Believes Quote by Martin Seligman
“Sexual performance problems, such as impotence and frigidity, are 70 to 90 percent changeable. But a homosexual who wants to be a heterosexual - that's close to unchangeable. And a transsexual - say a man who believes he's really a woman in a man's body - is completely unchangeable; you'd have to change the body to conform to the psyche.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Positive Psychology, 2002
Sexual orientation is largely immutable; attempts to change it are ineffective, unlike some performance issues.
In simple terms: Sexual orientation cannot be changed; performance can be improved.
Key Takeaway
Respect identity, focus on realistic goals.
Themes
identity
sexuality
psychology
changeability
health
Mood
thoughtful
serious
empathetic
Type
educational
ethical
When to use this quote
- counseling sessions
- medical consultations
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
orientation
psychological flexibility
biological determinants
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical responsibilities do clinicians have?
- How can we support individuals without trying to change orientation?
A Different Perspective
Changing orientation is ethically controversial and often harmful.
