November 1974 ISSN: 0091-3995 Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S.

"HONK! IF YOU MASTURBATE!"

by Diane B. Brashear, Ph.D.*

The May 7974 issue of the S/ECUS Report included ten im- masturbation and whatever it connotes has historically been portant position statements adopted by the S/ECUS Board and currently is, a topic of great concern. Most professional of Directors. This article by S/ECUS Board member, Diane literature appears to be preoccupied with symptomsand prob- B. Brashear, expands on the statement concerning masturba- lems related to masturbation. Havelock Ellis was known to tion, which reads as follows: have written,“There is no end to the list of real and supposed symptoms as a result of masturbation,” an ambivalence still shared by many. Today studies and written material about It is the position of S/ECUS that: masturbation support the theme “masturbation is normal.” It does seem, however, that few sources, with the exception Sexual se/f-pleasuring, or masturbation, is a natural part of sexual behavior for individuals of all ages. of some popular “how to do it” books ever say that mastur- bation is good. Is it too farfetched to suggest that mothers be It can help to develop a sense of the body as belonging to the se/f, and an affirmative attitude toward the body as a helped to feel free to say to their children, “Masturbation is legitimate source of enjoyment. a good way of enjoying your body” in a way similar to getting It can also he/p in the release of tension in a way harmless a good night’s sleep makes you feel fine the next day. to the se/f and to others, and provide an intense experience Masturbation can be important, helpful, comforting and of the se/f as preparation for experiencing another. good training to prepare an individual for later, more in- Masturbation, and the fantasies that frequent/y accom- volved sexual, other-directed response. And yet, sex therapists pany it, can be important aids in maintaining or restoring note that negative attitudes formed in childhood about the image of one’s self as a fully functioning human being. masturbation can be related to turned off adults who have generalized negative feelings about all sexual expression. The As infants discover the joy of their bodies, they learn the absence of masturbation is a frequent finding in histories of pleasure and positive experience in touching their fingers, women with orgastic difficulties. “Giving permission” - a toes, and genitals. Parents delight in their child’s skill in label- common theme in today’s sex counseling -often is gained by ing body parts correctly. “Where’s your eye? Your nose?” recommending and teaching masturbation to sexually dys- is a favorite parent-child game which aids the child’s cog- functional adults. What better way to learn what pleasures nitive development as well as communicating positive value us than ourselves, to bring about and experience our sexual about the named body parts. The pleasure in discovering our- feelings and responses without risking feelings of having to selves is as natural to our development as eating and sleeping. perform to outer imposed norms or to the projected needs of But, how many parents say, “Where’s your penis? Your a partner, and free of the fear of reprisal or defeat. vagina? Vulva? Clitoris? Testes?” Parents do not take pride Masturbation is often viewed defensively as substitute in their child’s discovery of his or her genitals. Instead they behavior for something “better.” However, no studies have indicate through games and non-verbal cues that these un- shown that people who are free of handicaps are likely to named parts should remain unnamed and unused, forgetting stay with exclusive masturbation, especially when a partner is that inevitably they will be covertly discovered. available. “I have to masturbate” can also sometimes be an The word masturbation, as well as definition about this angry accusation to an unsatisfactory partner. The concept behavior, is confusing. Some prefer that the term be restricted that self-pleasure can of itself be acceptable and positive to self-stimulation purposefully directed to sexual arousal and seems wanting. Giving to oneself is difficult for many indi- orgasm. Others suggest that masturbation involves a variety viduals. We work so others can be proud, so others can ap- of sexual behaviors, and argue that autoeroticism which in- preciate, enjoy. Self-denial, self-discipline is a virtue. To en- cludes dreams, fantasies and physical self-stimulation may joy oneself, “to give to me” and to play on behalf of oneself more accurately reflect human experience. Nevertheless, does not come easily to adults well socialized to our work ethic - acceptable for children, yes, but not for responsible *Dr. Brashear, a S/ECUS Board member, is in private practice grown-ups! This may be why it is easier to excuse masturba- as a marriage and sexual counselor in Indianapolis, Indiana. Continued on page 14 SPEAKING OUT

