Psychology of Human Sexuality

New edition of an authoritative guide to human sexual behavior from a biopsychosocial perspective
 
The thoroughly revised and updated second edition of The Psychology of Human Sexuality explores the roles that biology, psychology, and the social and cultural context play in shaping human sexual behavior. The author - a noted authority on the topic and an affiliate of the acclaimed Kinsey Institute - puts the spotlight on the most recent research and theory on human sexuality, with an emphasis on psychology.
 
The text presents the major theoretical perspectives on human sexuality, and details the vast diversity of sexual attitudes and behaviors that exist in the modern world. The author also reviews the history of sexology and explores its unique methods and ethical considerations. Overall, this important and comprehensive text provides readers with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the science of sex and the amazing complexity of human sexuality.
* Features broad coverage of topics including anatomy, gender and sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, sexual difficulties and solutions, prostitution, and pornography
* Offers more in-depth treatment of relationships than comparable texts, with separate chapters dealing with attraction and relationship processes
* Includes cutting-edge research on the origins of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as new treatments for sexually transmitted infections and sexual dysfunctions
* Is written from a sex-positive perspective, with expanded coverage of cross-cultural research throughout and material that is inclusive and respectful of a diverse audience
* Includes numerous activities to facilitate dynamic, interactive classroom environments
 
Written for students of human sexuality and anyone interested in the topic, The Psychology of Human Sexuality offers a guide to the psychology of human sexual behavior that is at once inclusive, thorough, and authoritative in its approach.

List of contents

About the Author xiii
 
Foreplay xv
 
Illustrations xvii
 
Text Boxes xvii
 
Tables xxix
 
About the Companion Website xxxi
 
1 Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality 1
 
Introduction 2
 
What Drives Us to Have Sex? 2
 
Psychological Influences 2
 
Cultural and Societal Influences 3
 
Biological and Evolutionary Influences 6
 
Major Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality 8
 
Psychoanalytic Theory 8
 
Cognitive-Behavioral and Learning Theories 10
 
Exchange Theories 14
 
Personality Theories 15
 
Evolutionary Theory 18
 
The Perspective of This Text 20
 
Key Terms 22
 
Discussion Questions: What is Your Perspective on Sex? 22
 
References 22
 
2 Sexology Research: History, Methods, and Ethics 26
 
Introduction 27
 
A Brief History of Sexology 28
 
Sexology as a Science 31
 
Sample Selection 32
 
Nonexperimental Research 33
 
Surveys 33
 
Direct Observation 37
 
Case Reports 41
 
Experimental Research 42
 
A Sample Sexperiment 42
 
Strengths and Limitations of the Experimental Method 43
 
A Note on Statistics 43
 
Means and Medians 43
 
Incidence and Prevalence 44
 
Correlation 44
 
Ethics in Sexology Research 44
 
Informed Consent 48
 
Debriefing 48
 
Confidentiality 49
 
Evaluating Sex Research 50
 
Key Terms 51
 
Discussion Questions: What is Your Perspective on Sex? 51
 
References 51
 
3 Human Sexual Anatomy 54
 
Introduction 55
 
Male Sexual Anatomy 55
 
A Historical and Cultural Overview of the Penis 55
 
External Anatomy 56
 
Internal Anatomy 60
 
Psychology of the Penis: Male Genital Concerns 63
 
Male Genital Health Issues 65
 
Female Sexual Anatomy 66
 
A Historical and Cultural Overview of the Vulva 66
 
External Anatomy 67
 
Internal Anatomy 72
 
Breasts 74
 
Psychology of the Breasts and Vulva: Female Bodily Concerns 75
 
Female Breast and Genital Health Issues 78
 
Conclusions 81
 
Key Terms 82
 
Discussion Questions: What is Your Perspective on Sex? 82
 
References 82
 
4 Human Sexual Response: Understanding Arousal and Orgasm 87
 
Introduction 88
 
Factors That Influence Sexual Arousal 88
 
The Brain 88
 
The Senses 90
 
Hormones 98
 
Substances 102
 
The Sexual Response Cycle 105
 
The Masters and Johnson Model 105
 
Psychological Models of Sexual Response 110
 
Key Terms 112
 
Discussion Questions: What is Your Perspective on Sex? 112
 
References 112
 
5 Gender and Gender Identity 117
 
Introduction 117
 
Biological Influences on Gender Identity and Sexuality 119
 
Biological Sex Variations 121
 
Psychosocial Influences on Gender Identity and Sexuality 126
 
Social Interactions and Norms 126
 
Physical Environments 128
 
Media 128
 
Variations in Gender Expression 130
 
Transsexualism 130
 
Cross-Dressing 136
 
Other Identities 137
 
Just How Different Are Men and Women? 137
 
Sex Differences in Psychology 138
 
Sex Differences in Sexuality and Attitudes Toward Sex 138
 
Key Terms 140
 
Discussion Questions: What is Your Perspective on Sex? 140
 
References 140
 

About the author

Justin J. Lehmiller, PhD, is the Director of the Social Psychology Graduate Program and an Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at Ball State University. He is also a Faculty Affiliate of The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and runs the popular blog Sex and Psychology.

Summary

New edition of an authoritative guide to human sexual behavior from a biopsychosocial perspective

The thoroughly revised and updated second edition of The Psychology of Human Sexuality explores the roles that biology, psychology, and the social and cultural context play in shaping human sexual behavior. The author - a noted authority on the topic and an affiliate of the acclaimed Kinsey Institute - puts the spotlight on the most recent research and theory on human sexuality, with an emphasis on psychology.

The text presents the major theoretical perspectives on human sexuality, and details the vast diversity of sexual attitudes and behaviors that exist in the modern world. The author also reviews the history of sexology and explores its unique methods and ethical considerations. Overall, this important and comprehensive text provides readers with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the science of sex and the amazing complexity of human sexuality.
* Features broad coverage of topics including anatomy, gender and sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, sexual difficulties and solutions, prostitution, and pornography
* Offers more in-depth treatment of relationships than comparable texts, with separate chapters dealing with attraction and relationship processes
* Includes cutting-edge research on the origins of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as new treatments for sexually transmitted infections and sexual dysfunctions
* Is written from a sex-positive perspective, with expanded coverage of cross-cultural research throughout and material that is inclusive and respectful of a diverse audience
* Includes numerous activities to facilitate dynamic, interactive classroom environments

Written for students of human sexuality and anyone interested in the topic, The Psychology of Human Sexuality offers a guide to the psychology of human sexual behavior that is at once inclusive, thorough, and authoritative in its approach.

Product details

• Authors: Jj Lehmiller, Justin J Lehmiller, Justin J. Lehmiller, Justin J. (Harvard University Lehmiller, Lehmiller Justin J.
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2017
• EAN: 9781119164715
• ISBN: 978-1-119-16471-5
• No. of pages: 472
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Psychology > Theoretical psychology; Non-fiction book > Psychology, esoterics, spirituality, anthroposophy > Applied psychology; Psychologie, Emotionen, Emotion, Psychology, Sexual- u. Geschlechtspsychologie, Psychology of Sexuality & Gender, Zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen, Ehe u. Familie, Relationships, Marriage & Family