Abstract:
This article analyzes the psychological, social, and ethical impacts of sexual orientation
conversion therapy on LGBTQIAPN+ individuals, with a focus on conservative
religious contexts. Historically, homosexuality was pathologized, classified as a clinical
deviation, and endorsed in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM and ICD, justifying
corrective interventions until the 1990s. Despite its depathologization and the
prohibition of such practices by the Federal Council of Psychology (CFP) in Brazil,
conversion therapies persist, often using scientific, legal, and religious arguments to
legitimize sexual repression. These interventions are associated with significant
psychological suffering, including depression, anxiety, identity conflicts, suicidal
ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, exacerbated by the
instrumentalization of spirituality as a control mechanism. The research demonstrates
that these practices constitute forms of symbolic and institutional violence, disguised
as care, and reinforce cis-heteronormative patterns, violating human rights and ethical
principles of psychology. It is concluded that professional practice committed to human
rights, inclusive public policies, and the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity is
central to preventing harm and promoting the mental health of LGBTQIAPN+
individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of ethics, scientific rigor, and the
activation of social and religious support networks as essential tools for confronting
these harmful practices.
