Conversations about Psychology and Sexual Orientation
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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. Booknews In "conversation" with six other contributors, Bohan (psychology, Metropolitan State College of Denver) and Russell (psychology and women's studies, U. of Colorado) discuss the implications of existentialist and constructivist approaches to sexual orientation for clinical practice, research, theory, and public policy. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
ContributorsIntroduction: The Conversation Begins11Conceptual Frameworks112Implications for Clinical Work313The Best of Both Worlds: Essentialism, Social Constructionism, and Clinical Practice574Who Do We Want You to Be? A Commentary on Essentialist and Social Constructionist Perspectives in Clinical Work715Don't Look for Perfects: A Commentary on Clinical Work and Social Constructionism776Implications for Psychological Research and Theory Building857Bringing Psychology in from the Cold: Framing Psychological Theory and Research within a Social Constructionist Psychology Approach1068Psychology of Sexual Orientation1299Implications for Public Policy13910Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues in Public Policy: Some of the Relevance and Realities of Psychological Science165Afterword: The Conversation Continues183References211Index229
