Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problems: New Directions in Theory and Practice - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415055091 ISBN 13: 9780415055093

Publisher: Routledge, 1993

Synopsis

Sexuality can be seen as a `problem' by many people being faced with media images and popular ideas of `normal' sexuality. Yet, despite critiques of sexology from authorities in psychoanalysis and feminism, sexuality is felt to be a problem for which help is sought.
In Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problems the authors critically examine theories of sexuality, but also link them with current clinical practice. Far from just addressing the sexuality of heterosexual, able-bodied individuals they also widen the horizons of psychology to look at positive, empowering practices with groups whose sexuality has often been marginalised, such as those with learning difficulties, gay men with AIDS and women with eating disorders.
This book radically integrates theory and practice and will be invaluable for its positive and enabling perspectives on all sexualities.

About this title

Review

"In this unique, multifarious book, Usher and Baker aim to unite two traditionally contradictory perspectives on sexuality: a theoretical position that criticizes the entire definition of sexual dysfunction and the oppressive role in which it places men and women; and a clinical viewpoint that focuses on the treatment of sexual dysfunction in clinical practice...informative and thorough." -"Contemporary Psychology

From the Back Cover

Sexuality has always been conceptualised as a potential problem. The regulation of sexuality and the distinction between normality (healthy sexuality) and abnormality (sexual problem) has a long history, in which psychologists have been deeply involved. Yet all attempts to develop a single psychology of sexual problems are fraught with difficulties. There has also been much criticism of the idea of a psychology of sexuality, and of dysfunction, particularly from authorities in psychoanalysis and feminism.
In Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problems these controversies and debates are critically examined, while also addressing the need for individuals with difficulties associated with sexuality to receive help.
Psychological theories associated with sexuality and sexual problems are examined, along with examples of positive and empowering practice with groups of individuals whose sexuality is often marginalised by psychologists. These include those with learning difficulties or physical disabilities, sex offenders, injecting drug users, gay men with AIDS, and women with eating disorders.
Psychological Perspectives in Sexual Problems is the first book to integrate critical theory and current clinical practice. It offers a radical new approach to the psychology of sexuality.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415055091
• ISBN 13: 9780415055093
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288
• Editor: Baker Christine D., Ussher Jane M.