Some Reflections on Adolescent Sexuality

Volume XI Number 4 March 1983 ISSN:0091-3995 Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S.

SOME REFLECTIONS ON ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

Michael A. Carrera, EdD Professor, Hunter College School of Health Sciences, New York, N.Y.; Past Chairperson, S/ECUS Board of Directors; Author, Sex: The Facts, the Acts and Your Feelings

It must be clearly stated at the outset of these reflections also given to their burgeoning “tissue tension” brought about that the issue of teen pregnancy and childbearing is a serious by hormonal shifts and other developmental changes which problem and quite properly the su bject of attention, concern, allegedly render them capable of only tumescence and a per- and programmatic intervention. Sexologists of every disci- severing pursuit of some sort of sexual outlet. pline, members of the helping professions, and the publicsec- In my view, one of the major reasons why the dominant tor must do what is necessary to reduce the incidence of early focus on adolescent sexuality has become problem- and act- childbearing, while at the same time they must continue to be centered is that the principal psychological, psychiatric, and supportive and sensitive to those young people who chooseto sociological theories of adolescence are on abnormality, and terminate their pregnancy, or to give birth and care for their not on normal, typical adolescence and the relative health and child, or to place the baby for adoption. It is important also for resilience experienced by many young people in that period of all of us in the sexual health care movement to continue the their development. It is not unusual for a gloss of psychopathol- struggle to provide those teens who desire contraception with ogy to be placed on adolescent sexuality. While it is evident confidential access to a full range of such services. It has become that during the teen years major psychological andsociological customary, in the exploration of these crucial issues through dis- adaptation has to occur, it does appear, however, that a great cussion, writings, programs, and research, to use the general majority of young people seem to cope well with the transition heading of “adolescent sexuality,” and the reasons for using this and show no undue signs of turmoil or stress. It becomes term are quite understandable. But in so doing we have caused abundantly clear then that, when the ideas and programs about “adolescent sexuality” to become code words to profile and what young people are experiencing and need are derived define young people in a singularly narrow and genital way. from populations almost exclusively from clinics and other It has been my impression for some time now that the health service agencies, a rather one-sided, problem-centered public, as well as some in the sexual health movement, has perspective will be over-represented, leading to an over- grown to regard the adolescent sexuality initiative as simply generalization of difficulties in relation to the total population defining which young people (social and economic class) are of that group. doing what to each other, in what positions, how many times, at What is produced from the coalescence of these circum- what age, and with what results. We need only examine care- stances is at once compelling and wide-reaching. Adolescents fully the content of the numerous books, articles, conferences, themselves are directly affected since they are frequently and workshops on the subject to appreciate the extent to treated by the adults in their lives (parent, teacher, health care which adolescent sexual developtient and adolescent sexual worker) in terms of what is perceived by these adults as being expression have been conceptualized in this narrow, act- important for the growth and development of the young peo- centered fashion-with the majority of attention placed on ple to whom they are relating. Simply put, what occurs because female adolescents. A misunderstanding of the limited number of the narrow meaning attached to “adolescent sexuality” is an of studies on the extent of sexual intercourse among teenagers, overemphasis on the genital aspect of the sexual concerns of an overgeneralization from small study populations, and an young people (whether or not these young people are inter- overemphasis on the sexual acts of 17-, 18-, and IV-year-olds ested in or ready for this aspect), to the exclusion of the many have led many to believe that the majority of the more than 29 other facets of their sexual development and expression. In million teenagers of all ages in the country are having sexual response to this, some young people have indicated that they intercourse-even though that issimply not true. In addition to felt that perhaps they should be more involved or more inter- this type of narrow attention paid to the “sexually active teen- ested in genital sex, as it seemed to them that all the attention agers” (more unhelpful code words), substantial regard is devoted to the subject was suggesting an adolescent norm they had not yet achieved. Obviously, this will not be the typical could profit from a reexamination of our programs, writings, reaction of young people who are involved in specific pro- and research initiatives. Where is our emphasis placed, and grams where emphasis on the subject is requested or called for; how is that perceived by the many people who are outside the but for the many teens not involved in this way the message field? What is the nature of the message we express by virtue of may indeed be confusing or anxiety producing. I believe this our work, and is it in keeping with our professional goals and situation is an illustration of what family therapist Nathan Ack- public responsibilities? erman frequently discussed. He believed that adults tend to Let me reemphasize at this point what was stated at the create definitional frameworks about young people, and then outset of these reflections. This is not intended to be a polemic proceed to interpret and fit the young persons’ thoughts, feel- about the important work which has been done on~adolescent ings, and acts into that framework. pregnancy and childbearing. These efforts must continue. In Another important aspect of this issue is how it affects a addition, whenever possible-in these programs and in the parent. When television programs, commerical literature, and many other types of school and community sexuality sometimes school and community programs unwittingly programs-the integrated, holisticview of sexuality and sexual reduce “adolescent sexuality” to simply “adolescent inter- expression needs to be represented. That is, the issues regard- course, “this inappropriate and fear-arousing communication ing body image, gender and social roles, affection, love, and can influence a parent to second-guess or mind-read their son intimacy must be fully explored at least as much as those.issues or daughter. It may cause them to become preoccupied with regarding the understanding of the female and male sexual their teenager’s friends, activities, dress, etc., in a way that system and birth control methods. But within these broader places a strain on both the parent and the young person and explorations, we must be careful not to focus solely on eroticor distorts their usual interactive pattern. Ironically, such distor- act-centered aspects. We must be able to link them to the full tion can be the result of parents’ overreaction to what they and diverse dimensions of a young person’s development. perceive as their role as sex educator. In this regard, it is important to point out that while the A third and compelling outcome of a limiting definition of adolescence experience has changed a great deal over the adolescent sexuality is the impact such a narrow conceptualiza- years, a great deal has remained the same. For example, in tion has on influencing and determining public opinion about my work with young people, it has become clear to me that, in the nature of our work as professionals in the field of human addition to their interest and curiosity in learning about sex and sexuality. After all, it should be up to us to define sexuality and their ability to articulate their desire for such information, they to be clear about what the sex education of young peopletruly have equally compelling concerns which have existed for as entails. In my view, those of us who are in thesexual health field long as adolescents have been studied and which provide us ideal opportunities to deal with sexuality and sexual expression in its most integrated fashion. I am referring to such things as their interests in developing and sustaining friendships with the same and other sex; their concerns about school achieve- ment; their competition with peers over grades, sports, and Volume XI, Number 4 March 1983 other issues; their need to adjust to natural body changes; their growing need to be independent from the adults in their lives, The S/ECUS Report is published bimonthly and distributed to while at the same time subtly seeking their guidance; and their SIECUS Associates. struggles in developing an identity and a capacity for intimacy. Associate annual fees: individual $40; Organization-$90; This is the raw material out of which conceptual under- Student (with validation)-$20; Benefactor-$150 and over, standing of sexuality as a fully human entity can be fashioned Library and Institutional subscriptions-$40 annually. and communicated to young people. And through this kaleid- Outside U.S.: Canada and Mexico, add $5.00 per year to the oscope of experiences young people learn to celebrate sexual- above fees; other countries, add $10.00 per year. ity as a birthright to be expressed throughout the life cycle. Single copies of back or current issues of the S/ECUS Report They gradually begin to understand that sexuality is integral to may be ordered for $3 each, prepaid. humanness and not limited to genital activity; and that All inquiries should be directed to the SIECUS Publications sexuality-conditioned at it is by religious and social beliefs Office at the address below. and conventions-has not only biological but cultural, spirit- S/ECUS Report is available on microfilm from University ual, intellectual, and emotional dimensions as well. Genital Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106. activity is an important way of expressing sexuality, but it is only one aspect of a broad range of possible sexual expressions. Editor-Anne Backman, MA Editorial Board Deryck Calderwood, PhD References Michael Carrera, EdD Carrera, M. A. Sex: The facts, the acts and your feelings. New York: Jane Quinn, ACSW Crown Publishers, 1981. Ann Welbourne, RN, PhD Coleman, J. The nature ofadolescence. New York: Methuen Inc., 1980. Offer, D., & Offer, T. B. From teenage to manhood. New York: Basic Copyright 0 1983 by The Sex Information and Education Books, 1976. Council of the U.S., Inc., 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 801-2, New Roberts, E., Ed. Childhoodsexual learning: The unwritten curriculum. York, NY 10011. Cambridge, Mass.: Ballinger Press, 1981. Library of Congress catalog card number 72-627361. No part of theS/EClJS Report may be reproduced in anyform [Dr. Carrera has been working with young people and parents without written. permission from the SIECUS Publications through the Children’s Aid Society for the past 13 years. In Office. addition, he serves as the “Sex and Health” columnist for Glamour magazine.-Ed.]

SIECUS Report, March 1983 WHERE THE ACTION IS

Let’s listen to What the Kids Are Saying

Charlotte De Armond State Director of Public Affairs, Children’s Home Society of California; Executive Producer of CHS Films

The longing to have one’s parents really understand what it’s teens to “test” their own beliefs and concerns in a focused way. like growing up today is being expressed by thousands of The importance and value of the discussion are documented California boys and girls after viewing and discussing Running by their comments. Our discussion leaders request these My Way, Children’s Home Society of California’s film about remarks, asking the writers to make observations on any aspect adolescent sexuality. “I wish it could be on TV so then maybe of the film or discussion they choose, and to give their age and my folks could see what it’s like for me,” is the way a 15-year- sex, but not their names. Often teachers or clergy make the old boy said it. additional request that the individuals write their own ending “My folks are great people,” a 15-year-old girl wrote, “but to the film. It is from these comments that CHS gains a picture they’re totally clueless to the problems that go on when you of the factors influencing many of today’s teens. reach your teens. I think if parents were more aware to the More than 800 discussion leaders statewide have been problems, a teenager would feel moresupported and in return certified by CHS as film discussion leaders. The majority are be stronger in really doing what they want.” CHS volunteers; about one-third are teachers; staff of family A Id-year-old girl disagreed: “I don’t want my folks to see planning, mental health, or similar organizations; youth peer that film. They’d lock me up if they knew what it was like.” counselors; or clergy. Last year, a record 292,219 California boys These statements were triggered by the film Running My and girls saw and discussed CHS films, compared with 104,497 a Way, a mirror-image of the struggle confronting 14 and l5- year earlier. year-olds today. The comments attest to the film’s authenticity Prior to Running My Way, CHS films were shown primar- (see review in S/ECUS Report, January 1983). They also speak to ily in classrooms, usually in Ilth- or 12th-grade elective family the isolation that many adolescents arefeelingwithin their own life education classes. Since 1970, CHS volunteers across Cali- families. fornia have waged a continuing campaign in their own school In its statewide public education program, Children’s districts to get CHS films shown and discussed at lower grade Home Society of California keeps in touch with the feelings levels. They have used the written comments from juniors and and concerns of thousands of teens through the comments seniors which state that decisions about sexual activity are they write after seeing and talking about a CHS film. The being made in junior high. These efforts have paid off in many agency provides its films without charge to any California communities, and the films are typically shown now at the 9th- school, church, youth, or adult group. For both Running My and IOth-grade levels, with the result that CHS films are gener- Way and Teenage Father (which received an Academy Award ally recognized as the tools most widely used by California in 1979) CHS has two requirements: the requesting group must schools in sexuality education. We have not been nearly as schedule time for discussion following the screening; and the successful as both the agency and its volunteer discussion discussion must be facilitiated by a CHS-certified discussion leaders would like in gaining approval for use of the films atthe leader. 7th- and 8th-grade levels, where teenagers say the need is Children’s Home Society believes that the discussion of greatest. There are also many school districts which have never the issues a film addresses is the more important half of its public permitted a CHS film to be shown. This generally does not education program. To hold the attention of adolescents sur- reflect disapproval by school administrators but, rather, an feited with television and feature film programming, a film has to unwillingness to advocate strongly the use of the films in com- be good. More importantly, its honesty has to be recognized munities where family life education curricula have not yet and accepted by the viewer. This is why CHS makes its films been initiated. only after havinginterviewed young people who are directly An important dimension to the agency’s public education involved in the subject area the film is addressing. These inter- program has been added by the acceptance of Running My views are confidential, and in sufficient depth to enable us to Way by the majority of the major religious denominations as an gain understanding of what is happening in the lives of these appropriate and effective means to introduce or expand a boys and girls. We also interview parents of adolescents. program on human sexuality. CHS believes that the church CHS films don’t give answers, don’t make judgments; environment is second only to the family as the ideal setting in their sole purpose is to elicit discussion. We believe that teens which to discuss sexuality, and we were gratified when tabula- will generally make responsible decisions for themselves when tions showed that the number of church and temple screenings they have been provided with the facts and the opportunity to last year almost equaled that of classrooms. discuss this information in an intellectually stimulating and In addition,some youth groups are now using Running My non-threatening environment, opening up a “safe” way for Way with pre-teens. A YMCA executive who has been certified

