When we talk about phobias we usually think of situations like feeling fearful of public speaking, experiencing panic when riding an airplane or being terrified of spiders or snakes. But what about homophobia? Is homophobia a true phobia or is it more of a cultural bias against those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered? In this post we are going to explore how some define homophobia including the psychiatric community. We are also going to take a look at some research on homophobia as well as the associated danger with this type of fear or prejudice.
What is homophobia?
The American Psychiatric Association defines homophobia as a “term that refers to the irrational fear and prejudice against homosexual persons.” Despite this definition homophobia is rarely considered a clinical problem requiring psychiatric treatment. AVERT, the international HIV and AIDS charity organization adds to the definition of homophobia in this way: “Homophobia is generally defined as hostility towards or fear of gay people, but can also refer to social ideologies which stigmatise homosexuality.” An Australian counseling site provides a more detailed description of this term differentiating between internalized homophobia (extreme emotional discomfort, shame, guilt, and denial, of feelings of attraction towards members of the same sex) and institutionalized homophobia which is the religious or cultural belief that homosexuality is an aberration which could permeate or contaminate our society.
In one of the few studies on homophobia, University of Arkansas psychology professor Jeffrey Lohr found that disgust was the underlying emotion of what we label as homophobia and not fear. In this sense the researchers concluded that homophobia is not a psychopathology or phobia in need of clinical treatment but is more of a societal attitude. Yet is this always true? Are there people who are clinically treated for their homophobia?
Is homophobia ever considered a psychiatric disorder?
In some cases homophobia can significantly contribute to a mental disorder. In a 2006 study published in The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, homophobia was a contributing factor in psychotic crimes of violence which resulted in two deaths. Of the five in-patient men who were studied, all suffered from paranoid psychosis and all of them had assaulted their victims with the intent to kill. Homophobia was the motivating force behind their acts of violence.
Homophobia may also be clinically treated when the individual has what is known as internalized homophobia (feelings of self-loathing and shame for being gay). A case study published in the American Journal of Psychotherapy (1998) entitled, “Treatment of homophobia in a gay male adolescent”, suggests ways to help homosexual teens to overcome stereotypes and accept their sexual identity.
Can homophobia be measured?
