Psychological Perspectives On Human Sexuality

A comprehensive and thoroughly up-to-date examination of the most important topics in human sexuality. Psychological Perspectives on Human Sexuality offers a comprehensive and much-needed empirical examination of human sexuality. It is the first book in the field to speak to the needs of both the social scientist and the mental health professional. This important work also provides a complete scientific survey of the latest research along with guidance for its application to clinical practice. Researchers, clinicians, and students alike will value this collection of critical reviews covering a broad range of contemporary scientific inquiry into human sexuality. The book encapsulates the state of the art in research in such new subjects as genital surgery on children and Internet sex, as well as the most current approaches to such traditional topics as sexual orientation and gender/transgender issues. You?ll also find in-depth coverage of such topics as: Male and Female Sexuality Sexual Fantasy and Erotica/Pornography Disabled Sexual Partners Older Adult Sexuality HIV/AIDS and Sexuality Paraphilias The Aftermath of Child Sexual Abuse Rape and Sexual Aggression Therapists? Sexual Misconduct

"Human Sexuality: Personality and Social Psychological Perspectives presents the topics typically covered in human sexuality courses, rooting the presentation in a strong psychological perspective. Author Craig Hill focuses on personality and social psychological theory to provide students with a conceptual understanding of the psychological factors involved in sexuality, and he encourages students to build upon that foundation by challenging them to think critically about the material in various ways. He also emphasizes the scientific investigation of sexuality, offering a solid review of the research literature."--Publisher's description.

Presents the first book-length examination of both the biological and cultural factors in human sexuality.

The regulation of sexuality and the careful distinction between normality and abnormality has a long and checkered history--with psychologists at the forefront of this debate. Yet any attempt to identify a simple and unitary `psychology of sexual problems' inevitably becomes the focus of a great deal of criticism, particularly from the disciplines of psychoanalysis and feminism. The aim of Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problemsis both to provoke and to promote a glasnost between those whose work directly involves research and intervention in the arena of sexuality, and those who would deconstruct, criticize, and reframe any understanding of sexuality outside of the dominant discourse of psychology. The contributors examine the psychological theories associated with sexuality and sexual problems and at the same time present examples of positive and empowering practice with groups of individuals whose sexuality is often ignored or marginalized. These individuals include those with learning difficulties or physical disabilities, sex offenders, gay men with AIDS, and women with eating disorders. Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problemsis the first text to integrate critical theory and current clinical practice, in an attempt to arrive at a revolutionary approach to the psychology of sexuality.

This volume in the Springer Series in Evolutionary Psychology presents a state of the art view of the topic of sexuality and sexual behavior drawing on theoretical constructs and research of noted individuals in the field. Comprehensive and multi-disciplinary, this book seeks to provide a broad overview without sacrificing the complexity of a multi-faceted approach. The book is framed by introductory and closing sections that provide a context for the range of ideas contained within. Ample space is provided in designated sections that focus on key areas of sexuality from both male and female perspectives and that include information from primate studies. This volume can serve as a graduate text in sexual behavior in evolutionary terms and as a guide for further research.

For some time sex has been defined as the biological difference between men and women, and gender as the manner in which culture defines and constrains these differences. Feminine/masculine, male/female, women/men, boy/girl - terms of sexual and gender division like these permeate the way we think and talk about ourselves and each other. On most occasions we find their use non-problematic and people employ them easily, at other times, however, particularly if we are interested in psychology, we may wonder whether this ease is illusory.; One may speculate whether being a woman necessarily implies being "feminine". One may question why young women are often referred to as girls, while men are seldom referred to as boys. Is dressing in a stereotypically feminine manner a reliable indication that a woman is heterosexual? What about cross dressing? Why do these topics hold so much fascination for the media?; "Gender, Sex and Sexuality" examines the effects that the inequalities experienced between men and women have had on the psychologies of both sexes, and the battle to remove them. It aims to introduce the reader to current research and theories, drawing on novels, theatre, soap operas, as well as research for case histories.

This volume is a compendium of conceptual frameworks and associated research approaches used for inquiry into gender, sex, and sexualities. It is suitable for use as an advanced textbook.