SIECUS Report, March 1983 3 as a discussion leader says that the film is the most successful FACTORS INFLUENCING TEENAGERS, RATED BY THEM “response producer” they have used in 20 years of YMCA sex IN IMPORTANCE ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 education. He is showing it to I-2-year-olds and their parents. (Percentages Add Across) Each successive CHS educational film has been made because California students asked for it. Running My Way was 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 the CHS response to requests made to our discussion leaders %%%%%%%%%% for a film that would help young people talk about sex. Boys Friends/Peer Group ----3 1 4 8 28 56 Everybody’s Doing It 3 12 35 4 2 7 31 43 and girls said they had trouble talking with each other, and an Family Stress: even worse time trying to talk with their parents. A typical Divorce/Death 1 1 1% 3 1% 4 5 5 46 32 comment from a student: “If you ask a question, your folks Music 3 4 2% 3 2% 4 5 4 39 33 think you’re doing it.” Parents’ Attitudes, Values, Behavior 1 - 1 4 34 30 2 6 12 11 The girls in Running My Way are 14 years old because Movies 2 5 1 10 10 14 4 26 30 7 California high school students told us that “everyone” has to Television 4 4 4 7 24 20 29 3 3 2 make the decision about having sex by age 14. Comments written Magazines 6 7 27 25 20 6 6 1 1 1 by boys and girls after seeingthefilm indicate that although not “everyone” is involved, certainly a large number of young peo- The relationship of family stress situations to the importance ple are making this decision at 14 or younger. These comments of the peer group is evident. Many students have written about also raise the question as to whether the decisions that are divorce and its impact on themselves or the person they are being made reflect what the young person really wants to do. “going with.” Here are some representative quotes: Many wrote that they were glad that there’s a film that says, “My boyfriend wants to replace the love he isn’t getting “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.“Thefollowingquotes from his split-up parents,” a student said. are representative of hundreds like them: A 14-year-old who rated his parents’ attitudes a 5 added, “I feel that sex is the most important peer problem teenag- “But they do cause rebellion.” His loon “Everybody’s doing it” ers have problems with,” said a 14-year-old boy. was reinforced with, “It proves you’re not abnormal if you do it, “I had to do it,” a 15-year-old girl wrote. “I was the only too.” one who was still a virgin.” “You do what your friends do or you will be bugged about A 16-year-old girl: “I don’t have a child but I made love at it,” a 12-year-old said. 13 and I’ve regretted it since.” A rare exception is the ICyear-old boy who rated his An 18-year-old: “I wish I could have walked away at 14.” parents’ values a 10. He wrote: “My parents have influenced “Tony wasn’t really ready, it was just his friends who were my life more than anything or anyone. Whatever parents do, pushing him,” a 15-year-old boy told us. “That’s what they did their kids usually grow up doing the same things. It’s not what to me.” they say. It’s what they do.” This boy also rated “Everybody’s “lf you want a boyfriend, you have to put out,” a l3-year- doing it” a 1. old believes. Most students give music a high rating. “You listen to The uniformity of negative feelings being expressed by so music all the time,” a boy wrote. “Music can soothe, excite, many young people about their first sexual experience raises frustrate and scare. The lyrics promote sex and drugs. just questions as to why boys and girls feel they have to say “yes” listen.” regardless of what they really want. Teens are telling us that it is CHS has been scheduling an increasing numberof screen- pressure from their friends that influences them most. ings for parents of younger children. Following are representa- Hundreds of girls have written about the pressure they have tive comments written by parents of 12-year-olds: had from their girlfriends who are already sexually active. Boys “I feel I have a better understanding of what faces my generally seem to expect the pressure they receive from other child, and I will be willing for him to see it next year.” boys, particularly l4- and 15-year-old boys. It’s the older teen “My immediate reaction was that my son is not ready for boys, 17 and 18, who are commenting in increasing numbers this film. However, after the discussion, I feel that he should be about the pressure they are getting from girls. aware of the choices that are open to him, and it is important In the Running My Way discussion leader’s guide, we that he knows that in time! I will think seriously about letting suggest that viewers be asked to rank each of the items listed in my child see it.” the table below on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, “It seems that this was a little too strong for a first-time as to their influence on young people. The discussion leaders discussion on sex. And for many children and parents, 5th, 6th usually get group consensus on each rating. They find this an or 7th grade is the first time the subject is brought up.” especially useful device in facilitating a discussion which “At first I thought my daughter was too young for this, but includes both adolescents and parents. (For the best discus- knowing she does know a lot more than I did at her age, I feel sion, we prefer to group adolescents with adults who are not she is ready for this. I want her to know you do not have to go their own parents.) A look of surprise-almost bewilderment- along with the crowd and it is okay to make your own appears on the faces of parents who hear adolescents assigning decisions.” a 5 or 6 to parents’ attitudes. These parents care, they are concerned. Andwe hope that Teachers sometimes request that the rating be done indi- this involvement will be translated into help for their children. vidually as a homework assignment, believing that the CHS film discussion leaders believe the agency’s future public response will more accurately reflect a student’s own thinking. education efforts must give top priority to reaching out to The table below indicates responses from 130 9th-graders from parents to make them more aware of the isolation and loneli- four widely separated California localities. Ten of our most ex- ness that their children are expressing in the post-film discus- perienced film discussion leaders say the percentages are repre- sions. Our next challenge, therefore, is to develop a tool that sentative of the ranking young people assign in the class- will be successful in enhancing communication within the room. family.

4 SIECUS Report, March 1983 WHERE THE ACTION IS

Postponing Sexual Involvement: A New Apprpach

Marion Howard, PhD Director, Teen Services Program, Grady Memorial Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ca.

“Postponing Sexual Involvement: An Education Series for Comparison with other curricula: One main way in which Young People Age 13-15” is a new approach aimed at reducing the Postponing Sexual Involvement curriculum differs from the teenage pregnancy rate by reducing the number of teens most sex education programs is that it starts with a given value: who become sexually involved. It is best understood against “You ought not to be having sex at a young age.” Everything in the backdrop of the community where it was developed the series is designed to reinforce this value. All information, (Atlanta, Georgia). exercises, and skill building are aimed at helping the young The Atlanta Public Schools have had, for the past six years, person carry out the decision not to have sex at a young age. a sound sex education program in the 8th grade. Currently, Although traditional sex education programs often implicitly through such education, close to 30,000 young people (all 13-17 have that as a hoped-for outcome, they generally include year-olds in the Atlanta Public Schools) have been given basic information on reproduction and birth control so that if the factual information about reproduction, family planning, young people do chose to have sex, they can behave responsi- and traditional sexual decision-making. The curriculum used bly. This Series avoids the double message implicit in such to teach the young people is the “Discussion Guide on Human programs. Sexuality,” a six-part series developed by the Emory/Grady Another principal difference is in the approach. Most sex Teen Services Program, a family planning program for teens education programs throughout the country (and the one which is located at the Grady Memorial Hospital. Its counselors employed by the Teen Services Program in the Atlanta Public act as instrumental resources in offering the sex education Schools) use a decision-making model. Young people are program in the public schools. Further, the Teen Services Pro- asked to consider values, facts, and alternatives and then make gram has trained over 150 school personnel with a 50-hour choices based on consideration of these and possible out- course designed to helpteachers improvetheir instruction and comes or consequences. Such a model may indeed bethe most counseling in the area of teen sexuality, reproduction, and appropriate one for older students. However, according to family planning. (The school system augments the salaries of noted psychologist Piaget and other theorists, the ability to teachers who take this course.) Also, the Atlantic Public move from concrete to operational thinking (and, therefore, to Schools have revised their K-12 curriculum to include approp- make decisions based on a future orientation) involves a gradual riate information about family life and human sexuality at levels shift starting somewhere around 11 and not completed until other than the 8th grade. The Atlanta community has several about age 15 or 16. Thus those providing information to adoles- teen family planning clinics. The largest of these-the Emory/ cents 16 and younger about human sexuality and family plan- Grady Teen Services Program clinic-sees each year 1,20Osex- ning may be facing a group with diverse cognitive develop- ually active young people 16 years of age and under. This ment. Some of the young people may well be able to program has been in operation I2 years. grasp and apply the decision-making model (which hinges Hence, the Atlanta community is one in which commonly heavily on weighing alternatives and consequences and proposed solutions to teen pregnancy (sex education and birth making choices based on ability to conceive the future); control) are already in place and are having whatever impact others may find such a model too advanced for their they can have. The fact that the teen pregnancy rate here has cognitive stage. been reduced since implementation of these services (Atlanta The challenge thus becomes to develop other teaching/ had, at one time, one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the information-giving tools to help young people protect their state and now has one of the lowest) shows that such services fertility and act responsibly until such time as they are cognitively are necessary and effective. The fact that the teen pregnancy able to apply a full decision-making approach to sexual choi- rate remains unacceptably high, however, probably means ces. The need for a curriculum such as the Postponing Sexual they are not sufficient for dealing with the problem. Involvement Series, which aims at helping young people (15 The “Postponing Sexual Involvement Series” does not and younger) gain skills to deal with both early sexual maturity offer factual information about reproduction, nor does it dis- and social and peer sexual pressures, is made more imperative cuss family planning. It concentrates on the social and peer by the fact that the average age of fertility among young pressures which lead youth into early sexual behavior, and its women has now dropped to 12.5, and the age at first inter- major emphasis is on building skills which help young people course is also earlier than it had previously been. A 1979study deal with these pressures. by Kanter and Zelnik indicated that 22.5%of the 15-year-olds at

SIECUS Report, March 1983 5 that period had already had intercourse (up from 14.7% in eagerly asked to have it given to their parents and young 1970). people. We have also found the parents to be enthusiastically The Postponing Series is different, too, in that it is not responsive. To this point, no parents have refused to let their based, as are many sex education programs, on the notion that child be involved, and they have been among those most likely knowledge alone can change behavior. That this notion is not to call on behalf of their church, school, or other organization always so is seen clearly from smoking behavior. Despite wide- asking to have a Series presented. In sessions where parents are spread knowledge that smoking causes cancer, millions of peo- invited to participate, at least half have attended. in this timeof ple still smoke. Hence, the Series emphasis is not on knowledge working parents, small nuclear families, and single-parent itself, but on participatory exercises, skill building, reinforce- households, we feel that having over half the parents partici- ment, and practice. pate in a four-session program is phenomenal. We have also Another contrast is that the Series does not use the “role had a good response from the young people themselves who plays” common to many sex education programs, in which indicate that they have been made more aware of the sexual young people experience being in a situation before it pressures they receive and feel more confident in their ability happens to them and, in an open-ended framework, play out to respond to pressure. One-year field test follow-upswill help to whatever conclusion emerges. Role plays are an excellent us learn more about what parents, young people, and partici- teaching tool, but, since the Postponing Series is designed to pating groups feel the impact of the Series has been. support one value, role plays are not used on the chance that Structure and content: The Series is divided into four the result might not reinforce the desired value of postpone- sessions, each one and a half hours long. The first three sessions ment. Instead, young people are given a situation similar to one are given fairly close together, either on three consecutive that might be given in a role play, but are told to write a skit in nights or once a week on three consecutive weeks. The fourth which the lead character (male or female) has to say “no” to the session is given as a reinforcement session anywhere from pressure he or she is receiving. They are also told that the three to six months later. situation has to come out all right for the person saying “no,” The first session presents information and exercises relat- i.e., he or she is still popular, she doesn’t lose-her boyfriend or ing to social pressure. Participants are given opportunities to he his girlfriend, he is no longer teased about being gay, and so explore why they feel young people engage in sex at an early forth. Young people each get a chance to play the main charac- age. The reasons they give most often show what needs they are ter in the skits so that everyone experiences”success”at saying trying to meet. The leaders then help the young people to see “no” with positive results. that these needs (“to be popular,” “to hang onto a boyfriend,” Field-testing: Currently through funds granted by the etc.) will not necessarily be met by having sexual intercourse. Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Mary Reynolds This session also gives young people opportunities to look at Babcock Foundation, The Cleveland Foundation, and the the actual social pressures of today’s world. For example, the George Lund Foundation, the Series on Postponing Sexual advertisements that use sex to sell products are examined Involvement is being field-tested on approximately 1,500 peo- objectively. Leaders help young people understand that what ple in Atlanta, Georgia, and Cleveland, Ohio. The goal of the often happens is that people forget about the product but field testing is to ascertain the acceptance level by both the remember the sexual message. community and the participants (parents and young people), as Session II presents information and exercises relating to well as to learn what delivery styles are most effective. For peer pressure, both in group situations and on a one-to-one example, some of the Series are being delivered by peer lead- basis. Young people are given opportunities to become famil- ers only a few years older than the attending youth in order to iar with common pressure statements and, after responses are see what effect role modeling has on enhancing the program’s modeled for them, they practice responding in their own messages. In other sessions, adult leaders are using segments words. Session III presents information and exercises related that have the voices of teens on tape. These varied styles will to problem solving. It promotes understanding of the appro- help us to know how best to advise other communities about priateness of limiting physical expression of affection and, the use of the Series. through the development and performance of skits, provides The Postponing Series also has an important parental guidance in handling difficult social situations. Session IV pro- involvement component that is being tested. In half of the vides reinforcement exercises for using new skills. field-test sessions parents are being asked to participate. They Summary: The Series on “how to say no” was designed to receive the same information and go through the same exer- provide young people with tools to help them bridge the gap cises as the young people do (but in a separate room). The between their physical development and their cognitive ability purpose of this is based on experiences with other educational to handle the implications of such development. It was not programs. For example, when the “new math” was first imple- designed to replace the provision of factual information about mented in the public schools, a whole generation of parents human sexuality and family planning. It is our feelingthat teens were frustrated and upset about not being able to help their who decide not to have sex get little support and few rewards children with their homework. We felt that if we were attempt- from agencies and others for their behavior. Programs and ing to give young people a new mind-set about postponing support systems are designed for those who have sexual inter- sexual involvement, we needed to share that with the parents. course and/or become pregnant, not for those who don’t. It is our expectation that parents will not only acquire a better The Postponing Sexual Involvement Series can, at a min- understanding of the implications of the sexual pressures imum, strengthen the resolve of young people who have young people are experiencing, but will also become rein- already decided they don’t want to become sexually involved, forcement agents for the Series. and make them feel supported in their decision. For those who Thus far, interim field-test results show overwhelmingly are ambivalent about begining to have sexual intercourse, it positive community response to this program. Many commun- can help them develop attitudes and skills which will assist ity groups, including several church groups, have found the them in postponing sexual activity. It can also help sexually Series to be the first program acceptable to them and have (Continued on page 8)

6 SIECUS Report, March 1983 , 1

I1 SPEAKING OUT I

. . . On a Concept of Comfort

Bill Stackhouse, MTS, ACS, ACSE, Director, SIECUS Parent Programs; and Susan Afriat, ACSE, Coordinator, Training and Education, Concern for Health Options: Information, Care, and Education (CHOICE), Philadelphia, Pa.