THOSE IMMORAL MORALITY LAWS

S/ECUS Position: Sex Education, at any age, cannot be opment to the great masses of “ordinary”people, the matrons effective as long as it occurs in a society which, in many of from the suburbs, the businessmen who are not always so its aspects, inhibits rational assessment of sexuality as a cen- tired, and the “blue collar” people who are moving towards tral force in human behavior. SIECUS’ role is to identify and the same sexual value positions as those from higher educa- publicize social policies which perpetuate unhealthy attitudes tional backgrounds. They represent the political clout that can about sexuality and foster alienation from self and others. ease very real legislator fears that “a vote for sexual freedom can be a ticket to political oblivion.” More than that, it is they At least since the advent of the Kinsey reports, the prob- who can raise the level of enlightened general discussion lem of anachronistic laws regulating non-victimizing, sex- from the strangely preserved Victorianism which still char- ually motivated behavior has been an ethical “American Di- acterizes and stifles so much of the argument. lemma.” For most people these laws are viewed with feelings The fight for the allegiance of this group of people is not ranging from amusement to embarrassed indifference, but a question of radical politics. They will not have been won their very existence constitutes a continued affront to our over when the pink flag waves over the barricades. For these much extolled rights of privacy and personal freedom, and “ordinary people“ we have a carrot and a stick and we had they have lasted well into our era because of the hidden or better learn to use them. sporadic nature of the personal victimizations they have The stick is in the reality that these laws can hurt them. caused. in a world where young men and women are hitchhiking from The argument - originally seen as the right of the State coast to coast one day, in upper class homes on the next, that to control behavior inimical to its conventional standards young and sex-seeking transient may be my child or theirs. versus the right of individual freedom over essentially private Alone, without support of family and community, the insane conduct - can hardly be said to have disappeared in the light roulette that those laws represent for the powerless may result of the 1973 Supreme Court pornography decisions. An inter- in arrest and life-long labeling. They have another effect. esting offshoot of the days when the issue still seemed fresh They disenfranchise the sexual experimenter from the protec- - the attempt to examine scientifically the effects of pornog- tion of the police. Because of this a youngster who, possibly raphy - has concluded with disengagement. Former Pres- quite innocently, became involved in a Houston pot party ident Nixon’s rejection of the report of the Commission on with homosexual overtones back in 1972, would not have Obscenity and Pornography was indicative of the avoidance Continued on page 74 of any dialogue between the scientist and the legislator over sexual issues. Since most of the objective evidence is convinc- ing but stale with age, the more or less detached viewers are bored. Those with a strong need to enunciate their positions at this time have, in the main, a personal stake, the laws representing for them either continued oppression or a wit- Volume IO, Number 2 November 1974 ness for morality. Thus the argument has not disappeared but has shifted from the plane of science to the jungles of ideology. The S/ECUS Report is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are Neither the legal-philosophical joustings nor the attempts sold on a volume basis only, with volumes beginning in September. to develop evidence through research can be abandoned. Neither, unfortunately, can we place much hope in them. Subscription rates: Individual, $9.00 for one year; Canadian and foreign, $10.50. Institutional, $15 00; Canadian and foreign, Ideological positions change very slowly and those who speak $16.50. Single copies of any issue, $1.50. with great emotion are unlikely to convince others to change Oueries about subscriptions and delivery should be sent to their own convictions. The possibilities for powerful change Behavioral Publications, 72 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 1001 1. efforts seem to lie on two other fronts in which we have had Editorial queries should be sent to SIECUS at the address only rather muted interests to this time. We speak here of the below. courts and the voting public. S/ECUS Reporf is avallable on microfilm from University One of the most significant developments over the recent Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. years has been in the legal definition of a right of privacy. The E&or-Mary S. Calderone, M.D. Managing Editor-John Preston sexual field needs a program for expanding this newly emerg- ing right and for fighting the horrendous local decisionswhich Copyright 0 1974 by The Sex Information and Education Coun- cil of the U.S., Inc. 1855 Broadway, New York, NY 10023. so often pass unchallenged. A program similar to that which NAACP has mounted for the legal rights of blacks over the Library of Congress catalog card number 72-627361 past thirty years would seem to be eminently required. No part of the S/ECUS Report may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the SIECUS Publications More specifically, we must accentuate the drive to bring Office. sexual freedom, knowledge, personal enlightment and devel-

