similar. 

The study extends previous conceptual and empirical work by Dr. Yarhouse that looked at sexual identity development by examining identity outcomes (or ways in which people resolve their sexual and religious identities) among Christians who experience same-sex attraction. She sees research as one possible way to help people understand one another, which is particularly important with the controversies surrounding homosexuality in the church. Trista shared part of her motivation and interest in this research: “I want to give a voice to people who feel like they don’t have a voice.”  Trista is finishing her predoctoral internship at the State of California Department of Juvenile Justice Ventura Youth Correctional Facility in Camarillo, California. She is currently looking for a job for residency after finishing her internship. – C.M.