Being comfortable-being able to communicate with confi- awareness of which will enable them to utilize a wider variety dence and without stress-was the unifying concept in a joint of experiences in sexuality learning within their families. For 18-month project of SIECUS and CHOICE working intensively example, instead of treating sex education as only a way of with parents of pre-school age children. Our primary goal was teaching the specifics about intercourse, they will begin to to determine what would be effective in working with parents notice and use many everyday experiences as ways to begin in helping them fulfill their role as the primary sexuality edu- teaching their child about such things. Flowers growing, child- cators of their children. And through this experiencewe devel- ren of the opposite sex interacting with each other, playing oped and refined a philosophy and strategy that made it house, and simply feeling good about oneself are all examples possible to achieve this goal. of how sexuality learning can occur. Furthermore, parents who We learned that one must begin by setting up a number of are tuned in to these natural occurrences and who feel comfor- basic premises: (1) If parents can learn to be “comfortable” table discussing them are letting their child know that they are within themselves in communicating openly with their child- open and willing to talk about sexuality. ren about sex and can develop aframeworkfor handlingsensi- Next, we determined the best steps to follow with parents tive questions-no matter how young the children may to help remove the traditional stress involved in talking to their be-then these parents can feel confident that they are creat- children about sex-in other words, to give parents the sense ing an interaction that will play an important part in helping the of being comfortably capable of acknowledging and accepting children become sexually healthy adults. The factual informa- their children’s sexuality and of sensitively directing it to its tion about sex is available from hundreds of sources, but how optimum expression. we get or give this information is a vital factor in effective (1) The first step in this process is to give parents the communication and interaction. opportunity to recall the ways in which they themselves were (2) It is important to reach parents of young children, and taught about sexuality, both verbally and nonverbally, and the the leaders who will teach these groups of parents must be feelings associated with those messages. This enables them to carefully selected, since this will be the first interaction begin identifying the ways in which they want their own child- involved and the impressions and atmosphere created are ren to learn. Often, parents remember no sexuality education therefore of critical importance. Such leaders must be relaxed at all in their early years; most recall somehow knowing not to and comfortable in dealing with the issues because their ask questions or engage in any sort of sexual exploration. It is response is a model for potential responses parents give to important to examine exactly how these negative messages their children. In sensitively guiding the concerned parents were communicated so that parents can then learn how to through the process of determining an appropriate response to communicate positive message to their own children. any given situation, they allow parents to recognize for them- (2) The next step is to help parents clarify their own feel- selves the positive effects of a calm, rational, and relaxed ings, values, and attitudes about sexuality issues so that they can approach. At the same time, they are encouraging a recogni- clearly identify the messages they want to give. These then tion and sharing of everyone’s need for reassurance. In addi- become their own personal guidelines for answering questions tion to training and experience in leading group discussions in an open and positive way. For example, many parents feel about sensitive topics, the leaders must obviously be knowl- that sexual activity is appropriate only within the context of a edgeable about sexuality, and be able to give answers to par- marriage andwantto begin communicating this as soon as their ents’ questions about factual matters in clear and simple terms child begins asking questions about where babies come from and, since children’s questions will continue long after the or how babies are made. In the process, they may generate programs have ended, to show them how to get valid informa- hard-to-answer questions, depending on the child’s age, rang- tion on their own. ing from a simple “Why?” to “Other people have sex and (3) The leaders must be nonjudgmental. Otherwise their babies and aren’t married, so how come?” The more clearly credibility may be lost, for even though the parents are asking parents understand their own feelings, the more clearly and for advice, most of them still need to feel that “no one is going rationally they can formulate their answers. Perhaps some par- to dictate to me how to raise my child.” And they have a point. ents will want to use an explanation related to a particular The leaders must learn and respect the values of the people religious viewpoint, or perhaps some will simply describe how they are working with. they feel about marriage and love in order to get their point (4) Parents work together best in a groupwhen their child- across. It can be very frustrating for everyone involved when ren are of approximately the same age. And parents of young the parents do not know how to express their feelings and are children in particular can be given the wonderful opportunity forced to reply, “Because I said so!” to look at and absorb a broadly defined concept of sexuality, an (Continued on next page)

SIECUS Report, March 1983 7 WHERE THE ACTION IS

The Action Is in Washington, D.C.!

For six days in May 1983, human sexuality professionals from all along with the country of origin: “Three Years of Daily Sex over the world will meet together in Washington, D.C. to share Education on Brazilian TV” (Brazil); “Urethral Eroticism and their pride in the remarkable progress being made in the Sexual Identity” (Holland); “A Cross-Cultural Overview of science of sexology. From Sunday, May 22 until Friday, May 27, Children’s Sexual Thinking” (Australia); “Politics, Socio- the’conference halls of the Washington Hilton will be filled biology, and Sex: Time for a Change” (U.S.A.); “Cross-Cultural with people attending plenary sessions, paper presentations, Sexual Fantasies” (South Africa); and “Sexual Consequences of historical and current exhibitions, symposia, multi-media pres- and Relational Life Problems After Vulvectomy” (Denmark). entations, and roundtable discussions. The event which is mak- Of course there are many, many others from the U.S., and also ing all this possible is the Sixth World Congress of Sexology, from Japan, France, Canada, Belgium, West Germany, Great sponsored by the World Association for Sexology (WAS) and Britain, Israel, and India. organized by the U.S. Consortium for Sexology. The theme for It has been said that the history of the world since the this international congress is “Emerging Dimensions of advent of the human race can be summarized in only two Sexology.” words: transportation and communication. So here we have The organizing committee, on which SIECUS is repre- the Sixth World Congress which offers human sexuality profes- sented, has spent many months working together to design a sionals from all over the world a marvelous opportunity to comprehensive, efficiently implemented program which will communicate with each other. We also have the wonders of substantially enrich and expand the participants’knowledgeof modern transportation which make it possible to converge in sexuality in today’s world. The Plenary Sessions will be devoted one central spot. And this combination will result in another to: Historical Perspectives; Sexuality in Childhood and Adoles- milestone being added to the history of sexology. cence; Sexuality in Adulthood and Old Age; Sex Therapy; and For detailed information and registration materials write Sex, Intimacy, and Pleasure. to: Thomas E. Gertz, Conference Coordinator, 6th World Con- In response to its call for papers, the Scientific Committee gress of Sexology, 3200 West Market Street, Suite 104, Akron, received abstracts which promise a remarkably varied presen- OH 44313. tation. The following are titles of some of the papers selected, Anne Backman, Editor

Comfort of Comfort, Continued from page 7 A New Approach, Continued from page 6 (3) Through role play and discussion, parents can practice involved young people. A random sample survey of the Emory/ how they will give their children the messages and information Grady Teen Services clinic population of sexually active girls they want them to have. And at the same time, by being made 16 and under showed, surprisingly, that what they most wanted aware of the variety of responses and opinions represented in information on was “how to say no without hurting the other the group, each individual is led to analyze more deeply his or person’s feelings.” Thus, the curriculum also has the potential her own ideas about each topic as it is discussed. Indeed, for for helping these young people communicate more effectively many parents, this opportunity to discuss with other parents in their current and future relationships. their children’s questions and behaviors is a unique expe- Another model currently being field-tested by the direc- rience. They are pleasantly surprised to find that they can be tor of the Emory/Grady Teen Services Program is entitled “Let’s comfortable and relaxed in sharing ideas aboutwhat has always Talk: Campaign for Reponsible Parenthood.” Aimed at prom- been considered virtually an “undiscussable” topic. And when oting community involvement in teenage pregnancy preven- they have completed the program, they often continueto meet tion, this campaign is designed to begin a process of dialogue together to continue this interaction. on young people’s problems and it involves building a com- The philosophy and strategy we have outlined here are not munity coalition, using the media to increase community revolutionary. Indeed, our concentration on increasing paren- awareness, offering oportunities for dialogue through small tal comfort with issues in sexuality may seem like a relatively group discussion, and improving adult (parent)/child com- minor shift in emphasis from other approaches. But in both the munication about teen sexuality and responsible parenthood. initial joint project and the current SIECUS project with His- We believe that these two new models provide communi- panic parents in New York City, our experience has shown that ties with additional tools in their search for effective and posi- this approach results in a significantly effective program with a tive approaches to the prevention of teenage pregnancy. long-lasting impact. The following comment by one of the original participants illustrates our goal: “It kind of made me [nor additional information regarding these two mode/ pro- feel, You’re a free person, and whatever is comfortable for you grams, write to: Marion Howard, PhD, Teen Services Program, is comfortable for your children, and that’s the way it is. You Grady Memorial Hospital, 80 Butler Street, Atlanta, GA don’t judge yourself by other people. That’s good.” 30303.~Ed.]

8 S/ECUS Report, March 1983 RESEARCH NOTES

“Research Notes” is prepared by Elizabeth Rice Allgeier, PhD, Psychology Department, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.

Sexual Values in the Classroom

Public school sex education is often justified through denial. administrators, teachers, or present students. Interestingly Advocates of sex education deny that it leads to such “nega- enough, in that same school (in New York), teachers were tive” (from the perspective of cultural values) consequencesas tentative in their responses to the outcomes of greater ability sexual experimentation by students, nonmarital accidental “to ‘be responsible for own behavior,’ ‘accept own body pregnancy, and venereal disease. In my human sexuality course, variation,’ and ‘accept own set of rules to guide behavior’ ” I have routinely discussed research that has attempted to (Klein, 1982, p. 414). examine-at a global level-the consequences of sex educa- On the basis of his study, Klein made eight recommenda- tion, and I must admit that I have also tended to respond to the tions, three of which concerned ongoing evaluation efforts in opponents of sex education by citing evidence that refutes the schools that participated in the study. The remaining their claims that catastrophe follows exposure to information recommendations were: (1) that teachers involved in sex edu- about sexuality. I do not know how commonly other college cation provide brief in-service training for school administra- and secondary school teachers of sexuality do so, and would be tors who may be unfamiliar with the program; (2) that school interested in hearing from readers regarding their inclusion or personnel examine program outcomes which are not being exclusion of this issue in class lectures. However, any discussion met for program alumni, isolating and addressing factors which of the long-term effects of a sex education course is necessarily may be affecting long-term program impact; (3) that teachers relatively brief and general, as most research in the area has not involved in sex education assume a role of initiating and sup- examined the relationship between the instructor’s goals, porting evaluation efforts which will examine short- and long- how those goals are implemented, and the extent to which term program impact; (4) that school personnel involved in sex students receive and retain what instructors believe themselves education be supportive of program evaluation efforts (eval- to be transmitting. uation results would allow proponents of sex education to An exception to this is Daniel Klein’s (1982) study of sam- employ a data base when responding to groups opposed to sex ples of 22 school administrators, 10 sex education teachers, 138 education and would also allow proponents of sex education present students, and 202 alumni from four different schools in to employ a data base in their support of legislation concerned Colorado, Iowa, New York, and Missouri. He asked volunteers with sex education); and (5) that, since a major goal in sex from each sample to indicate their assessment of program education is a reduction of unplanned adolescent pregnancies, characteristics considered to be important features in sex edu- evaluation efforts in sex education examine the contraceptive- cation and to rate changes in students’ knowledge, under- use behavior of program participants and program alumni standing of themselves, values, interaction skills, fear of (Klein, p. 143). sex-related activities, and self-esteem. In addition, they were Although the study’s specific findings are interesting,gen- asked to give their perception of the extent to which each of 23 eralizations of comparisons between the groups-given their topics was covered in the course-ranging from basic ana- disparate numbers-are difficult to make. Although 100% of tomy/physiology and the biological aspects of human repro- the sampled teachers and administrators responded to the duction to content related to the development of skills in instruments, the return rate for alumni (ranging from 30% to decision making, problem solving, and increased communica- 54%) imposes further difficulties in generalization, as there is no tion skills with peers and parents. Essentially, he found very few way of knowing the extent to which those who failed to return differences in the perceptions of the four samples (administra- the research instruments differed-and in what ways-from tors, teachers, present students, and alumni) concerning pro- those who did return it. Non-returners could have been gram characteristics and the outcome for students of their offended by the course content, disappointed in various ways enrollment in the course. with the course, or irritated at having received a low grade: The few differences that did appear in one or two of the there are no data to determine how these people differed from schools involved administrators’ unfamiliarity with the extent those individuals who did return the research instruments. to which particular topics were covered in the sex education Nonetheless, I recommend Klein’s report to anyone course. This communication gap is a significant one. In these directly or even indirectly involved in sex education. He pro- days of budget cuts and intense scrutiny of programs to deter- vides a good review of the development of public sex educa- mine which can be eliminated, those involved in sex education tion in the United States from the 1880s to the present, and he should make sure that the school administrators are fully aware also reviews research on the effects of sex education. For those of the content of the program. In addition, regarding the who are interested in designing an evaluation program for impact of the course with respect to changes in ability to their own courses, Klein’s study provides a good model on how understand long-range life goals, make sexual decisions, and to proceed. (A copy of his research report is in the SIECUS communicate sexual feelings verbally, the assessments of some Resource Center and Library at New York University.) His mea- alumni in one of the schools were less positive than those of surement (modifications of instruments developed by Kirby,et

SIECUS Report, March 1983 9 al., 1979) of perceptions of sex education course topics and the public schools when we happen to agree with the particular effects of exposure to these topics was considerably more values and rejecting the promotion when we don’t agree is a specific than is typical of most such studies. violation of these democratic ideals. From a practical stand- Although the phrases “learning objectives” and “behav- point, of course, there is no way to avoid the meshing of values ioral objectives” were quite popular a few years ago, it would with the presentation of content. However, as I noted in my be interesting to know how many contemporary sex educators first “Research Notes” article (S/ECUS Report, March 1982), I actually identify their goals and state these explicitly to their believe that we should exert as much effort as possible to students. The only commonly used measures of the extent to distinguish between values and evidence. My mechanism for which teaching goals are realized are course exams and the attempting to do so is to present as accurately as possible the “course evaluation” that many instructors at the college level results of empirical research-for example, on the association administer at the end of a course. Such evaluations are typi- between parent/child discussions of sex and contraception cally very broad, however, and do not tap the specific kind and the likelihood of the child’s experiencing an unintended of content used in sexeducation courses. I intend to administer pregnancy; or on the relationship between masturbation dur- Klein’s model to my students at the end of this semester, and he ing adolescence and the incidence of orgasm early in marriage; has indicated a willingness to provide a copy to others who or on how the discussion of sexual feelings with one’s partner wish to do so. He is in the Department of Health Education, relates to the presence or absence of sexual dysfunctions. Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, III. However, the goal of inculcating particular sexual values, 60115. per se, can violate the rights of some individuals who disagree The major value of Klein’s study, in my estimation, is not with those values. Further, given the fact that we are only in its specific results but in its overall effect of generating new beginning to understand what variables influence sexual ideas regarding our own perceptions of sex education. It was behavior, it may be that certain kinds of values which we have most useful for me in stimulating my thinking about the goals assumed will lead to desirable ends do not actually do so. Thus, of public sex education and the issue of the attempt to include regarding personal sexual values, I believe that all of us who are or to exclude a consideration of sexual values in sex education sex educators should be providing as accurate a picture as curricula. In one portion of Klein’s questionnaire, respondents possible of what we know, and of the limits of that knowledge. I are asked to indicate the extent to which participation in the do not believe that we should try to influence students to course increased students’ abilities to do such things as: accept accept our particular sexual values any more than they should responsibility for their own behavior, accept their own body be asked to adhere to the dominant religiousvalues (viaschool variations, accept their own set of rules to guide their behavior, prayer) in the classroom. I must admit, however, that my per- communicate their feelings verbally, discuss sexual behavior sonal conclusion regarding the inappropriateness of the pre- with a potential partner, express their desire to use birth con- sentation of sexual values in public schools is still a tentative trol in order to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, feel comforta- one. Given my strong personal agreement with the values ble when discussing sexual issues with friends, form their own implied in Klein’s items, I welcome convincing rebuttals to the sex-role standards, and so forth. I have no discomfort with position I’ve taken. these values, per se. Furthermore, the sample of teachers who participated in the stud/ did not necessarily push these values References in their curricula. Kirby, D., Alter, J., & Scales, P. An analysis of U.S. sex education pro- I am concerned, however, with the issue of whether it is grams andevaluation methods. Volumes I & II. Center for Disease appropriate to teach a particular set of values in the public Control, Atlanta; Mathtech, Inc., July, 1979. (NTIS No. PB80- schools. It may be easier to perceive the potential problem if 201940-AOB & PB80-20-1957-A09) we compare it to the movement to include prayers in the class- Klein, D. Exemplary sex education programs: An analysis of percep- room. Regardless of whether we adhere to Christian, Jewish, tions in significant populations. Unpublished doctoral disserta- atheistic, or other religious ideologies, many of us reject the tion, Department of Health Education,Southern Illinois University idea that a particular set of religiousvalues (including our own) at Carbondale, 1982. (A copy may be ordered through University should be made a part of our daily school curriculum. Similarly, Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106.) although many of us may agree that the values implied in Klein’s items are good ones, the point is that they represent a particular value perspective. There are citizens in our society who believe, equally strongly, that sexual feelings should not j DO YOU KNOW THAT.. . ] be openly discussed, or that birth control should not be used, or that bodily (sexual) desires are to be controlled rather than accepted and enjoyed, or that it is women who precipitate ONE Institute Graduate School sexual assault. Many of us would be very uncomfortable if we learned that a sex education teacher in our community was The ONE Institute Graduate School of Homophile Studies is attempting to inculcate such values in his/her students. Such a devoted to the multidisciplinary study of sexually variant situation is not as far-fetched as it may sound: examine the human behavior. Authorized by the Office of Private Post- curricula at some of the private Christian schools in our secondary Education, California State Department of Educa- country. tion, the Graduate School offers a program leading to the MA Ironically, in order to express the concern I have about and PhD degrees. To obtain a catalog giving full details, write attempting to teach particular sexual values in the public to: W. Dorr Legg, Dean, ONE Institute Graduate School of schools, I must invoke another value. I believe that one of the Homophile Studies, 2256 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA most precious values that has developed in our civilization is 90006-5199. The Institute is the educational division of ONE, embodied in the concept of democracy and equal treatment Incorporated, which in 1982 completed its 30th year of activi- under law. Accepting the promotion of sexual values in the ties devoted to the Homophile Movement.

