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Psychology's approach to sexual orientation has long had its foundation in essentialism, which undergirds psychological theory and research as well as clinical practice and applications of psychology to public policy issues. It is only recently that psychology as a discipline has begun to entertain social constructivism as an alternative approach. Based on the belief that thoughtful dialogue can engender positive change, Conversations about Psychology and Sexual Orientation explores the implications for psychology of both essentialist and social constructionist understandings of sexual orientation. The book opens with an introduction presenting basic theoretical frameworks, followed by three application sections dealing with clinical practice, research and theory, and public policy. In each, the discussion takes the form of a conversation, as the authors first consider essentialist and constructionist approaches to the topic at hand. These thoughts, in turn, are followed by responses from distinguished scholars chosen for their expertise in a particular area. By providing an array of comments and thoughtful responses to topics surrounding psychology's approaches to sexual orientation, this valuable study sheds new light on the contrasting views held in the field and the ways in which essentialist and constructionist understandings may be applied to specific practices and policies.
E-Book Content
Conversations about Psychology and Sexual Orientation
Conversations about Psychology and Sexual Orientation Janis S. Bohan and Glenda M. Russell with
Vivienne Cass, Douglas C. Haldeman, Suzanne Iasenza, Fritz Klein, Allen M. Omoto, and Lenore Tiefer
a New York University Press new york and lond on
new york universit y press New York and London © 1999 by New York University All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bohan, Janis S. Conversations about psychology and sexual orientation / Janis S. Bohan and Glenda M. Russell with Vivenne Cass ... [et al.]. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8147-1325-4 (pbk. : acid-free paper) ISBN 0-8147-1324-6 (cloth : acid-free paper) 1. Homosexuality—Psychological aspects. 3. Sexual orientation—Psychological aspects. 4. Gays—Mental health services. 5. Bisexuals—Mental health services. 6. Psychotherapy. I. Russell, Glenda Marie. II. Cass, Vivienne. III. Title. HQ76.25 .B65 1999 306.76'5—dc21 99-6333 CIP New York University Press books are printed on acid-free paper, and their binding materials are chosen for strength and durability. Manufactured in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
To Elyse Morgan and Liberty Smith, who shared the journey, and to the dog
Contents
Contributors
ix
Introduction: The Conversation Begins
1
Glenda M. Russell and Janis S. Bohan
1
Conceptual Frameworks
11
Janis S. Bohan and Glenda M. Russell
2
Implications for Clinical Work
31
Glenda M. Russell and Janis S. Bohan
3
The Best of Both Worlds: Essentialism, Social Constructionism, and Clinical Practice
57
Douglas C. Haldeman
4
Who Do We Want You to Be? A Commentary on Essentialist and Social Constructionist Perspectives in Clinical Work
71
Suzanne Iasenza
5
Don’t Look for Perfects: A Commentary on Clinical Work and Social Constructionism
77
Leonore Tiefer
6
Implications for Psychological Research and Theory Building
85
Janis S. Bohan and Glenda M. Russell
7
Bringing Psychology in from the Cold: Framing Psychological Theory and Research within a Social Constructionist Psychology Approach
106
Vivienne Cass
vii