2 SIECUS Report, November, 1974 DO YOU KNOW THAT 1

Training and Workshop Opportunities jokes made at the expense of women or, for that matter, of -Fall and Winter either sex. In instructional materials the guidelines suggest that both men and women be shown sharing household duties, and National Sex Forum announces a series of two-day basic women in occupational roles should not be restricted to tra- courses in human sexuality during November, December and ditional sex-typed careers. The guidelines will be distrib- January. Cost $50. Write to: National Sex Forum, 540 Powell St., San Francisco, CA 94108, for dates and registration forms, uted to all McGraw-Hill’s authors and editorial staff and will be implemented in 1975 and future nonfiction publicationsof or call (415) 989-6176. the company.

Midwest Association for the Study of Human Sexuality an- nounces a variety of workshops this fall and winter on such subjects as bisexual behavior, human sexuality, physically handicapped, and venereal disease. For dates and registra- Post Graduate Medical Programs tion information write to: MASHS, 100 E. Ohio St., Chicago, are Available IL 60611, or call (312) 467-1290. Loyola University (Chicago) has begun a training pro- Center for Marital and Sexual Studies is conducting two-day gram in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. The program, seminars for professionals on the treatment of sexual dys- open to non- M.D. co-therapists as well as to physicians, function and the use of films for sex education and therapy follows a dual-sex therapy team approach. in several cities this fall. Also in-residence training programs There are four rotations planned so far. One began July for professionals of one week, two weeks, and six weeks dura- 12,1974, the next three will begin October4,1974, January 10, tion at the Center’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA. For 1975, and April 4, 1975. Each rotation is ten weeks long. schedules and registration information write: Center for Write to Domeena Renshaw, M.D. for more information. Marital and Sexual Studies, 5199 East Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Director, Sexual Dysfunction Clinic, Loyola University, De- Beach, CA 90804, or phone (213) 597-4425. partment of Psychiatry, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, Illinois 60153. University of Alabama, Division of Continuing Education will Also, the Hawaii Section of the American College of Ob- sponsor a three-day symposium, “Rape - Research, Action, stetricians and Gynecologists, in association with the Uni- Prevention” on January 20-22, 1975. For details write: Ms. versity of Hawaii School of Medicine, is holding a series of Marcia J. Walker, Coordinator, Rape Research Group, Center eight four day workshops for physicians. The programs aim at for Correctional Psychology, Box 2968, University, Alabama teaching techniques to deal with the sexually troubled patient 35486. Phone: (205) 348-5083. who may not require psychiatric care. Video cassettes, films, audio cassettes, case study, personal instruction, and text materials will all be used. Registration will be limited. Cost will be $200. For additional information write Ronald J. Pion, M.D., 1319 Punahou Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Major Publisher Will Bar Sexism in Nonfiction

McGraw-Hill, one of the largest publishing companies in the world, will attempt to eliminate sexual stereotyping from New Journal on Marriage its non-fiction works. According to Dan Lacy, a senior vice and Family Counseling president, “Especially in books that have an educational im- pact, we want to reflect the changing contemporary attitude American Association of Marriage and Family Counselors about women and the equalization of the sexes, and give to have announced the publication of a new clinical journal for young people a keen awareness of the dignity of the opposite professionals beginning in January 1975. The ]ournal of Mar- sex.” Responding to feminists’ criticism of sexual stereotyp- riage and Family Counseling will publish articles on clinical ing in its nonfiction publications such as textbooks, trade practice, research and theory in marriage and family counsel- journals, children’s books and educational materials, the ing and therapy. Editor of the new journal is William C. company established a committee that has been working for Nichols, Ed.D. Information about manuscripts should be sent over a year to develop very specific guidelines for “fair, ac- to him at Sandels Bldg. Florida State University, Tallahassee, curate and balanced treatment of both sexes.” To be avoided FL 32306. Subscriptions to the quarterly publication are $15 a are such references to women as “the fair sex,” “the better year, for institutions, $25. To subscribe write to AAMFC, 225 half,” ” sweet young thing,” as well as sexual innuendos and Yale Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.