10 SIECUS Report, March 1983 I 1 IDO YOU KNOW THAT, am /

Resources to Write for . . . Sexual Exploitation of Children: A Problem of Unknown Mag- nitude is a report from the U.S. General Accounting Office to The National Gay Task Force publishes a number of excellent the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Education and Labor. inexpensive pamphlets. Three consumer-oriented ones are: Issued in April 1982, the report provides information on teen- Twenty Questions About Homosexuality, About Coming Out, age prostitution and child pornography, and on federal, state, and Answers to a Parent’s Questions About Homosexuality. and local efforts to deal with these problems. To compile this Two on media are: What Can Gay People Do About the Media? information, the GAO made an extensive literature search and and Media Guide to Gay Issues. Concerning employment, sent questionnaires to all 50 states and to the police depart- NGTF has published Are There Gay People Working in My ments and mayors’ offices of the 22 largest U.S. cities. Particu- Business?, Answers to Employers’ Questions, You and Your larly detailed information is given on New York and Los job: A Gay Employee’s Guide to Discrimination, and The NCTF Angeles. Five or fewer copies are sent free of charge and bulk Corporate Survey which discusses a six-year survey of over 250 rates are also available. Write to: U.S. General Accounting firms. For a complete list of educational publications and their Office, Document Handling and Information Services Facility, prices, contact: National Gay Task Force, 80 Fifth Avenue, New P.O. Box 6015, Gaithersburg, MD 20760. York, NY 10011. Comprehensive Services for the Teenage Mother: A Program Crossdressing: A Socio-Cultural Survey is the first of a mono- Guide by Mary Miller is based on a pilot program conducted at graph series published in 1981 by the Human Outreach and the Pittsfield (Mass.) Girls Club. Although written primarily as a Achievement Institute. This 17-page bookletexaminesthe pos- model for other Girls Clubs wishing to establish similar pro- itive symbolic meaning which has been given to cross-dressing grams, this 39-page booklet should also be of value to other in many cultures. Transvestites: Deviant or Minority Group is community organizations. It contains many practical sugges- the second monograph, and makes a plea for removing patho- tions about how to conduct a needs assessment, involve the logical labels from transvestism. Number three, Androgyny community, administer and staff a program, raise funds, and and Transvestism, suggests that for some males, transvestism develop a public relations program. Special emphasis is placed may be an expression of an androgynous personality free from on day care, adequate facilities, and accessible transportation culturally imposed definitions of masculinity. For price and as components essential to the success of a teen parent pro- ordering information, write to: The Outreach Institute, Ken- gram. To order this excellent resource, send $5.00 to: Girls more Station Box 368, Boston, MA 02215. Clubs of America, 205 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

Sexuality and the Adolescent: A Teaching Guide (1981), edited Methodology in Sex Research: Proceedings of the Conference by Jerelyn B. Schultz, was developed by home economics edu- Held in Chevy Chase, Maryland, November 18-19, 1977, is a cators in Iowa. Although it is Part 2 of a three-part curricu- 1980 publication of the National Institute for Mental Health. lum entitled Contemporary Parenting Choices, it can also stand Richard Green and Jack Weiner served as editors for this on its own as a resource for sex educators working with teenag- important book on sex research methodology, designed for an ers. It is organized according to three major competencies audience of graduate students, teaching faculty, and sex which the students are expected to develop: (1) perceiving researchers. Topics covered include: heterosexual relation- how teenagers’ concept of self is affected by growth and devel- ships, sex and aging, treatment of sexual dysfunction, rape, opment in adolescence; (2) understanding the influence of psychosexual differentiation, and homosexuality. The book is interpersonal relationships on sexual relationships and behav- no longer available through NIMH, but the material is not iors during adolescence; and (3) being informed about the copyrighted and is therefore in the public domain. Photoco- stages of pregnancy and the decisions to be addressed in each pies of this 322-page volume are available from: Jeanne stage. A variety of supporting subcompetencies, learning acti- Warner, 17 West 100th Street, New York, NY 10025, at a cost of vities, and resources are suggested. The guide also includes ap- $13.76 (plus $4.06 postage for priority mail or $1.09 for book pendices and a bibliography. To order, send $15.95 to: Iowa rate). State University Press, Ames, IA 50010. The Fertility Question by Margaret Nofziger is a well-written lesbian Health Matters! (1979) is one of several excellent publi- book giving accurate information on ovulation, the menstrual cations available from the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center. cycle, causes of reduced fertility and infertility, taking and It is a comprehensive, extensively illustrated 106-page book interpreting basal temperature, and fertility awareness. (costing $4.00) covering such areas as gynecologic health, Although this 104-page book is primarily oriented toward menopause, alcoholism, and feminist therapy. Other pam- women having difficulty conceiving, it could serve as an easy- phlets available are: Herpes ($2.00), Pelvic inflammatory Dis- to-read, well-illustrated guide to female reproductive anatomy ease ($l.OO), Self Exam ($.50), The Gynecological Exam and physiology for all women and men. The author also pro- Checklist ($.25), and Pregnant! How to Find Out ($.75). Several vides practical advice on whom to consult about fertility prob- reprints of articles and a quarterly newsletter are also available. lems and how much these services will cost. The book is priced For a complete order form, write to: Santa Cruz Women’s at $4.95 and is available from: The Book Publishing Company, Health Center, 250 Locust Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. 156 Drake Lane, Summertown, TN 38483.

SIECUS Report, March 1983 11 SUMMER 1983 GRADUATE WORKSHOPS IN HUMAN SEXUALITY AND SEX EDUCATION

Workshops are listed alphabetical/y by state. Announcements arriving too late for this listing will be published in the May 7983 SIECUS Report.

California Maryland

National Sex Forum, San Francisco, Calif. Towson State University, Towson, Md l SAR XX, #311 (Sexual Attitude Restructuring). June 25-July 2, 4 l Sex Education and Family Life. June 13-July 15,3credits. Also being units/60 hours. given June 13-July 29, and July 18- August 19. l SAR XXI, #317 (Sexual Attitude Restructuring). August 13-20, 4 l Perspectives on Rape and Sexual Assault. June 13-24, 3 credits. units/60 hours. l Human Sexuality. June 13-July 15, 3 credits. Also being given July Please note: Continuing Education or graduate credit available 18-August 19. through The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. Write to: Neil E. Gallagher, PhD, Health Sciences Department, Bur- Write to: Phyllis Lyon, EdD, Co-Director, National Sex Forum, 1523 dick Hall 141, Towson State University, Towson, MD 21204. Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.

The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, San Francisco, Missouri Calif. l Human Sexuality for Primary and Secondary School Teachers. July University of Missouri at St. Louis, MO. 11-August 20 (includes SAR XXI), 9 units. l Sex Education and the Developmentally Disabled. October 7-8,l l Human Sexuality for Primary and Secondary School Teachers, hour. August EL-20 (includes SAR XXI), 6 units. Write to: Dr. Richard L. Thurman, Behavioral Studies Department, Write to: Phyllis Lyon, EdD, Registrar, The Institute for Advanced University of Missouri, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. Study of Human Sexuality, 1523 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. New Jersey

District of Columbia Trenton State College, Trenon, N.J. l HED 655. Sex fducation and Family Living. June 27-11~1~ 29, 3 The American University, International Council of Sex Education and credits. Parenthood, Washington, DC. Write to: Dr. Claire Hardgrove, Office of Continuing and Adult Edu- l Sex Education for Trainers and fducators. July 10-15, 3 credits. cation, Trenton State College CN550, Trenton, NJ 08625. l Advanced Sex Therapy. July 17-22, 3 credits. Write to: Dr. Patricia Schiller, 5010 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 304, Washington, DC 20016. New York

Adelphi University, Garden City, N.Y. Illinois l Human Sexuality. May 31-July 2, 3 credits. l Sexuality and Disability. July 7-August 9, 3 credits. Western Illinois University, Macomb, III. Write to: Dr. Monica M. Homer, Chairperson, Health Education l HE 44OC. Sex Education in the Home-School Community. June Department, Earle Hall, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530. 13-August 5, 3 semester hours. (Also to be given concurrently in Canton, Ill.) Write to: Dr. Robert Synovitz, Chairman, Department of Health Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455. l Human Sexuality. June 27-August 9, 3 credits. l Teaching Human Sexuality in Schools and Community Settings. July 18-22, 2 credits. Indiana l Health issues and the Sexual Development of Adolescents. July 11-15, 1 credit. Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. Write to: Andrea Parrot Eggleston, PhD, Human Service Studies, l HSC 567. Health, Sexuality, and Family Life. June 13-July 15, 4 N133 MVR Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. quarter hours. l HSC 567. Health, Sexuality, and Family Life. July IS-August 18, 4 Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. quarter hours. l HPER 290. Sexual Health. May IV-June 8, 3 semester hours. l HSC 563. Sex fducation and School Health. August l-12,4 quarter l 15247. Values in Sexuality. May IV-June 25, 3 semester hours. hours. l CPRE 273. Human Sexuality and Counseling. June 13-23,3 semes- Write to: David C. Marini, PhD, Department of Physiology and ter hours. Health Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306. Write to: Efrem Rosen, PhD, New College, Hofstra University, Hemp- stead, NY 11550. Kansas New York University, New York, N.Y. Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan. l Study Abroad-International Seminar in Human Sexuality: The l SO 709. Sex fducation (team taught). June 6-24, 3 hours. Netherlands. June 27-August 21, 12 credits. Write to: Dr. J. Jack Melhorn, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS Write to: Deryck Calderwood, PhD, Human Sexuality Program, New 66801. York University, 51 West Fourth Street, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10003.

12 SIECUS Report, March 1983 C. W. Post Center/long Island University, Greenvale, N.Y. Write to: Dr. Kenneth D. George, University of Pennsylvania, Gradu- l Summer Workshop on Human Sexuality. August 15-19, 3 credits. ate School of Education, 3700 Walnut, Cl, Philadelphia, PA 19104. l Advanced Summer Workshop on Human Sexuality. August 22-26, 3 credits. Wisconsin Write to: Dr. Mary-Anne Newman, School of Education, C. W. Post Center, Greenvale, NY 11548. University of Wisconsin at Madison, Wis. l Social Work With the Family. June 13-August 5, 2-3 credits. l Education and Sex Role Socialization. June 13-July 10, 3 credits. Oregon Also being given July II-August 5. l Sociology of the Family. June 13-August 5, 3 credits. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. l Workshop in Counseling and Guidance-Counseling Couples. l Sex Education. June 21-July 14, 3 credits. May 23-June 12, 2-3 credits. l Family Life Education: Focus on Children. June 20-24,1-2 credits. l Workshop in Counseling and Guidance-counseling Women. July l Family Life Education: Focus on Adolescents. June 20-27, l-2 II-August 5, 2-4 credits. credits. Write to: Susan Disch or Nancy Gebert, University of Wisconsin l Family Life Education: Focus on Marriage and Parenting. July 5-8, Summer Sessions Office, 433 N. Murray Street, Madison, WI 53706. l-2 credits. l Family Life Education: Focus on the Elderly. Julyll-15,1-2credits. Write to: Dr. Margaret Smith, Department of Health, Waldo 321, Canada Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331. University of Guelph, Guelph, Ont. l Sexual Communication: Improving Relationships. June 13-15. Pennsylvania (Pre-conference, June 13; Post-conference, June 16-17.) Approved for 11.5 hours of Study Credits by the College of Farnil; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. Physicians of Canada, Ontario Chapter. l Concepts in Human Sexuality. May 16-20, 3 semester hours. Write to: Shirley Downey, Division of Continuing Education, Univer- l Concepts in Human Sexuality. August 15-20, 3 semester hours. sity of Guelph, Cuelph, Ontario NlG 2W1, Canada.

