Same-sex attachment disorder
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Same-sex attachment disorder (SSAD) is a term invented by psychotherapist Richard Cohen in an attempt to re-pathologize homosexuality as an emotional or mental disorder. Proponents of the pathology of SSAD see homosexual behaviour as largely an emotional response to unresolved childhood trauma and a reparative drive to fulfill unmet "homo-emotional" needs caused by "detachment" form one's same-sex parent and peers, as well as one's own body and gender. Critics claim that the concept is meant to sound scientific but based on theorization and anecdotes rather than scientific evidence. Richard Cohen's website listed below admits that his theory is based on anecdotal evidence.
The term is not recognized by any official psychological organization and is virtually unknown outside of groups which advocate the changing of sexual orientation.
See also: reparative therapy, Homosexuality and psychology
External links
- Definitions and Causes of Same-Sex Attractions (http://www.gaytostraight.org/cos-chapter2.asp) - Cohen presents his theory
- American Psychiatric Association: Position Statement on Therapies Focused on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation (http://www.psych.org/psych_pract/copptherapyaddendum83100.cfm)Template:Psych-stub