Its third edition The Psychology of Human Sexuality of Dr. Justin Lehmiller is officially available! This textbook is a comprehensive guide to the major theoretical perspectives on human sexuality and is ideal for use in an undergraduate classroom (although it may also be appropriate for some majors and advanced courses; in addition, it can be used as a general reference guide for anyone interested in the science of sex!). The content of the new edition reflects some of the latest research on human sexuality and covers a wide range of topics from a sex-positive perspective.
This edition contains fifteen chapters (perfect for a semester’s worth of content!) and each chapter has been thoroughly revised and updated from the second edition. These improvements include: exploration of cutting-edge research findings, updates to studies that have not been replicated, greater focus on cross-cultural differences, and deeper discussions of diverse sexual preferences. This edition also contains more practical information that can benefit readers’ personal lives and relationships.
Additions and changes in the Third Edition
A complete list of the changes made in the third edition can be found in the instructor’s material provided by the publisher (link below!). However, here is a brief sampling of some of the major revisions and additions to each chapter.
Chapter 1: Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality
Given the irreversible impact that COVID-19 has had on our lives, this chapter now includes a discussion of how the pandemic has affected sexual behavior. Furthermore, contemporary research has been integrated to reflect the myriad biopsychosocial influences on contemporary sexual behavior.
Chapter 2: Sexology Research: History, Methods and Ethics
This chapter includes two new sections. Hidden Figures in Sexology and How reliable are the results of sex studies? The first section highlights the contributions of women and people of color to the field of sexology. The second provides a discussion of the challenges of conducting sexual research in the modern era.
Chapter 3: Human Sexual Anatomy
You might think we already knew everything there was to know about anatomy, but we’re still learning! Among other things, this chapter explores new research on clitoral anatomy, the G-spot, female ejaculation, and more.
Chapter 4: Human Sexual Response: Understanding Arousal and Orgasm
A ton of new research has been added to this chapter! For example, there is extensive coverage of how sensory impairments affect sexual arousal and responses (which is especially relevant in light of how long COVID can affect the senses); Significant changes have also been made to Orgasm section, including how hormone therapy affects orgasm for transgender people, as well as new research showing how the cycle of sexual response is more variable than previously thought.
Chapter 5: Gender and Gender Identity
As our understanding of gender and gender identity has expanded, so has this chapter. Important additions have been made that discuss the current prevalence of trans identities, how to navigate language controversies, and recent data and controversies surrounding adolescent blockers.
Chapter 6: Sexual Orientation
The terms allosexual, graysexual, and demisexual are now introduced in this chapter, and there is more information about the genetics of sexual orientation and the prevalence of non-heterosexual identities in the United States and around the world. The Theory of Sexual Configurations is now covered in this chapter as well.
Chapter 7: The Laws of Attraction
This chapter offers coverage of classic and modern theories of attraction, with expanded coverage of LGBTQ attraction processes and what people today consider to be “negotiators” and “negotiators.”
Chapter 8: Intimate Relationships: Sex, Love and Commitment
Many of the sections in this chapter have been significantly expanded, including Loneliness, Connections, Friends with benefits, Married vs Cohabiting, Healthy Sexualityand Cheating. Among other things, these reviews talk about changes in the initiation of sexual and romantic relationships, as well as motivations behind cheating. Likewise, many new key terms have been introduced since the last edition, including solo polyamory and compersion.
Chapter 9: Sexual Behaviors
This chapter includes up-to-date research on threesome and group sex, gender differences in sexual fantasy, and contemporary trends in sexual behavior such as bonding. The section on anal sex offers improved coverage of the difference between pornographic and real anal activities and explores the role of PrEP in HIV prevention.
Chapter 10: Lifespan Sexual Development
Recent research reflects the rise of youth sexual inactivity, gender identity development in transgender youth, and how adolescence is experienced by transgender and gender diverse youth, all of which are incorporated into this chapter. In addition, the Sexuality and Aging The section illuminates the reasons for older people to have sex as well as the important role of oral sex later in life.
Chapter 11: Sexual Education, Contraception and Pregnancy
A wealth of information has been added to this chapter, including changes in the status of sex education and how it varies across cultures, expanded discussion of minority groups that are often left out of sex, and the side effects of birth control. This chapter now also reflects the Dobbs Supreme Court ruling and information on abortion laws around the world.
Chapter 12: Sexually transmitted infections and safe sex practices
This chapter reflects the emerging research on STIs and their effects. It also incorporates current STD prevalence statistics and new screening recommendations.
Chapter 13: Sexual Dysfunction and Sexual Therapy
This chapter now looks at the difference between a ‘sexual difficulty’ and a ‘sexual frustration’. It also provides current information on strategies for dealing with various sexual problems (including desire deviations), as well as more information on controversial terms in this field, such as “sex addiction”.
Chapter 14: Variations in sexual behavior
New research has been incorporated into this chapter, including the prevalence of BDSM involvement, the prevalence of various “paraphilic” fantasies, and the interpersonal component of some fetishes. In addition, kink is now introduced as a key term and more information is provided about the origins of kinky fantasies and interests.
Chapter 15: Laws on sex, sexual victimization and the sex market
This chapter includes a new and important section on Sexual consent, which delves into controversies over how to define consent and explores its widely varying legal definitions. Information on the extent of sex trafficking, contemporary porn use, and the motivations of men and women to purchase sex has also been updated.
Teaching Resources for The Psychology of Human Sexuality
The official teaching materials consist of an instructor’s manual, revision guide, test bank and PowerPoints for each chapter, which can be requested here on the companion site for trainers. We also have blog posts with details how to use it Sex and Psychology blog content as how to use podcast content; in ways that complement each chapter. These blog posts summarize the materials generously created by Dr. Steven Rouse, which can be done found here too. Needless to say, there are tons of resources to make sure the textbook content can be seamlessly integrated into your classroom!
Where to buy the text
Trainers can find its third edition The Psychology of Human Sexuality on the Wiley websiteAdditionally with accompanying instructor site. The manual can also be found on Amazon here.
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