A Sexual Learning Curriculum for Parents of Young Children, a 1982 publication of the Cleveland Program for Sexual Learning, ID0 YOU KNOW THAT.. . was developed by Kathryn Green, Jacqueline Hrnyak, and Susan Dean, and is intended for use with parents of children Resources to Write for . . . from ages three to eleven. There are eight exercises designed to encourage parents to think about their feelings, options, and values, and how they want to communicate these ideas to their let’s Talk About . . . S-e-x: A Read-and-Discuss Guide for children. The exercises can be used individually or in a six- to People 9 to 12 and Their Parents is a 48-page 1982 booklet by eight-hour group session. Topics covered include reactions to Sam Gitchel and Lorri Foster. The first section is addressed to children’s sexual curiosity, parents’ sexual learning experien- parents to help prepare them for talking with their children ces, guidelines for communicating with children, media about sexual topics. The second is written for preadolescent lifestyles, sex roles, contraception, rape, and boys and girls to read and then discuss with their parents. Along messages, with factual information about puberty and reproduction, it homosexuality. To obtain a copy, send $3.50 to: The Cleveland provides sections on “Your Feelings and Imagination,” “Why Program for Sexual Learning, 12429 Cedar Road, Room 26, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106. Do People Have Sex?” and “Making Sense of Love and Sex.” Also included are activities which encourage dialogue about family values. Single copies are available for $4.80 (including Course on Human Sexuality for Adolescents in Religious postage and handling) from: Planned Parenthood of Fresno, Schools, Youth Groups, and Camps by Annette Daum and Education Department, 633 North Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, Barbara Strongin is now available in a revised 1981 edition. This CA 93728. Bulk prices are also available. curriculum is designed to give adolescents an understanding of the Jewish view of human sexuality and family life. The course A Basic list of Sex Education Resources (1982) was compiled by can be given in either eight two-hour sessions or sixteen one- Ed-U Press, Inc., and the Institute for Family Research and hour sessions. To order, send $2.50 to: Religious Action Education at Syracuse University. This 35-page bibliography Department, New York Federation of Reform Synagogues, 838 lists books, pamphlets, curriculum guides, periodicals, audio- Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10021. visuals, organizations, and upcoming conferences in the sexu- ality field. It is updated periodically by computer. To order, Focus on Families is a contribution from the National Family send $4.25 (spiral bound) or $3.50 (unbound) to: Ed-U Press, Planning and Reproductive Health Association to the literature P.O. Box 583, Fayetteville, NY 13066. Bulk rates are also on parental involvement in family planning services. The available. centerpiece of this 25-page paper by Emily Moore is an analysis of the results of a national survey of federally funded family A Look at Gayness: An Annotated Bibliography of Gay Material planning clinics and agencies. The basic finding-that a large for Young People is a 1982 publication compiled by Christine number of Title X service providers have for a long period Jenkins and Julie Morris. Included in the citations are books, regularly been involving families in their programs-is put into records, magazines, pamphlets, and articles. The books listed perspective with a literature review on parental involvement. range from nonfiction through science fiction, mysteries, his- An overview of the issues of adolescent sexuality is also pre- torical novels, fantasy, and realistic fiction. Copies are available sented. To obtain a copy, send $3.00 (includes postage and at $1.50 each from: Kindred Spirit Press, P.O. Box 7281, Liberty handling) to: NFPRHA, 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 950, Station, Ann Arbor, Ml 48107. Washington, DC 20005.

SIECUS Report, March 1983 13 DO YOU KNOW THAT mm,

Resources to Write for . . . Practical Approaches to Sexuality Education Programs, edited by Ann Thompson Cook and Pamela Wilson, is a 1982publica- Staff Sexuality Training: A Model for Community Agencies tion of the Sex Education Coalition of Metropolitan Washing- (1982) is a practical guide for sensitizing staff in regard to ton. In this 70-page booklet, four experienced educators teenage sexuality concerns as a means of helping to prevent present clear, concise blueprints for the development and unwanted teenage pregnancies. The dual purpose of thetrain- implementation of programs for four diverse populations: pre- ing is to increase adults’ knowledge about sexuality and to adolescents, adolescents, parents, and mentally retarded per- teach communication skills most useful for working with ado- sons. Each chapter includes program rationale, practical lescents. The manual is divided into three sections: an over- approaches, sample activities, selected resources, and special view of the problems of teenage pregnancy, a sexuality training considerations. Appendices provide information on resource curriculum, and an outreach section. The training is designed selection and program evaluation. To obtain a copy of this to cover two half-day sessions, and detailed information is excellent new guide, send $6.50 to: Sex Education Coalition, provided about preparation, group activities, exercises, and Friendship Station, Box 39133, Washington, DC 20016. materials to distribute. To order this 56-page free resource, send $1.25 for postage and handling to: East Harlem Council for Men Emerging Now is a 28-page booklet which grew out of the Human Services, 2253 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035. eight years of experience that Planned Parenthood of Essex County (New Jersey) has had in serving males in separateclinic Sex Education: Teacher’s Guide and Resource Manual (1982) is and educational sessions. This 1979 publication includes clear, a revised edition of the popular publication of the same title helpful information on how to do a needs assessment, phase in originally developed by Planned Parenthood of Santa Cruz services for males, provide successful outreach, and train staff. County. Written by Steve Bignell and edited by Jane Hiatt and It also contains information on what medical services to pro- Mary Nelson, this current edition is more informative and vide, a mini-curriculum for male educational sessions, a sample more sensitive to the broad needs and concerns of students, medical history form for males, an evaluation form, and a parents, and the community. Although intended primarily for bibliography. To order, send $4.00 to: Planned Parenthood of secondary-school teachers, the manual could be useful toedu- Essex County, 151 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102. caters in many other settings since it consists largely of descrip- tions of I7 different teaching techniques and information on Sexuality and Multiple Sclerosis by Michael Barrett is a 1982 IO popular subject areas. To obtain thisvaluable resource, send revision of a booklet originally published in 1977 by the Multi- $20.00 (plus 15% postage and handling) to: Network Publica- ple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Now more than doubled in tions, 1700 Mission Street, Suite 203, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. length to 41 pages, this resource discusses feelings, communi- cation, sexual readjustments and options, and sex counseling Sex and the Mentally Handicapped: A Guide for Parents and and therapy. Expanded coverage is given to physiological top- Carers by Michael and Ann Craft, originally published in 1978 ics, including the effect of MSon sexual response, birth control (see S/ECUS Report review, January 1982), has been issued in a and pregnancy, and medications. There are special sections revised and updated edition. It presents guidelines for those concerned with single people and gay people. This booklet will wishing to plan health and sex education programs for men- be extremely valuable to individuals with MS as well as to their tally handicapped youngsters and adults. While the research families and friends. Single copies are available at no charge for the book was carried out in Great Britain, the results are from: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 205 East 42nd pertinent for U.S. readers and many of the resources cited are Street, New York, NY 10017. available in this country. This 127-page paperback may be ordered for $7.95 (plus 63$ postage) from: Routledge & Kegan My Very Own Book About Me! gives parents, teachers, and Paul of America, 9 Park Street, Boston, MA 02108. children a comfortable way to think and talk about sexual abuse. It was created by Jo Stowell and Mary Dietzel to fill a The Tampax Report: Summary of Survey Results on a Study of need for a resource through which this phenomenon could be Attitudes Toward Menstruation is the final product of a study more easily diagnosed, prevented, and treated. This 40-page sponsored by Tampax Incorporated. Interviews were con- booklet, rather than instilling fear or embarrassment in the ducted by Research and Forecasts in May 1981 with 1,034 people child, succeeds admirably in building self-esteem and self- in order to identify their attitudes toward and perceptions of assurance. It conveys beautifully the concept of “okay touch” the menses. Among the major findings are the following: that and “not okay touch,” and gives children permission to say most Americans do not feel that menstruation is something “no” to touching that they do not like, as well as encouraging that should be openly discussed; that as many as one out of them to tell adults about negative experiences which they have every three women interviewed did not even know what men- had. There are many illustrations and the format also provides struation was when they first had their period; and that 40% of space for the young readers’ use in listing ways in which they do all the women claimed that their first reaction to menstruation and do not like to be touched, people they could turn to for was a negative one. Copies of this report may be obtained for help, etc. For a copy of this fine and unique resource, send $6.00 each from: Ruder, Finn, and Rotman, 110 East 59th Street, $3.00 to: Super Kids, RCN, Lutheran Social Service of Washing- 12th Floor, New York, NY 10022. ton, North 1226 Howard, Spokane, WA 99201.

14 SIECUS Report, March 1983 BOOK REVIEWS

Talking With Your Child About Sex: and responsibly.” This will mean con- able or where professionals are not in Questions and Answers for Children veying to the child the meaning of sex- agreement regarding the consequences From Birth to Puberty. Mary S. Cal- ual pleasure, and recognizing, from the of certain types of behavior. derone and James W. Ramey. New York: very beginning, that there is no need for If I have a quibble with the authors Random House, IV82 (133 pp.; $14.95). verbal or nonverbal disapproval of child (and it is not a major one), it is in regard sex play. In fact, the authors state that it to their assumption, in discussing the Reviewed by Floyd M. Martinson, PhD, becomes easier to teach basic religious sexual precocity of newborns, that Research Professor of Sociology, Custa- and moral values as well if the parents nearly all babies, both girls and boys, vus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn.; accept the child’s erotic potential. By learn to masturbate in the first year of author of Infant and Child Sexuality being positive in their reactions, parents life. It seems to me that here the term (1973). will thus promote a healthy, positive sex- “genital play” would be more approp- This book is intended as a practical guide uality and help spare the child many riate than “masturbation.” Masturba- for parents in teaching and guiding their problems in later life. In a supportive tion, especially to orgasm, is more child in sexual knowledge, values, and atmosphere, the child will discover volitional than most sex play that is behavior. The authors succeed admira- his/her own sexual potential and the observed in the first year of life. bly in pointing out the sexual nature of enjoyment of self-pleasuring. A central I have been able to deal with only a infants and children and, within an theme of the book is that such sexual few of the myriad questions dealt with effective question and answer format, in pleasuring is natural, right, and good: by the authors. While, as I stated earlier, providing their readers with appropriate “Children who receive enough affec- not all parents willagree with everything information necessary for understand- tion develop normally, and genital play Calderone and Ramey say about infant ing and nurturing this natural sexuality. is always present.” Child sex play with and child sexuality, I do believe that all In the first chapter they answer typical peers is not as explicitly encouraged but parents could benefit by a careful read- questions asked by parents of newborns the authors see no harm in “most of ing of this book. P, PR and babies up to 18 months. This is fol- these games” provided the parents lowed by five chapters which provide remain unruffled and the child is not answers to the wide variety of sex- exploited. related questions children from 18 While the authors take a positive, What Are They Saying About Sexual months to 12 years can be expected to accepting stance toward infant and child Morality? James P. Hanigan. Ramsey, ask. And each series of questions is pre- sexuality, this does not mean they NJ.: Paulist Press, 1982 (121 pp.; $3.95). ceded by a discussion of relevant devel- believe that “anything goes.” “Every Reviewed bylames B. Nelson, PhD, Pro- opmental changes and concerns, along person, whether a child or an adult, fessor of Christian Ethics, United Theo- with suggestions for how the entire fam- always has the option of saying ‘No’ to logical Seminary of the Twin Cities, New ily can work together in reacting com- any sexual advance.” Children 3 to 4 Brighton, Minn.; member, S/ECUS fortably to these new situations. Of years old should be told that “it’s not Board of Directors. course, the book will not please all par- okay to play sex games with grownups ents. Some will find the authors’ stance and older children, even if they are in What “they” are saying in this volume too liberal or permissive; a few may even the family. ” “No one believes incest is refers to official declarations of the regard it as somewhat conservative or appropriate.” Nor should three- tofour- Roman Catholic Church and to Catholic restrictive. year olds sleep with their parents even if moral theologians who differ from those Clearly, the authors accept infant and the child says, “It’s so cozy, I love it.” official viewpoints. The focus is upon child sexuality. They regard thechild asa Concerning having the baby in the room developments in the past two decades, sexual being from birth and throughout when parents might have sexual inter- and the author’s intent is not only to the life span and, in addressing parents, course, the authors state that “most par- report what has been said but also, and they state that their book is “based on ents may want to play safe about this and more importantly, to discuss why. the assumption that you intend to to set about two years of age as the time First, Hanigan describes the Catholic accept your child’s sexuality as the fact it when lovemaking will be done in pri- Church’s sense of “crisis” in sexual mor- is, that you want to built on it rather than vate.” Boys 7 through 9 years of age ality, which stems in part from changing destroy or cripple it and that you are should not take showers with their behaviors and attitudes but also signifi- willing to put time and energy into mothers-“it’s that you’re getting to be cantly from more critical study of the learning how to do SO.” Their goal then a man.” In other words, the authors are scripture and the Church’s tradition, is to help parents teach their child how cautious in their recommendations in from its greater openness to the social to express this sexuality “appropriately areas where research data are not avail- sciences, and from the rediscovery of

Audience Level Indicators: C-Children (elementary grades), ET-Early teens (junior high), LT-Late teens (senior high), A-College, general adult public, P-Parents, PR-Professionals.

