E-Book Overview
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.
E-Book Content
Psychological perspectives on sexual problems Sexuality has always been conceptualised as a potential problem. The regulation of sexuality and the distinction between normality (healthy sexuality) and abnormality (sexual problem) have 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 people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities, sex offenders, injecting drug users, gay men with AIDS and women with eating disorders. Psychological Perspectives on 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. Jane M. Ussher is Lecturer in Psychology at University College London, and Christine D. Baker is Clinical Psychologist in the Psychology Department at the General Hospital in Jersey. Also available from Routledge: Gender Issues in Clinical Psychology Jane M. Ussher and Paula Nicolson The Psychology of the Female Body Jane M. Ussher The Psychological Treatment of Depression, Second Edition J. Mark G. Williams Psychological perspectives on sexual problems New directions in theory and practice Edited by Jane M. Ussher and Christine D. Baker London and New York First published in 1993 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2002. Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge a division of Routledge, Chapman and Hall Inc. 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 © 1993 Jane M. Ussher and Christine D. Baker, the collection as a whole; individual chapters, the contributors All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Psychological perspectives on sexual problems: new directions in theory and practice/edited by Jane M. Ussher and Christine D. Baker. p. cm. Includes bibli