SIECUS Report, November, 1974 3 I I jWHERE THE ACTION IS

SIECUS RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS

David John Ogren, Ph.D. is the recipient of the 1974 gram About Your Sexuality, an adolescent sex education SIECUS Research Award for his doctoral dissertation study, course developed by the Unitarian-Universalist Association, “Sexual Guilt, Behavior, Attitudes, and Information,” con- on sexual attitudes, sex role stereotyping, ability to live ducted in the Department of Psychology, University of Hous- comfortably with ambiguity, and tolerance of others unlike ton, Texas. He is presently an associate in the Clinical Psy- oneself. Also included in her study was the influence of pa- chology Center, a private counseling clinic in Houston. rental modeling on the sexual attitudes of adolescents. Dr. Ogren’s investigation of the relationship between Dr. Iverson, who is currently an assistant professor in the sexual guilt and sexual attitudes, behavior and accurate sex- School of Nursing at the University of Maryland, undertook ual information, has led him to conclude that, “sexual guilt, this study when she became involved as a volunteer teacher which seems to be based at least in part on misinformation of the About Your Sexuality course and discovered the dearth and distortions, serves to interfere with the acquisition of of evaluative research in sex education. accurate sex information, both of which later interfere with The SIECUS Research Award program was established in a person’s overall sexual adjustment. It must also be noted 1973 to recognize significant research that contributes to the that those persons who would most need an adequate sex field of sex and family life education. SIECUS Board member, education, namely, people whose early education was based Dr. Alan Bell, who is senior research psychologist at the upon scientifically unsound sexual myths and guilt-ridden Institute of Sex Research, Indiana University, served as chair- notions, are the very ones who will be most closed to sex ed- man of the judging. ucation and may even oppose it vigorously.” Following is an abstract of Dr. Ogren’s research. An ab- Honorable mention in the SIECUS Research Award pro- stract of Dr. Iverson’s research will appear in a future issue gram goes to Sonya Rae Iverson, Ph.D. for her doctoral of the SIECUS Report. SIECUS congratulates these two re- dissertation study, “Sex Education and Adolescent Atti- searchers and the others who submitted papers,for the ex- tudes,” conducted at the Institute of Child Study, University cellence of these needed contributions to our knowledge of Maryland. Her study investigated the effects of the pro- of sexuality. (See list of entries, page 13.)