SIECUS Report, March 1983 15 love as the central ethical value of the its central significance in interpersonal doctors have turned a natural and even Christian faith. love, and sexuality ought always to serve beautiful process of giving birth into a In light of these developments, the the causes of authentic intimacy. sterile, doctor-centered, unnatural, and Church responded with several official Moreover, sexuality has profound overinterventionist process of “deliv- statements in the 1960s and 197Os, nota- importance for the well-being of ery,” displacing competent and human bly the documents of Vatican Ii, the society, and hence is never simply pri- midwives in the process. They point to encyclical Humanae Vitae (regarding arti- vate in its implications. Finally, sexual the hundreds and thousands of useless ficial contraception), and the 1975”Dec- acts have significant ritual functions for and harmful ovariotomies, clitoridec- laration on Certain Questions Concern- shaping and celebrating human mean- tomies, and mental hospitalizations, and ing Sexual Ethics.” There were notable ing. In short, sexual morality ought no to the useless prescriptions dispensed to gains evident in these documents, parti- longer to be seen by the Church as a rid women of nonexistence “diseases” cularly the recognition of the important restraint “but as a developing guide to like “hysteria” or “nymphomania.” role of sexual intercourse in expressing authentic human personhood and to They point to the way poorly tested love-now affirmed to be co-equal with communities of life and love we call the drugs for pregnancy or contraception that of procreation in the divinely in- family” (p, 119). are knowingly foisted off on a misled tended purposes of sex. However, these This book is a concise, readable, and America public or dumped on a desper- proclamations still showed marked ambi- useful guide to recent developments in ate Third World. In short, their aim is to valence and, the author finds, still essen- Roman Catholic thought. The author’s show how sexist beliefs have dominated tially ended up regarding sex as inherently own biases are evident, yet he gives fair both medical thinking and practice with dangerous. Hanigan uses an extended treatment to other viewpoints. The book regard to women’s health. discussion of Humanae Vitae (including reminds us that the Roman Catholic Now along comes Edward Shorter to the reasoning of the papal advisory com- Church is hardly monolithic in its under- challenge many of these assertions. A mission which would have endorsed standings of sexual ethics. It reminds us History of Women’s Bodies, essentially a artifical contraception-a position that significant developments beyond history of Western gynecology and finally and firmly rejected by the Pope) official Church positions are taking obstetrics since 1600, purports to prove to show that the key underlying issue is place through the efforts of highly that: (1) prior to the 20th century, the question of ethical epistemology, regarded moral theologians. It under- women’s health was significantly infe- or how one knows the truth about a scores the importance of basic issues of rior to men’s; (2) in fact, until modern moral act. ethical method in the sexual ethics times women’s lives were dominated by The second half of the book is largely debates. And if at times the reader wishes pain and illness; (3) in large part this was devoted to “revised approaches to sex- that the author would be even more because traditional medical care, espe- ual morality” by Catholic moral theolo- open than he is to the possibilities of cially obstetric care provided by tradi- gians who, in varying degrees and ways, varied sexual expression for “authentic tional midwives, was often harmful and take positions at variance with that of human personhood,” the book never- meddlesome, a far cry from the roman- official Church teaching. Singled out for theless reveals some critical foundations ticized picture painted by some of the extensive discussion is Human Sexuality: for a more positive interreligious dia- recent histories; (4) women’s health has New Directions in American Catho/ic logue about sexuality than we have shown slow improvement since the 17th Thought by Anthony Kosnick et al. This known in the past. A, PR century and rapid improvement since volume was commissioned by the 1900 because of antisepsis, anesthetics, Catholic Theological Society of America safe obstetrical and abortive methods, and subsequently condemned by both and effective treatments for the perva- Rome and the American bishops (see A History of Women’s Bodies. Edward sive problems of tuberculosis, anemia, reviews in SIECUSReport, January 1978). Shorter. New York: Basic Books, 1982 and vaginal infections; (5) women, far It boldly argued for a major shift for the (296 pp.; $24.95). from preferring traditional practices as Church. Instead of attempting to estab- some of the feminist historians have Reviewed by Leonore Jiefer, PhD, lish the intrinsic rightness or wrongness claimed, clamored for and welcomed Clinical Associate Professor of Psychia- of certain types of sexual acts by deduc- each new medical discovery; (6) be- try, New York University School of tion from natural law, Kosnick and col- cause women’s health was so poor prior Medicine. leagues proposed a much more per- to 1900, they accepted their political and sonalist, relational, and contextual Rousseau described history as”the art of social subordination as part of the natu- method which would assess sexual acts choosing from among many lies the one ral order; and (7) the improvement of in terms of their contribution to persons’ which is closest to the truth.” In the last women’s health near the turn of the “creative growth toward integration.” decade, a number of feminist-inspired century provided the “physical plat- While partially sympathetic to this , histories of women’s health care have form” which was a “necessary precondi- approach, Hanigan finds more adequate tarnished the image of medicine as an tion” for feminism, that is, for the ethical reasoning in other moral theol- unbroken stream of scientific triumphs demand for political and social equality ogians, namely Andre Guindon, Philip over ignorance and superstition. They with men. Keane, and Germain Grisez. However, have argued that doctors, in quest It would take an exceptionally impres- the author finds certain basic points of of professional power and in the in- sive book, filled with much newevidence agreement in all of the “revised ap- terest of lining their own pockets, and powerful logic, to substantiate all proaches.” For one, sexuality is of fun- have more often than not done wo- these claims. Its author would have to damental importance to human whole- men’s health-both mental and physi- tell us a great deal about the actual suf- ness; persons need to become more, cal-significant disservice. These revi- ferings and treatments of women of ear- not less, sexual. Further, sexuality finds sionist histories claim, for example, that lier times, and how their health and

16 SIECUS Report, March 1983 health care compared with those of relationship, he adduces no evidence in also from the material in her early chap- men. Further evidence would be need- support. He tells us so little about men’s ters with such titles as “The Way We ed in order to evaluate the comparative health that we cannot conclude that the Are,” which deals with our cultural role competence of traditional healers ver- average man in earlier times was in any scripting in regard to romance and sex; sus practitioners of the new “scientific” better shape than the woman. He cites and “Love Is Not Enough,” which pro- medicine. And, finally, we would need no other political revolutions fought by vides important material on relation- proof that women’s health was in fact groups whose health conditions had ships, power plays, interdependency, responsible for their political subordina- recently improved. In fact, the history of and communication. All the solitary tion and was not, as recent scholars have revolutions would suggest that im- orgasms and homework assignments in suggested, merely a rationalization for proved health and health care are com- the world won’t improve a relationship it. mon consequences, not preconditions, that is boring or hurtful unless sexuality Shorter’s book does tell us some of political change. He fails to show why is dealt with as a relationship issue. things about each of these issues, but his argument is not merely another Barbach, whose previous works have not enough to prove his points. Most of example of biological determinism, focused on teaching women about their it is devoted to describing, in gruesome which claims that women’s position in own bodies, has now produced a book and ghastly detail, the specifics of the society is a function of their biology, which is about all intimate relationships, illnesses and the treatment women suf- rather than of social, political, and eco- with a particular focus on sexual inti- fered from the 16th to the 20th century. nomic conditions. macy. The 13-page table of contents is His evidence consists of doctors’ and Thus, while this book can certainly be specific and detailed, making it easy to midwives’ published and private ac- recommended for anyone interested in find any particular area or exercise. counts, supplemented by folk proverbs, medical and social history, it falls far Whether they are 18 or 88, men and songs, popular health recipes, and magi- short of qualifying as a comprehensive women not “in therapy” can have a cal rites which mention the ailments of treatment of the relations between the wonderful “growing and awakening” women. When they are available, he body and the body politic. A, PR time together reading this book, taking also introduces records of vital statistics from it what is applicable at the moment such as ages at marriage or death, and skipping what is not. There is mate- numbers of children, causes of death, rial on the G-Spot, on boredom and lack etc. No reader will emerge unmoved by For Each Other: Sharing Sexual Inti- of sexual interest, on vaginismus, on say- the stories of suffering during difficult, macy. Lonnie Barbach. Garden City, ing yes and saying no-on the whole gory deliveries which were often fol- N.Y.: Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1982 spectrum of sex, joy, and relationships. lowed by lethal infections. We should, (305 pp.; $13.95). In my family we go through snapshots indeed, all be grateful for the improve- taken at a special event together with Reviewed by Lin Hodes, A CSW, Transac- ment in sanitation systems and working comments such as “yuk,” “ho hum,” tional Analyst, psychotherapist in pri- conditions. and “wow, that’s a keeper!” Well, this vate practice, Downers Grove, 111. The degree to which improved health book is definitely a “keeper” and a is a consequence of modern medicine, This is more than just a book to read and “user,” over and over again. A, PR however, is an issue hotly debated in then keep on the shelf. It’s a book to use many histories of public health. Shorter and refer to over and over again. My himself shows that much of what was prepublication reviewer’s copy is al- touted as the new “scientific” medical ready tattered from constant use, and I Homosexuality and Psychotherapy. practice prior to 1850, and in many have also advised several clients to get a John C. Gonsiorek, ed. New York: instances up to 1900, was no real copy for their own use. I t’s a book for all Haworth Press, 1982 (216 pp.; $25.00). improvement over traditional treat- of us. Reviewed by William R. Stayton, ThD, ments such as bleeding, herbal potions, Geneial therapists like myself will find Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and magic incantations, and the like. He this a superb resource book because of Human Behavior, Thomas)efferson Uni- makes much of midwives’ meddlesome- its detailed, complete, and thorough versity Medical College, Philadelphia, ness, their “tugging and hauling” at the treatment of various sexual dysfunc- Pa.; member, S/ECUS Board of Direc- fetus, instead of the patient watchful- tions, and its individual and couple exer- tors. ness recent works have implied they cises and treatment methodologies. practiced. But even so, when he com- True, much of what’s here was familiar I highly recommend this book as an pares the frequency of death or infec- to me, but never beforewas all the infor- invaluable aid to all who are in the help- tion at the hands of midwives and mation in one place and, since I only ing professions. For those who counsel doctors, he finds little to recommend occasionally do short-term sexual dys- homosexual and bisexual individuals either group. In fact, everyone (and no function therapy, I love being able to and couples, it is an excellent compila- one) was an expert in those “good old “brush up” with the sections of this tion of important data and sound sug- days” that no one would choose to book that apply to the work I’m doing, to gestions for understanding the unique return to after reading the grim stories in be sure I’m not missing or forgetting issues and concerns that face this impor- this book. anything important. And there are also tant segment of our population. For But we must ask whether Shorter’s some intriguing techniques and ideas those who do not counsel members of litany of female ailments sheds any light that I’d never thought of before. the gay community, it is a helpful on the history of patriarchy and the rea- Sex therapists will benefit not only resource for understanding the issues sons why the rise of feminist politics was from Barbach’s own special, loving, and and making the proper referral when held back until the recent past. Alas, permission-giving way of writing, and appropriate. For those who choose not although Shorter alleges that there is a from her depth and thoroughness, but to counsel members of the homosexual

SIECUS Report, March 1983 17 community, this book is a well-written the problems is that sexism and hetero- as being gay. The trauma of the expe- challenge to traditional theories and sexism are part of traditional theory, rience itself and the aftermath are practices and offers such readers an training, and practice of psychotherapy. explained in great detail, with sugges- opportunity to weigh and reassess their Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality in tions for therapist interventions. own values and judgments against the 1977 surveyed members of the American Second, the article by James Nelson theories and ideas proposed in this Psychiatric Association and found that on the religious and moral issues book. 69% believed homosexuality was a involved in working with gay persons is Actually the book consists of a series pathological condition. Even though an exceptionally fine and clear presenta- of articles by different authors which there are few data available, what there tion of controversial, often misunder- were published in two issues of thelour- are indicate that, when therapist and stood, and very emotionally laden nal of Homosexuality (Vol. 7, Nos. 2 and client are of the same orientation, effec- material. The author, a highly regarded 3). From the beginning it is obvious that tive therapy is enhanced, especially theologian and professor of Christian this material was put together as a when the counseling involves self- ethics, begins by pointing out that his further attempt to declassify homosexu- disclosure on the part of the therapist. own convictions regarding homosexual- ality as a diagnostic or pathological cate- The therapist can also serve as an impor- ity and Christianity are: “that homo- gory. Dr. Gonsiorek’s own research and tant role model and in addition be help- sexuality is a Christianly valid orienta- survey of the literature show that the ful because of his/her familiarity with tion; that homosexual genital expres- “results of psychological testing on the gay world. sion should be guided by the same heterosexual and homosexual popula- Even though there are many parallels general ethical criteria as are approp- tions did not support the belief that between the primary relationships of riate for heterosexual expression, . . . homosexuality, per se, was a psychiatric homosexual and heterosexual couples, that the Church does have important illness.” He questions, as do many in there are obviously many differences, healing resources, . . and that the both the religious and psychiatric fields, and some of these unique factors are Church deeply needs the gay and les- the ethicalness of the attempt by some pointed out in a study of 156 gay male bian presence and witness.” He follows therapists to try to change a person’s couples, presented by David McWhirter up on these comments with a sensitive orientation. Each of the authors presents and Andrew Mattison. They outline and and scholarly overview of religious and new and affirmative models for male discuss both the stage-related and non- biblical tradition and interpretation. and female homosexual mental health. stage-related problems. Other articles deal with therapy with In the first article on “The Use of Diag- Eli Coleman, who presents an excel- single male or female clients, group nostic Concepts in Working With Gay lent article offering a five-stage model therapy, treating sexual dysfunction and Lesbian Populations,” Gonsiorek for the gay person’s coming out process, both in single clients and in couple- makes certain assumptions which are also gives us a study of bisexual and gay related clients, counseling the parents of reflected throughout the entire book: men in heterosexual marriages. He com- male homosexual clients, new concepts (1) homosexuality is not an issue in pares their beliefs and behaviors prior to in using psychoanalysis with gay clients, psychopathology and psychological entering his group therapy program, and the types of problems encountered adjustment. And he points out that “this immediately following the group ther- in gay/lesbian mental health agencies. does not mean that there are no psycho- apy process, and during afollow-upsev- Clinicians who do not have the two logically disturbed homosexual individ- eral months later. Some of the more issues of the lournal of Homosexuality uals, or even that some persons are not interesting results were: (1) All of the covered by this book would do well to disturbed on account of their homosex- men had tried to eliminate their homo- add this helpful and important resource uality.” (2) Therefore, diagnoses must be sexual feelings through some form of to their bookshelf. PR made with great care and skill by profes- counseling or therapy. Not one was suc- sionals who do not accept homosexual- cessful in that endeavor. Most had felt ity as a psychological illness in and of guilt, shame and/or depression, and itself. The author then presents very anxiety over the same-sex feelings. (2) Mother love: Myth andReality. Elisabeth helpful material for use in evaluating a Data indicated that 97% had an aware- Badinter. New York: Macmillan Publish- patient’s symptoms and then making a ness of homosexual desires before mar- ing Co., Inc., 1981 (360 pp.; $8.95). differential diagnosis of sexual identity riage and 87% had had homosexual Reviewed by Ann Martin-Leff, PhD, crises and psychopathology, such as experiences before marriage. On fol- Assistant Book Editor, New Directions schizophrenia, paranoia, the affective low-up, 59% were found to have recom- for Women; freelance writer. disorders, and the borderline personal- mitted themselves to their marriages. ity disorders. Two other articles merit special com- “I don’t really need to read this book,” I Several of the articles discuss the issue ment. First, Craig Anderson’s study on thought to myself, opening Mother of therapist/client orientation, such as sexual assault of males, a totally new area Love to the first page. After all, these whether a non-gay therapist could be of concern to me, presents a paradigm days sophisticated people know that not helpful to a gay client, or whether a male of the process of sexual assault from the every woman is cut out to be a mother. therapist could be helpful for a lesbian. “set-up,” to the attack itself, and finally Why, I wondered, had Mother Love,first There were differing views on this issue. to the aftermath. “Violence is the promi- published in France in 1980, quickly One of the most helpful points was nent theme; power becomes the ‘trans- become a best-seller there? Are the made by Martin Rochlin in his study action.’ Though sexuality . . . is the French less up-to-date than Americans? measuring the sexual-affectional differ- method of expression, sexual gratifica- Badinter’s introduction forced me to ences between therapist and client in tion is not generally the focus of these look more honestly and more deeply relation to the psychotherapeutic pro- attacks.” The men who are preyed upon into my feelings: “Intellectually and- cess and outcome. He notes that one of are generally viewed by their attackers more to the point, in fact-emotionally,

