Leading academics in Malaysia have dismissed claims that workplace stress can influence sexual orientation, calling such assertions scientifically baseless and harmful.
KUALA LUMPUR: Academics have spoken out against recent remarks suggesting that work-related stress could influence sexual orientation, stressing that such claims are scientifically unfounded and risk fuelling stigma.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia senior lecturer and licensed counsellor Dr Farhana Sabri said sexual orientation reflects enduring emotional and romantic attraction, not short-term reactions to stress.
“It does not develop suddenly due to workplace pressure or emotional exhaustion.
“That is why homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1973, reflecting long-standing scientific consensus that it is not a psychological disorder.”
She added that work-related stress is a serious mental health concern that could affect emotional regulation, decision-making and overall wellbeing.
However, she stressed that psychological and medical evidence do not support claims that occupational stress causes changes in sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Human identity formation is complex and shaped over time by multiple factors. It cannot be reduced to a single external stressor.”
She said research in Malaysia shows that individuals experiencing internal conflict, secrecy or fear of social and family rejection often face higher psychological stress.
“In a collectivistic and religious society such as ours, people may suppress personal struggles to maintain family harmony or social acceptance,” she added.
“This concealment could intensify anxiety, emotional distress or depressive symptoms. Stress is better understood as an outcome of internal and social conflict, rather than a cause of sexual identity.”
Farhana urged for public discussions on the topic to remain responsible, evidence-informed and culturally sensitive.
She added that oversimplified narratives could fuel stigma, misunderstanding and moral panic.
“These risks may discourage individuals from seeking early mental health support, especially for workplace-related stress, which deserves serious attention in its own right.”
She said counsellors play an important role in promoting accurate psychological understanding, addressing occupational stress, strengthening family communication and coping skills, and supporting social stability within Malaysia’s cultural framework.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Anthropology and Sociology senior lecturer Dr Velan Kunjuraman echoed the sentiment, stressing that there is no credible scientific evidence linking work stress to sexual identity.
“Stress can affect mental wellbeing and coping, but it does not create or change a person’s sexual orientation.
“Correlation does not imply causation. Establishing causation requires robust longitudinal evidence and consistent findings across diverse contexts, which are absent here.”
He said sexual orientation is an intrinsic aspect of human identity shaped over time by biological, psychological and social factors.
Social environments may affect how openly individuals express themselves but they do not determine sexual orientation.
Framing workplace stress or social challenges as causes of sexual identification risks reinforcing stigma, legitimising discrimination and diverting attention from genuine workplace mental health issues and structural inequalities, he said.
“Public discussions about sexuality should be grounded in credible evidence, empathy and responsible scholarship.
“Workplace stress is a serious issue that warrants strong organisational and policy responses, but it should not be inaccurately linked to sexual identity.”
On Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan told the Dewan Rakyat that work-related stress, social influences and limited religious practice are among factors associated with LGBT involvement.
Citing a 2017 study, he added that personal, social and sexual factors may also contribute to the condition.
“The study emphasised that a combination of these elements may contribute to the development of LGBT-related behaviour,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
