The Psychology of Sexual Orientation, Behavior, and Identity: A Handbook

(Hardback)

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This comprehensive overview of research, issues, and theories relating to sexual orientation, behavior, and identity by experts in various disciplines is unique in providing both historical perspectives and a synthesis of the recent advances in understanding homosexuality and heterosexuality. Drawing from biological and psychological research, this handbook critically reviews the major theories about sexual orientation and examines each theory on the basis of empirical support. One section summarizes recent developments in genetic and neuroanatomic research. Another section discusses problems with sexual performance among heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual persons. A third section provides overviews of clinical disorders or sexual deviations. Various chapters clarify the distinction between sexual disorders, such as pedophilia, and sexual variations, such as homosexuality. Chapters also examine important social issues relevant to sexual orientation, such as disability, prejudice, aging, and gender roles. Experts address the continuing controversy over the feasibility of altering sexual orientation; new developments in treating different types of problems; and changing perspectives today. This handbook is designed for the use of educators, students, and researchers in the social and behavioral sciences.

Reviews

This handbook provides an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of empirical findings on sexual orientation and behavior....The material is accurate and objective, but a background in the study of human sexuality will be helpful for fully comprehending much of the material. A resource and reference for researchers, teachers, therapists, and students/-Choice
"This handbook provides an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of empirical findings on sexual orientation and behavior....The material is accurate and objective, but a background in the study of human sexuality will be helpful for fully comprehending much of the material. A resource and reference for researchers, teachers, therapists, and students/"-Choice

Author Bio

LOUIS DIAMANT is Professor Emeritus of Psychology, having served as Chair and Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In addition, he serves as psychologist for intercollegiate athletics and has a private practice in clinical psychology. His research interests include sexual orientation, sexual identification, and the psychology of sports and fitness. Previous publications include Male and Female Homosexuality: Psychological Approaches (1987) and Homosexual Issues in the Workplace (1993). RICHARD D. McANULTY is Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia. His research interests include problems of sexuality, the paraphilias, and issues in classification and assessment. He has served as consulting editor for several journals including the Journal of Sex Research.