18 SIECUS Report, March 1983 people continue to think of mother love nature with motherhood. By the 20th security penal institution for adult male as an absolute. In spite of our most century, the ideal woman had become felons in California, and examines the open-minded intentions, the mother the mother who devoted herself exclu- various forms of male sexual activities who does not love her child is still sively to her family’s well-being. A and interrelationships as well as the atti- regarded as abnormal.” “Maternal love,” woman who rebelled against society’s tudes toward such behavior expressed continues Badinter, “is a human feeling. definition was considered abnormal. by the guards, the administrators, and And, like any feeling, it is uncertain, fra- Badinter, the first female professor (of the inmates themselves. gile, and imperfect. Contrary to many philosophy) at the well-known Ecole In their research, the authors probed assumptions, it is not a deeply rooted Polytechnique in Paris and the mother the impact of sexual assault and sur- given in women’s natures.” of three children, never denies the veyed the coping strategies of those who Probing historical records, Badinter importance of parental love. What she had been victimized. Their investigation discovered that in Paris, in the late 18th does deny is a maternal instinct in hopes to call attention to the plight of century, most babies were sent to wet- women. That, she convincingly demon- such victims and to suggest ways of nurses soon after birth, many remaining strates, is a cultural invention which, in bringing about change. Wooden and away from home for four or five years. the words of Francine du Plessix Gray’s Parker theorize that the goal of prison Poor or middle-class women who had to introduction, “[camouflages] the enor- rehabilitation should be to try to earn a wage had little choice; bottle mously varied gamut of [woman’s] improve the quality of human interac- feeding had not yet been invented. Yet potential behavior.” Mother Love dis- tion and individual self-worth. Sexual even upper-class women routinely sent closes that societal concern for infants activity in prison is a fact of life and to their babies away, despite a shockingly preceded and shaped maternal in- limit or curtail such behavior would be high infant mortality rate. Wet-nurses, terest-a frightening revelation of the virtually impossible since it would usually impoverished, provided appal- extent to which culture controls the require nearly total lockdown and indi- ling care for the infants. Badinter’s most intimate recesses of our hearts, vidual around-the-clock surveillance. straightforward description of infant minds, and lives. The administration could restrict the care in li’th- and 18th-century France Despite some confusing passages and exploitive nature of this activity, how- causes us to shiver with horror. Aghast, editorial lapses, Badinter’s dense and ever, by separating the aggressors from we realize what a miracle it was that any highly provocative book deserves close the potential victims, and by continuing child survived at all. Why was there no scrutiny. It will serve as an important to work to improve the communication public outcry? Why did families con- resource for combating the deeply skills and interpersonal relations of both tinue to export their babies? ingrained notion that a woman’s prim- inmates and staff. Unfortunately, the Contrary to popular thought, moth- ary identity and fulfillment come from penal system as a whole is not making ers’ indifference to their children’s fate motherhood. Mother Love should be significant progress in accomplishing was not a form of self-protection against read by anyone interested in helping to these formidable tasks. Indeed, it often the pain of loss,argues Badinter. Rather, create a society in which people have seems to be enhancing opportunities for she asserts, it was “because the mothers genuine freedom of choice in deciding continued maladaptive behavior, there- showed so little interest that the child- whether to become parents. A, PR by exacerbating the criminal tenden- ren died in such great numbers.” French cies of many of its inmates. The ex- society in the 17th and 18th centuries ploitive nature of prison sexuality is a did not expect women to nurture their clear indication of the system’s failure to children-so they didn’t. Men Behind Bars: Sexual Exploitation in achieve its goals. In the late 18th century, however, Prison. Wayne S. Wooden and Jay Although homosexual behavior in society’s thinking began to shift. Philo- Parker. New York: Plenum Press, 1982 prison has been widely discussed in the sophers extolled equality and happi- (264 pp.; $15.95). social literature, more often than not ness, and love emerged as a more greatly these studies are biased from a hetero- Reviewed by Carson Ferri-Grant, LJni- appreciated human sentiment. Econo- sexist viewpoint which considers this versity of Connecticut, Internship, Sex mists and demographers realized that behavior as “problematic” to the institu- Offender Program, Connecticut Cor- human life was crucial to the state’s tion or as a by-product of prison institu- rectional Institution, Somers, Conn. prosperity, so attention began to focus tional conditions. Along with other on infant care. To reduce the infant mor- According to the historian Jonathan current research projects such as those tality rate, mothers were urged to nurse Katz, the earliest recorded observance sponsored by the Center of Research and care for their babies themselves. of sexual victimization and activity in a and Education in Sexuality (CERES) and Mother love, further encouraged by penal institution was a letter dated April the Federal -Bureau of Prisons, Wooden 19th-century religious exhortations and 12, 1826, written by a layman to a public and Parker’s sytematic study specifically 20th-century Freudian analysis, even- official, arguing for the improvement of looks at the topic of prison sexuality not tually became an unavoidable cultural prison conditions for those inmates who only from the perspective of the hetero- imperative. “Trapped in the role of had been “prostituted to the lust of old sexual and bisexual inmate, but also mother, women would no longer be convicts.” Over IS0 years later the situa- from that of the homosexual inmate able to escape it without inviting moral tion in prison appears to be relatively (sexual preference choice priorto incar- condemnation,” writes Badinter. “The unchanged. ceration) and the vulnerable hetereo- ‘woman’ disappeared behind the ‘good Joining a number of recent publica- sexual youngster as well. Through a mother,’ whose responsibilities ex- tions in an attempt to analyze and assess variety of research techniques, the tended further and further. . . .” Both this aspect of prison life, Men Behind authors investigated their topic and eva- Rousseau and Freud had succeeded in Bars explores the sociosexual patterns luated the situation accordingly. These getting the public to equate feminine that exist among inmates in a medium- techniques included: using question-

SIECUS Report, March 1983 19 naires concerning sexual behavior in pri- only hope that Wooden and Parker will do not adequately prepare students to son and the inmates’ feelings and broaden their research endeavors in this cope with these issues of sexual dynam- attitudes toward this activity; conduct- field since it appears that the current ics. Even those professionals with gradu- ing in-depth interviews with different economic and social climate is not con- ate degrees in social work, psychology, types of homosexuals, “jockers and ducive to providing improved assistance psychiatry, and psychoanalysis-in punks,” older convicts, correctional programs; this makes it necessary there- other words, those with extensive officers, inmate chaplains, and officials fore to rely on the efforts of a few to training-do not always find it easy to such as the superintendent of the prison provoke change by working within the keep personal feelings out of their pro- and the deputy director in charge of pol- system. I recommend this book to clini- fessional relationships, a point of view icies for the State of California’s Depart- cians, to professionals affiliated with this reviewer has no difficulty in substan- ment of Corrections; and networking correctional systems, and to all those tiating. On the theoretical side, the con- with various regional and national agen- concerned with social issues. It is a com- cepts of transference and counter- cies outside the prison setting, e.g., prehensive study exemplifying the state transference are appropriately intro- American Civil Liberties Union, National of crisis existing within our penal system duced and explored, though the authors Moratorium of Prison Construction, and today. PR have chosen not to get involved in theo- National Gay Task Force. retical controversies about the origin of The following summary of a report sexual and other disruptive personal entitled “The Facts of Prison Life for feelings in client-therapist relationships. Goodlooking Young Whites,” written by Sexual Dilemmas for the Helping Profes- Rather, they prefer to focus on “how the a heterosexual inmate turned “punk” sional. Jerry Edelwich, with Archie Brod- various manifestations of sexual energy during his first incarceration, provides sky. New York: Brunner/Mazel Pub- can be recognized, what kinds of issues an insider’s view: Most of the men who lishers, 1982 (250 pp.; $17.50). it can produce, and what can be done are pressured into sex and labeled as about these when they arise.” To do so, Reviewed by Daniel H. Labby, MD, Pro- “marks” continue to be “hit on” by they have given a large portion of the fessor of Psychiatry and Mediciqe, other inmates unless and until they book over to five major dimensions of Oregon Health Sciences University, choose alternate solutions. Thus the sexuality to be explored as they affect Portland, Oreg. “mark” may decide to hook up (form a counselor and client: seduction, power, one-to-one relationship) with a jocker (a Perceptions of sexual energy between opportunity, self-interest, and morality. dominant inmate who would protect therapist and client have been reported Case material of the richest sort him); to become part of a gang who will for more than a hundred years, dating extending over the widest field of men- supply him with drugs and will offer back at least to the 1880s during the early tal health professional activity is liberally more protection but who will pass him Freudian period highlighted at that time cited. It is all highly readable and the around to the different members of the by the famous case of Anna O., involving case selections have been made with gang; to sign into Protective Custody; or not only Joseph Breuer but also Freud precision and thought. In brief, the if he is physically and/or mentally himself. Breuer was finally obliged to approach is to “legitimize what are strong, to try to stand his ground in fist give up his therapeutic efforts because often uncomfortable feelings by report- fight after fist fight. If this new inmate is of his inability to deal with the sexual ing the experiences of people who have lucky enough to be transferred to a “soft dynamics between himself and Anna. had similar feelings; to define profes- joint” (relatively easy time with a min- Although reference to problems of this sional standards and ethics in the rele- imal amount of sexual pressure), he nature have since erupted periodically vant areas; and to demonstrate prob- might not have to face these extreme in the analytic literature, not until 10 lem-solving techniques.” Included are choices. years ago was it apparent that related the authors’ own recommendations on This study also showed ethnic differ- articles were appearing with increasing how to avoid the risk of sexual involve- ences with respect to sexual behavior, frequency with such titles as, “The ment, and these are implemented relationships, coping strategiesand atti- Seductive Patient,” “Sexual Contact through a readable and extremely well- tudes toward sexuality, based on the Between Patient and Therapist,” “Sex organized set of problem-solving exer- individuals’ territorial and subcultural and the Physician-Patient Relationship,” cises that should be of critical assistance lifestyle patterns. Another interesting and “Sexual Acting-Out in Psycho- in identifying problems, exploring solu- finding was that the heterosexual therapy,” involving all dimensions of the tions, weighing costs and benefits, mak- inmates in this study who were married mental health professions. This book by ing value judgments, choosing a course and receiving conjugal visits were Edelwich and Brodsky, who have pre- of action, and committing one’s self slightly more sexually active in prison viously collaborated in the widely read openly to a specific time limit. than those heterosexuals who were mar- work, Burn-Out: Stages of Disillusion- The fundamental assumption is that ried and whose wives did not visit them. ment in the Helping Professions (Human the “emotional security, consistent Although the authors suggest some Sciences Press, 1980), is an impressive availability, constructive involvement, possible remedies to this situation, such volume combining reportage from a and caring ‘neutrality’ offered by the as providing separate housing for the wide range of human service occupa- therapeutic relationship are incompati- more vulnerable inmates and hiring tions from private practice, state-run ble with, and compromised by, intimate “open” gay men and lesbians as part of facilities, universities, and military equality and mutual revelation.” This the prison counseling personnel, the installations. raises a number of questions to which book would have profited from a more In the extensive introduction, the the book addresses itself in the over 200 fully developed format for proposed authors report that in their experience pages of text. Do ethical standards that change. But Men Behind Bars is a cata- they have found that most professional bind physicians, psychotherapists, and lyst in the right direction. And we can and paraprofessional training programs school teachers, apply to university pro-

20 SIECUS Report, March 1983 fessors, to other service professionals? choosing to join a social minority. Cay Brooks to develop a model of stress that Where is the barrier to client-therapist oppression aside, the ability to cope is clear and valuable, and her review of intimacy? Where does it begin and with minority membership subjectively J etiological literature is comprehensive where does it end? How does one han- appeared easier for those with prior and useful. dle attraction to a client or respond to experience. Furthermore, the extent of Prior research on homosexuality has flirtations from a client, to implicit sexual this identification of oneself as a minor- often lacked this well-constructed theo- overtures and offers? What are some of ity member remained in the control of retical base-it has sometimes attemp- the ways that one may unintentionally the individual as a matter of personal ted to ignore, derive, or refute theory in compromise the relationship? How does choice particularly for white, Christian the face of data presented. Brooks pres- one detect double messages that en- men. These observations were internally ents a sound social theory which can be courage further intimacy? Are there lim- derived, through deductive processes of value in understanding the lesbian its on self-disclosure from the therapist? based on personal and shared expe- social experience. Her data are clear, if And finally, does a client always remain rience, rather than on theoretical con- unimpressive, but her contribution adds a client and, if not, when does the thera- cepts. In her book, Virginia Brooks to our body of knowledge in new and peutic relationship end? These are just offers us a firm and well-constructed valuable ways. PR some of the issues that are dealt with in theoretical base for analyzing both per- the 11 chapters that cover not only sonal process and social interaction. The the above-mentioned five major dimen- data presented, however, are less crucial sions of sexuality but also questions to the value of the book than the theo- Sadomasochism: Etiology and Treat- of morality, of personal regard, illustra- retical constructs within which they are ment. Suzanne P. Schad-Somers. New tions of therapeutic errors, and the placed. York: Human Sciences Press, 1982 (300 problems of referral. The three final Basing her discussion on the re- pp.; $29.95). chapters consider the dimension of sponses of 675 lesbian women in Califor- appropriately matching clinician and nia to a 53-item questionnaire, Brooks Reviewed by Mary lane Herron, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Rock- client, liaisons among staff members, tests hypotheses related to the depend- /and Community College, Suffern, N. Y. sexual harassment, and legal considera- ent variables of stress-related dysfunc- tions and malpractice vulnerability. The tion, deviance, and decreased stress. This is a curious book. Although its title guidelines and exercises previously Independent variables include socio- raises the welcome possibility that it mentioned occupy the final I2 pages, economic status, visibility, disclosure, might be about sadism and masochism, and all of the material is supported by a feminist exposure, and positive minori- behaviors little understood and given three-page contemporary bibliography. ty-group identity. In general, it is a piece too limited attention despite their pre- It would be difficult to imagine a of concise and tidy data analysis, valence, it really isn’t. Instead it is about member of any helping profession for although one could question some of the author’s pet opinions (including a whom this book would be inapplicable her measuring devices-specifically dedication to her dog, which is about since it covers such a wide range of very prostitution as an indicator of deviance. the only thing that anyone actually tender and highly charged human feel- Her defense of drug dependence as a involved in the S/M scene could appre- ings that exist when one human being measure of stress is weak, considering ciate about the book). These personal attempts to help another. It is also one of that the median age of the subjects was assertions range from the need of all those unusual books that can be read 27.9years (in 1975) and that thesocial use masochists for dental work, through the not only by trainees and therapists of the of soft drugs was not distinguished from unproven superiority of object-relations widest variety but also with profit by other use. Using only the Daughters of theory, on to the practice of some clients and patients. A, PR Bilitis as a representative lesbian organi- melange of therapeutic techniques that zation is also questionable. By 1975there have no unifying theoretical concep- were other more age-appropriate orga- tion. Most of the book is dedicated to nizations to which her subjects might that “treatment,” unfortunately, with Minority Stress and lesbian Women. have belonged. Finally, reading books The Little Prince as a mainstay. Virginia R. Brooks. Lexington, Mass.: on lesbians and participating in con- The author’s knowledgeof sadism and Lexington Books, 1981 (219 pp.; $23.95). sciousness-raising groups seem inade- masochism appears to be derived prim- quate as criteria in setting up a feminist arily from reading pornography, which Reviewed by Sarajane Carten, MA, Visit- identification. Demographically, how- she professes to detest, reading psy- ing Lecturer, Department of Sociology, ever, she seems to have reached the choanalytic literature, which she bas- Rutgers University, New Brunswick, broadest, most diversified lesbian pop- tardizes to suit her own aims, and from NJ.; Doctoral Candidate in Human Sex- ulation possible. patients who are seriously disturbed and uality, New York University. While an expanded statistical analysis atypical of people who have an interest As early as 1972 men and women in the would have been appreciated, this omis- in sadistic or masochistic sexuality. After gay liberation movement were con- sion does not detract from the strength all, sadism and masochism originated as vinced that open disclosure of one’s sex- of Brooks’s arguments since we are led terms for sexual behavior, and at their ual orientation had both positive and to focus on her ability to use established most intense are considered sexual dis- negative ramifications for the individual. theoretical constructs in relation to a orders. The sadistic and masochistic Certainly they thought that the positive population hitherto mostly ignored. Her character types are psychoanalytic con- outweighed the negative regarding chapter on identity conflicts makes ceptions, and are not to be equated with mental health and happiness. Nonethe- excellent use of Festinger’s theory of sexual behavior. Schad-Somers makes less, in publicly acknowledging their cognitive dissonance. Consideration of the equation anyway, as well as lumping homosexuality, men and women were social disclosure (coming out) has led it all together into “sadomasochism,” a