Abstract of Sexual Guilt, Behavior, masturbation, frequency of oral-genital stimulation, petting Attitudes and Information to orgasms on dates, and engaging in mutual oral-genital stimulation on dates. by David John Ogren, Ph.D. Higher sexual guilt was also negatively related to a pos- itive response to erotic or pornographic material, using con- traceptives, frequency of extramarital experiences, the fre- The primary purpose of this study was to determine quency of homosexual experiences, and directly related to whether or not sexual guilt, when conceptualized as an avoid- experiencing problems with sex in marriage. ant type of motivation, is significantly related to sexual Multiple regression analysis found response to pornog- behavior, attitudes, and fund of accurate sexual information. raphy, age at first intercourse,and sex problems in marriage Subjects were 207 college students (90 male, 116 female, to be significantly related to guilt and to account for at least 1 unknown) enrolled in a marriage, family and sex education one per cent of the variance of sexual guilt. course at the University of Houston. Subjects anonymously Higher sexual guilt was found to be significantly related completed a 251-item questionnaire which included the Mc- to being female, having higher past and present interest in Cary Sex Information Test, the Mosher ‘C’ Inventory to assess religion, attending church more frequently than average, hav- sexual guilt, a number of questions concerning attitudes ing a less intimate relationship with one’s dating partner, but toward a wide variety of sexual practices and standards, ques- was not related to age, marital status, family stability, or tions concerning behavior actually engaged in, and a number regret over past premarital coitus. Only present religious in- of items regarding background information. All attitudinal terest was found to account for at least one per cent of the items and items dealing with reasons for restricting pre- variance of sexual guilt in a multiple regression analysis of marital coitus were factor analyzed, with seven of nine ex- variance. tracted attitude factors being retained as variables, and all Higher sexual guilt was positively related to restricting three restriction factors being retained. premarital coitus out of the belief that premarital intercourse Sexual guilt was found to be negatively related to the will damage one’s self-image. High sexual guilt was also overall level of sexual activity, frequency of coitus in the positively related to a conservative position on six of the seven previous six months, age of first intercourse, number of pre- attitude factors: non-marital sex, impersonal-personal sex, marital partners, accumulative incidence and frequency of Continued on page 14

4 SIECUS Report, November, 1974 BOOK REVIEWS

The New Sex Therapy, Helen Singer their therapeutic objectives . . . in “However, dynamically oriented sex Kaplan. New York: Brunner/Mazel, sharp contrast my own psychodynam- therapists do not rely exclusively on 1974. (544 pages; $17.50). ically oriented approach conceptual- prescribed sexual interactions. Rather, izes sex therapy as a form of psycho- we employ an integrated combination therapy” (p. 197). of sexual experiences in psychother- Reviewed by Harold 1. lief, M.D. A major advance of Masters and apy. This combination constitutes the Johnson has been to use tasks as- main innovation of sex therapy and In Human Sexual inadequacy, Mas- signed to be carried out in the pri- holds the secret of its power. Psycho- ters and Johnson advocate a specific vacy of the couple’s own bedroom, therapeutic intervention alone, both method of behavior modification for rather than to rely entirely on the emo- individual and conjoint, helps sexual patients with sexual dysfunctions such tional and cognitive experiences en- problems to some extent. Highly stim- as orgasmic inadequacy, premature countered in the therapist’s office. A ulating and concomitantly reassuring ejaculation, and impotence. Their form of “direct psychotherapy” had sexual experiences probably can help method of treatment is firmly anchor- been advocated in years past by Herz- some persons overcome sexual diffi- ed in marriage counseling in which berg, by Stevenson, and by others in culties. However, the judicious com- the relationship between the couple is which tasks assigned outside the of- bination of prescribed sexual interac- the focus of attention. If their sugges- fice were a primary focus of treat- tions between the sexual partners tions for more effective sexual arousal ment. However, direct behavioral which are systematically structured to are resisted, perhaps even sabotaged, prescriptions were regarded by most relieve specific sexual difficulties, em- by one or both partners, they turn psychotherapists as “manipulating” ployed synergistically together with their attention to the couple’s rela- the patient, and hence a violation of psychotherapeutic sessions which are tionship resistance. By diminishing psychoanalytic canons; consequently designed to modify the unconscious the resistance to the specific treat- this form of treatment tended to be intrapsychic and transactional imped- ment (one typical example of which is dismissed without serious considera- iments to sexual functioning and to the person who cannot accept sugges- tion. Unfortunately, psychotherapy of create a free and secure sexual sys- tions from his spouse because he mis- the individual patient has helped only tem between the partners, is the most perceives these as commands from a a minority of patients applying for re- effective and far-reaching approach to dominating partner), the St. Louis lief of disabling sexual dysfunctions. the treatment of sexual difficulties as team usually obtains acceptance of Couple-therapy, better suited to deal yet devised and constitutes a major their sexual re-education techniques with the relationships between part- advance in the behavioral sciences” that form the substance of their meth- ners, has a better chance of succeed- (p. 193). od. ing, but has needed a method of trans- In keeping with this integration, Many of us who are both marital lating what was learned in the ther- Kaplan analyzes three categories of and sex therapists have wondered apist’s office into actual life-situations causes of sexual dysfunctions, namely, who would come along to describe the in an undemanding, relatively anx- the immediate, the intrapsychic, and variety of approaches to these marital- iety-free atmosphere. Masters and the relationship or dyadic causes. The sexual problems in which, for ex- Johnson provided a method thatcould immediate causes are: 1. Failure to en- ample, couple-therapy might be used accomplish this. An unfinished task gage in effective sexual behavior, at first, to clear the way for sexual was the integration of these tech- which includes sexual ignorance and re-education or, if intrapsychic causes niques. unconscious avoidance of good sex; of sexual dysfunction predominate, Kaplan’s own words tell the story: 2. Sexual anxiety, which includes fear would employ the appropriate use of “The exclusive reliance on the office of failure, demand for performance, individual psychotherapy in conjunc- session is in sharp contrast to the new and the excessive need to please the tion with marital-sexual therapy. We approach. In sex therapy, the exper- partner, or fear of the partner’s rejec- no longer have to wait. Helen Kaplan iences suggested by the therapist and tion; 3. Perceptual and intellectual de- has written a marvelous book on sex conducted by the patient and his part- fenses against erotic feelings, the pri- therapy, incorporating the pioneering ner while they are alone together are mary form of which is “spectatoring,” methods of Masters and Johnson and considered to be a vital factor and, or the excessive use of one’s “observ- integrating them with marital and in- indeed,an essential change-producing ing self”; 4. Failure to communicate dividual psychotherapy. As she states, agent of the therapeutic procedure. effectively. instead of relying “primarily on sex The rational use of these therapeutic In thinking about this list of imme- education and counseling and the pre- experiences amplifies the power of diate causes, one is immediately scription of erotic tasks to advance psychotherapy enormously. aware of Kaplan’s debt to Masters and

