Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis [Hardcover]

Richard C. Friedman (Author), Jennifer I. Downey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2002

This book bridges psychoanalytic thought and sexual science. It brings sexuality back to the center of psychoanalysis and shows how important it is for students of human sexuality to understand motives that are often irrational and unconscious. The authors present a new perspective about male and female development, emphasizing the ways in which sexual orientation and homophobia appear early in life. The clinical section of the book focuses on the psychodynamics and treatment of homophobia and internalized homophobia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[H]ighly recommended because it presents a broad and encompassing view of current neurobiological research into sexual orientation. Further, it highlights in considerable detail a number of noteworthy, complicated clinical issues such as internalized homophobia, disclosure of the therapist's sexual orientation, the power of sexual fantasy, and gender development.

(Robert F. Tyminski Journal of Analytical Psychology vol. 32 2004)

[Friedman and Downey] have effectively documented the carnage caused by the current antagonism toward homosexual relations in males.

(Michael Ferguson Journal of Homosexuality )

Friedman and Downey not only make an important contribution to psychoanalysis; they have in addition begun the process of making psychoanalytic therapy relevant to the treatment of homosexual individuals.... It would be difficult to think of any other recent book that makes such an important contribution to the revision of psychoanalytic theory while advancing the therapeutic potential of psychoanalysis in the treatment of gay and lesbian individuals.

(Henry J. Friedman American Psychoanalytic Association )

The most clear thinking, completely erudite, and unbiased presentation of sexual research... that has yet been written.

(Roman N. Anshin, M.D. American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry )

[Richard C. Friedman and Jennifer I. Downey] have been at the forefront of the movement within psychoanalysis challenging previously orthodox ideas.... Friedman and Downey accurately discuss the dangers of psychoanalytic theorizing divorced from basic science and insist on a systems approach to human sexuality that integrates clinical and theoretical understanding.

(American Journal of Psychiatry )

A fascinating book.... A vital contribution to the ongoing dialogue about how sexual desire arises from the interplay of human constitution and the human proclivity for love, fantasy and sexual expression.

(Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease )

Review

This book holds particular interest for anyone concerned with or responsible for the care of children. Parents, teachers, pediatricians, as well as therapists will benefit from the discussion of developmental research that makes even psychoendocrinology an understandable part of the child's endowment and world. Discussion of the different developmental tracks of boys and girls focuses on implications for the development of homophobia in each sex and thus makes an important addition to our understanding of the middle school and subsequent years.

(Judith Schacter, M.D., past president, American Psychoanalytic Association )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 363 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (May 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231120567
• ISBN-13: 978-0231120562
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,632,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A ground-breaking & compelling 'must-read', August 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis (Hardcover)

A comprehensive and scientifically responsible, yet highly readable examination of the origins and development of sexuality and sexual identity. This book is both theoretically 'cutting-edge' and pragmatically useful for all (researchers, clinicians, teachers, clergy, etc.). It is, as well, an absolute requirement for an informed general readership that wishes to be educated about an important subject in an evenhanded and unjaundiced way. There is nothing else like it in the field...scholarly AND approachable.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a Clinical Tour de Force, August 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis (Hardcover)

Friedman and Downey bring an extraordinary level of scholarship combined with accessible gems of clinical wisdom to the critical field of sexual development and sexual identity. Theoretical revisions, integration of material across fields, and clinical case material make this an essential book for therapists of all disciplines. As a therapist and educator with expertise in family therapy I believe clinicians will find the material on internalized homophobia riveting, and the chapter on intervention with homophobic parents especially valuable.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A scholarly work for professionals, parents and friends....., October 1, 2002

By 

meg spinelli (New York, New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis (Hardcover)

This brilliant work by 2 practicing Manhattan psychoanalysts provides a comprehensive and integrative viewpoint on the controversial area of study. In a spirit of empathy, understanding and acceptance, the authors provide a scholarly piece on the biological and psychological perspective of homosexuality.
Professors Friedman and Downey paint a historical picture of psychoanalytic thinking, Freud's ambivalence and the ultimate pathologization of homosexuality. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, they bring a refreshing knowledge, sensitivity and integrity to this controversial field of study.
This major work lays the groundwork for an increasing literature of contemporary psychoanalytic thinking. It brings together in one place the newest scholarship towards contemporary understanding of human sexuality and gender identity.
The book is a scholarly work for professionals in mental health and child development as well as parents, teachers and friends who seek understanding.