SIECUS Report, March 1983 21 maneuver consistent only with the liter- rainbow constellations. For example, one of the authors has himself undergone ature on homosexuality extant in the there was once a Jewish Jehovah’s both the vasectomy and reversal opera- 1938s when even some rather astute Witness labeled as a race defiler with tions, the book no doubt has benefited people thought gays were an entity and, penal colony dot and escape target!” from the added dimension of first-hand of course, pathological. The field has But even such truly marked men were experience. survived that misinformation, so one held in higher esteem than the homo- Since 1970, approximately seven mil- hopes that it will survive Schad-Somers sexual, who first wore an “A” (some- lion men have been sterilized by this with her “strategically placed cup of times translated as “Arschficker”-ass- technique; it is effective. But that is not tea” that any masochist (particularly a fucker), which then evolved into large to say that vasectomy is completely free coffee drinker) can grow on. Fortu- round black dots along with the number of controversy. Goldstein and Feldberg nately, in this case, the vital questions “175,” and finally, in the course of time, cite the work of Dr. Nancy Alexander about sadism and masochism remain for became a pink cloth triangle sewn onto and her colleagues which has raised others to answer. the clothing. (The number 175 referred questions about the possible long-term to the fact that the wearer had violated effects on the circulatory system. Paragraph 175 of the German penal The early chapters are devoted to a code, a paragraph proscribing homo- consideration of the historical back- Historical Perspectives on Homosexual- sexual behavior and which was ex- ground of the operation (e.g., as a cure ity. Salvatore J. Licata and Robert R. panded during the Third Reich to include for prostatism and sexual erectile dys- Petersen, eds. New York: Haworth Press, even homosexual thoughts, a point which functions, and a neutralizer of the aging 1982 (235 pp.; $18.95). the authors do not develop.) process); the anatomy and physiology of Brigitte Eriksson discusses a provoca- the male reproductive system; and a val- Reviewed by Dennis Rubini, PhD tive trial record of a lesbian execution in uable self-evaluation questionnaire to (Oxford), Fellow, Royal Historical Soci- a more innocent pre-Hitler Germany, assist couples in deciding for or against ety; The Graduate School, Temple Uni- while Louis Crompton deals with speci- this form of sterilization. The operation versity, Philadelphia, Pa. fically anti-lesbian legislation in Western itself is then described in detail, along This work is an important volume con- civilization from the 13th to thel9th cen- with the psychological implications and taining over a dozen essays written by a tury. Martin Duberman contributes a the possible complications (hematoma, variety of academics. While the work is helpful essay about the problems and granuloma), and the authors also somewhat uneven, it contains a number ethics of publishing sensitive material re- include a, tabulated comparison of fail- of first-rate contributions to the litera- lating to the deviate sexual activity of ure rates vis-a-vis all other male and ture on homosexuality. revered families in the Ante-Bellum South. female contraceptive methods. in his chapter on “Inverts, Perverts, The scholarly nature of the essays and Vasectomy reversal is described in and Mary Janes,” Jeffrey Weeks deals the lack of biographical material about detail, too, but with a biased presenta- primarily with the widespread male individual homosexuals of various his- tion favoring microsurgical techniques prostitution in the late Victorian period. torical periods limit the book’s appeal and very little attention paid to non- He notes that some contemporaries for the general reader. But perhaps the microsurgical methods of reversal; they found male prostitutes no less conspicu- greatest importance of essays of this sort are effective also, but the reader is not ous than their female counterparts. is not so much in their direct value but in sufficiently informed about these mac- Adolescents and young men, many of the fact that they are part of an ever- roscopic procedures. This is a weakness them members of select military units, expanding body of literature giving that should be corrected in the next edi- most notably the Queen’s Guards, were credence to the history of the homo- tion of this otherwise comprehensive usually available to gentlemen for a fee. sexual experience. A, PR survey. Although the authors point out These prostitutes were generally not that new techniques have made it possi- members of the homosexual subculture ble “for more than half of the men who (“rent” was seldom “bent”), and most wish to reverse vasectomy to become patrons were not identifiably gay either. The Vasectomy Book: A Complete fertile again,” they also stress that Whether these interclass relationships Guide to Decision Making. Marc Gold- “vasectomy reversal is far from perfect. constituted sexual colonialism or a re- stein and Michael Feldberg. Los An- We therefore urge every man or couple jection of middle-class values is left a geles: J. P. Tarcher, Inc. (distributed by contemplating a vasectomy to consider moot point. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston), 1982 it an irrevocable step.” Essays by Erwin Haeberle and Rudiger (190 pp.; $11.95). In the final section, the authors con- Lautmann inform us that, although most template the future of sterilization, as Reviewed by Vincent /. Longo, MD, classes of homosexuals were to be found new birth control methods are devel- FACS, Chief of Urology, Lawrence in the concentration camps of Nazi Ger- oped. Indeed, it isquite likely that some- Memorial Hospital, New London, Conn.; many, gay actors and artists were time in the next generation or two, AASECT-certified sex therapist and exempt from incarceration unless ex- vasectomy and reversal will be of histori- educator. pressly singled out in orders from cal interest only, for research is in pro- Himmler. The authorsconcentrate upon This is a well-written, comprehensive gress aimed at the design of a safe, the stigmata markings on prisoners’ uni- primer and one which should be medical, non-surgical, non-invasive forms, markings which at times seemed required reading for all those contem- method of male contraceptive control. to be precursors of today’s computer plating vasectomy as a means of per- Thus this book may one day be obsolete, punch cards. One inmate wrote: “The manent sterilization. And this important but, given our present “state of the art,” whole concentration camp was a crazy principle is emphasized from the very it is a valuable resource on the subject of farm. Occasionally, there were veritable beginning: consider it permanent. Since vasectomy. A, PR

22 SIECUS Report, March 1983 I- I SEXUALITY PERIODICALS FOR PROFESSIONALS: A BIBLIOGRAPHY

This annotated listing of sexuality periodicals for professionals was prepared by Leigh Hallingby, MSW, MS, SIECUS Librarian. All of these materials are available for use at the SIECUS Resource Center and Library located at New York University, or for purchase from the sources listed. Single copies of this bibliography are available from SIECUS on receipt of 5Oa and a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope for each list requested. In bulk they are: 30a each for 5-49 copies; 2Oa each (plus $1.00 for postage and handling) for 50 copies or more.

Alternative lifestyles. Human Sciences Avenue, New York, NY 70079. Annual Journal of Homosexuality. Haworth Press, 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY subscription: $27. Press, 28 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 70077. Annual Subscription: $28individ- Under the editorship of Peter Scales 70070. Annual subscription: $32 individ- ua/, $58 institutional. and Timothy Lannan, this new publica- ual, $60 institutional, $80 library. This quarterly journal explores the tion service highlights people, pro- John P. DeCecco, director of the Cen- sexual and social dynamics of intimacy grams, and resources in the field of ter for Research and Education in Sexu- both within and beyond traditional con- sexuality and reproductive education. ality (CERES) at San Francisco State ceptions of marriage and the nuclear Includes in-depth single topic reports, University, edits this quarterly journal. It family. The editor is Larry Constantine of bibliographies, “white papers,” and ref- presents empirical research and its clini- Tufts University. erence sheets. cal implications on homosexuality, gender identity, and alternative life- Family life Educator. National Family styles. Archives of Sexual Behavior. Plenum Life Education Network, 7700 Mission Publishing Corp., 233 Spring Street, New Street, Suite 203, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. York, NY 70073. Annual subscription: Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. Annual subscription: $20 (includes $48 individual, $725 institutional. Brunner/Mazel Inc., 79 Union Square membership in Network, if desired). Richard Green, of the State University West, New York, NY 70003. Annual sub- Mary Nelson and Steve Bignell edit of New York at Stony Brook, edits this scription: $28 individual, $52 institu- this quarterly publication of the new bimonthly journal of research studieson tional. National Family Life Education Network. sexual behavior. Emphasizes new therapeutic tech- It includes summaries of recent informa- niques, research on outcome, and spe- tion and developments in family life cial clinical problems, as well as the Australian Journal of Sex, Marriage, and education, annotations and reprint theoretical parameters of sexual func- Family. Family Life Movement of Austra- information from recently published tioning and marital relationships. Editors lia, P.O. Box -743, Concord, N.S. W. 2737, journal articles, legislative updates, of this quarterly journal are Helen Singer Australia. Annual subscription outside reviews of new films and books, and sug- Kaplan, Clifford J. Sager, and Raul C. Australia : $25. gestions for useful classroom activities. Schiavi. Bruce H. Peterson is the editor of this quarterly journal which is designed to Gay Books Bulletin. Gay Academic Journal of Sex Education and Therapy. meet the research and information Union, Inc., Box 480, Lenox Hi// Station, needs of professionals working in the New York, NY 70027. Four issues: $72 American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, 2000 N areas of marriage, family, and sexuality. individual, $20 institutional. Reviews a wide variety of books and Street, NW, Suite 770, Washington, DC provides brief reports .on research, 20036. Annual subscription for non- British journal of Sexual Medicine. forthcoming books, and other gayscho- members: $8. Medical News Tribune Ltd., 7 Bedford larship activities. Edited by Wayne A biannual journal edited by Gary F. Street, London WCZE 9HD, England. Kelly, it includes research reports on Dynes, it is published about twice a year. Annual subscription outside Great Bri- sexual attitudes and behaviors, as well as tain: f36 (approximate/y $58). Impact. Ed-U Press, P.O. Box 583, Fayet- on sex education and therapy. A monthly publication for physicians, tevi//e, NY 73066. Sing/e copies: $7.00 edited by Eric Trimmer and Elspeth Lee, each. Journal of Sex Research. Society for the providing medical information on This periodical, edited by Jane F. Cil- Scientific Study of Sex, Inc., P.O. Box research and treatment in the sexual gun, is an annual publication of the Insti- 29795, Philadelphia, PA 79177. Annual field. tute for Family Research and Education subscription for nonmembers: $35 indi- which is directed by Sol Gordon at Syra- vidual, $55 institutional. Emphasis Subscriber Service. Clearing- cuse University. It highlights areas such Clive M. Davis, of the Department of house for Sexuality and Population Edu- as preparing parents to be effective sex Psychology at Syracuse University, edits cation Program Materials, Department educators of their children, censorship, this quarterly publication. It serves as a of Education, Planned Parenthood Fed- and opposition to sex education in the forum for the interdisciplinary exchange eration of America, Inc., 870 Seventh schools. of knowledge among professionals con-

SIECUS Report, March 1983 23 cerned with the scientific study of Sex Education Coalition News. Sex Edu- Sexuality and Disability. Human Scien- sexuality. cation Coalition, Friendship Station, Box ces Press, 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 39733, Washington, DC 20076. Annual 70017. Annual subscription: $28 individ- Journal of Social Work and Human Sex- subscription: $75. ual, $67 institutional. uality. Haworth Press, 28 East 22nd Although it is published by a regional Ami Sha’ked, of the Institute for Sex Street, New York, NY 70070. Annualsub- group, this periodical’s wide-ranging Therapy, Education, and Research in scription: $28 individual, $36 institu- lead articles, book and audio-visual Tel-Ahshomer, Israel, and Susan M. tional, $60 library. reviews, and other features make it of Daniels, of Louisiana State University Began publication in fall 1982 as a tri- national interest. Joan Benesch and Ann Medical Center, edit this quarterly jour- annual, with one issue a year devoted to a Thompson Cook are the editors. nal. It presents clinical and research specialized theme. Other issues present developments in the area of sexuality as material of generic interest to social Sex Roles. Plenum Publishing Corp., 233 they relate to a wide range of physical workers involved with the broad range Spring Street, New York, NY 70073. and mental illnesses and disabling of issues pertaining to human sexuality Annual subscription: $35 individual, conditions. and family planning. David A. Shore is $730 institutional. the editor. Phyllis A. Katz, of the Institute for Sexuality Today. AJCOM, Inc., 2375 Research on Social Problems in Boulder, Broadway, New York, NY 10024. Annual Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality. Colorado, edits this monthly journal. subscription: $53 individual, $67inrtitu- Hospital Publications, Inc., 360 Lexing- Articles presented are concerned with tional. ton Avenue, New York, NY 70077. the basic processes underlying gender A weekly newsletter, edited by Annual subscription: free to physicians role socialization in children and its Suzanne Prescod, reporting on impor- on controlled circulation basis, $30 for consequences. tant developments of all types within the other subscribers, $20 students. sexuality field. A journal covering the physical, psy- Sexual Medicine Today. Address: 257 chological, and cultural components of Park Avenue South, New York, NY 70070. SIECUS Report. Sex information and human sexuality and related aspects of Annual subscription: $65. Education Council of the U.S.: 80 Fifth family life; published monthly. Published monthly as a magazine sup- Avenue, Suite 807, New York, NY 70077. plement to Medical Tribune by Interna- Annual subscription: $40 individual, $90 Sex Care Digest. Youngs Drug Products tional Medical News Service, Inc., in institutional; $40 library. Corp., P.O. Box 385, 865 Centennial Washington, D.C. Subscription price This bimonthly publication, edited by Avenue, Piscataway, N] 08854. Annual includes both periodicals. Sexual Medi- Anne Backman, features articles, multi- subscription: free. cine Today, edited by Abraham S. media reviews, book reviews, special- This newsletter highlights recent news Jacobson, reports on medical develop- ized bibliographies, and resource and items, research, and publications in the ments and treatments within the sexual- workshop listings in the field of human sexuality and reproduction fields. ity field. sexuality.

SIECUS is affiliated with the Department of Health Education of the School of Education, Health, Nursing, and Arts Professions of New York University.

March 1983

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