Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problems: New Directions in Theory and Practice

Sexuality has always been conceptualised as a potential problem. The regulation of sexuality and the distinction between normality (healthy sexuality) and abnormality (sexual problem) have a long history, in which psychologists have been deeply involved. Yet all attempts to develop a single psychology of sexual problems are fraught with difficulties. There has also been much criticism of the idea of a psychology of sexuality, and of dysfunction, particularly from authorities in psychoanalysis and feminism.

In Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problems, originally published in 1993, these controversies and debates are critically examined, while also addressing the need for individuals with difficulties associated with sexuality to receive help.

Psychological theories associated with sexuality and sexual problems are examined, along with examples of positive and empowering practice with groups of individuals whose sexuality is often marginalised by psychologists. These include people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities, sex offenders, injecting drug users, gay men with AIDS and women with eating disorders.

Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problems was the first book to integrate critical theory and current clinical practice. It offered a radical new approach to the psychology of sexuality at the time. Today it can be read in its historical context.

Jane M. Ussher is Professor of Women's Health Psychology at the Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia. A critical health psychologist with four decades of experience, her research centres on sexual and reproductive health and embodied subjectivity. She is the author of more than 350 papers and chapters and 15 books, editor of the journal Women's Reproductive Health, and editor of the Routledge Women and Psychology book series.

Christine D. Baker, (d.2017) M.Phil, Institute of Psychiatry London, was a clinical psychologist in London later in Jersey, Channel Islands. Her interests were adult mental health and particularly the sexual problems of adults focussing on women who had been sexually abused as children. Christine was the sole author of Female Survivors of Sexual Abuse (2002) based on her research over a number of years. She was a member of the Clinical Division of the British Psychological Society and the British Association of Behavioural Psychotherapies.