The first authoritative summary of its kind in this area, the Handbook of Psychology and Sexual Orientation is the primary resource for the many researchers, including a new generation of investigators, who are continuing to advance understanding in this field. The volume editors along with other leading experts, contribute an extraordinary review of contemporary psychological research and theory on sexual orientation in their specific fields of work.

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.

The debate over "nature versus nature" continues over the causes of homosexuality. Is there a gay gene? Is there something about the way a child is raised that can "turn" her gay? Or is being gay simply a "choice"? Taking a look at the major genetic, biological, and psychological theories of the origins of homosexuality, this book asks questions about gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation that are at the center of gay people's sense of identity and their struggle for civil rights and acceptance by society. While for centuries homosexuality was considered a mental illness, a moral failure, or a biological disorder, gay people in the twenty-first century have the evidence of scientific research and their authentic experiences of happy and fulfilling lives to support the pride and sense of community that is their rightful place in the modern world.

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 copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Psychology and Sexual Orientation strives to "come to terms" with lesbian, gay and bisexual life and with the controversial scientific and sociocultural theories and arguments on the origin and meaning of homosexuality and queer life in the US. Janis M. Bohan disrupts conventional psychological perspectives on queer life and identity and animates the ongoing debate between essentialism and constructionism. Bohan discusses the meaning of sexual orientation; lesbian, gay and bisexual identity development and stigma management; diversity in experiences; partners and parenting; and lesbian, gay and bisexual communities.

This book provides an overview of current thought about the psychological issues affecting lesbians, bisexuals, and gay men.

Sponsored by the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian and Gay Issues, Division 44 of the American Psychological Association.