Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Psychology: An Introduction

by Victoria Clarke , Sonja J. Ellis , Elizabeth Peel , Damien W. Riggs

• ISBN13: 9780521700184
• ISBN10: 0521700183
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-04-12
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This exciting and engaging textbook introduces students to the psychology of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer lives and perspectives. It covers a broad range of topics including diversity, prejudice, health, relationships, parenting and lifespan experiences from youth to old age. The book includes 'key researcher boxes', which outline the contributions of significant individuals and their motivation for conducting research in this field. Key issues and debates are discussed throughout the book, and questions and classroom exercises help students to reflect and apply their learning. There are extensive links to further resources and information as well as 'gaps and absences' boxes, which highlight the major limitations of research in particular areas, encouraging students to approach their research critically. This is the essential textbook for anyone studying LGBTQ Psychology, Psychology of Sexuality or related courses. It is also a useful supplement to courses on gender and developmental psychology.

Author Biography

Victoria Clarke is a Reader in Sexuality Studies at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Sonja J. Ellis is a Principal Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. Elizabeth Peel is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Aston University, Birmingham. Damien W. Riggs is a Visiting Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide, and Lecturer in the School of Social Work at Flinders University.

Table of Contents

List of boxes	p. viii
Introduction: how to read and use this book	p. xi
What's in this book?	p. xi
Pedagogical features of the book	p. xiii
Our approach	p. xvi
Who we are	p. xvii
Acknowledgements	p. xviii
History, contexts and debates in LGBTQ psychology	p. 1
Introducing LGBTQ psychology	p. 3
What is LGBTQ psychology and why study it?	p. 3
The scientific study of sexuality and 'gender ambiguity'	p. 6
The historical emergence of 'gay affirmative' psychology	p. 12
Struggling for professional recognition and challenging heteronormativity in psychology	p. 18
Key debates and perspectives	p. 25
Social constructionism versus essentialism	p. 26
Liberalism versus radicalism	p. 35
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and feminism	p. 38
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and queer theory	p. 40
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and critical psychology	p. 44
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and positive social change	p. 47
Doing LGBTQ psychological research	p. 52
Research methods and approaches	p. 52
Issues in doing LGBTQ psychological research	p. 64
Understanding social marginalisation in LGBTQ lives	p. 79
Diversity	p. 81
Understanding diversity in LGBTQ communities	p. 81
Gender	p. 83
Bisexuality	p. 86
Trans and queer	p. 88
Social class	p. 90
Race	p. 92
Organised religion and spirituality	p. 94
Rural life	p. 97
Ability	p. 98
Prejudice and discrimination	p. 103
Sexuality and gender identity prejudice in context	p. 103
Sexuality and gender identity prejudice as anti-LGBTQ attitudes and behaviours	p. 104
Sexuality and gender identity prejudice as social marginalisation	p. 116
Health	p. 125
What is LGBTQ health?	p. 125
Sexual health	p. 128
Mental health	p. 134
Physical health	p. 140
LGBTQ experiences across the lifespan	p. 149
Young people, coming out and identity development	p. 151
Young people, sexuality and gender identity	p. 151
Models of LGBTQ identity development	p. 153
Sexual fluidity	p. 159
Disclosure to family and friends	p. 162
LGBTQ young people in school	p. 165
Exploring identity and finding a community	p. 169
Relationships	p. 173
Legal recognition of same-sex relationships	p. 173
Comparing same-sex and different-sex relationships	p. 177
Sexual practices	p. 181
Beyond the normative couple	p. 185
Parenting and family	p. 194
Paths to parenthood for LGBTQ people	p. 194
Comparing lesbian-, gay- and trans-headed families with heterosexual-headed families	p. 199
Moving away from a 'proving otherwise' agenda	p. 207
Looking inside LGBTQ families	p. 211
Ageing and old age	p. 216
Age, ageing and ageism in LGBTQ communities	p. 216
Styles of ageing	p. 225
Issues in health and social care in old age	p. 227
Bereavement and death	p. 230
Conclusion	p. 239
The future of LGBTQ psychology	p. 241
Beyond the 'usual suspects'	p. 241
Intersectionality and privilege	p. 245
Applications of LGBTQ psychology	p. 248
Future directions	p. 253
Glossary	p. 257
Additional resources	p. 272
References	p. 278
Index	p. 321
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