Although sexuality is an integral part of close romantic relationships, research linking these two constructs has been less systematic and less developed than other areas pertaining to close relationships. To date, researchers in communication, sociology, family studies, psychology, and psychiatry, among other disciplines, have made significant advances in both of these broad fields. The editors' goal is to integrate this research into one volume with the hope that the book will serve as a forum for enhancement of dialogue about the centrality of sexual issues in close relationships. They bring together major scholars from the diversity of fields working on close relationship topics to examine past contributions and new directions in sexuality. The emphasis is on theoretical integration and stimulation, methodological rigor, and critical analysis of what is known about sexuality in close relationships.
Presenting a comprehensive set of perspectives on sexuality within close relationships, this volume explores: the changing meanings and issues of sexuality within close relationships; early sexual experiences in dating and how they affect late life sexuality; how life's everyday stresses impact sexuality and general satisfaction with closeness; the affect of postpartum depression on sexuality within a close relationship; and the relationship between control, power, anger, as well as revenge and sexual processes in couples. Divided into six parts, the first section of the handbook reviews the major conceptual, theoretical, and methodological issues in studying sexuality in close relationships and offers suggestions on how to improve upon future research. Part II sheds light on the psychological, behavioral, emotional, and social determinants that contribute to how sexuality is experienced at various stages of relationships. The dark side of close relationships as they interface with sexuality are featured in Part III. The chapters in Part IV are concerned with sexuality in special types of close relationships, and those in Part V focus on clinical applications.
The book concludes with two commentaries that provide suggestions on where the study of sexuality in close relationships should go. Pepper Schwartz, Past President of the Society for Scientific Study of Sexuality, places the book's numerous themes in a real-world context. Daniel Perlman, Past President of the International Society for the Study of Personal Relationships, and his co-author, Susan Campbell, critically evaluate key theories that have been applied to the study of sexuality in close relationships and the concurrent historical and political forces of their time. This handbook is intended for advanced students, scholars, and researchers interested in close relationships and sexuality in the disciplines of social, clinical, developmental, and health psychology; family studies; counseling; and interpersonal, family, and health communication. It will serve as a first-rate reference book in graduate and/or advanced undergraduate courses in close relationships taught in a variety of departments, including psychology, communications, sociology, anthropology, and family studies.
The material in Part V should be of particular interest to clinical psychologists, health professionals, and policymakers.