SIECUS Report, November, 1974 5 Johnson, for all of these are mention- Sexual and Marital Health-The Physi- early marriages, marriages with ex- ed in Human Sexual Inadequacy. In cian as a Consultant. Clark E. Vincent. tended age-span mates, illicit preg- The New Sex Therapy, however, Kap- New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1973. nancies, and extramarital affairs with lan elaborates and expands these (pp. $7.95 cloth, $5.95 paper) a final plea for understanding marital points. And so it is with the rest of the health as a new health specialty. This book. There is an expansive discussion is more than a book on marriage and of the issues, amply illustrated by 39 Reviewed by Daniel, l-f. Labby, M.D. sex: it is a consummate guide for those case-histories which bring home to unskilled and perplexed by human re- the reader in great clarity Kaplan’s This splendid book is devoted to lationships and one of the most reada- concepts of therapeutic techniques. marital health-more particularly to ble and penetrating discourses on Biology and medicine are not ne- Clark Vincent’s lifelong devotion to marriage presently available in the glected. In the early part of her book the idea that the marriage relationship literature. It is highly recommended the author includes chapters on anat- has a most powerful potential for en- to those now active within the field and omy and physiology of the sexual re- riching the quality of human life, but to physicians with a taste for such sponse, the brain and sex, hormones to do so, its health is fundamental. work. This wise book should be read and sex, the effect of illness on sex- Viewing the marital state as a com- by those entering the field or consid- uality, the effects of drugs on sexual- ponent of health argues convincingly, ering marital work as a career, as well ity, and the effects of age on sexuality. as David Mace states in one of the two as by those long experienced who One of the more interesting and per- forewords, “that we are callously al- wish to read a clear and insightful haps controversial aspects of her lowing potentially good marriages to statement by an experienced profes- physiologic speculations revolves die of neglect, of malnutrition, of ex- sional with an urgent contemporary around what she calls a “biphasic” posure to destructive disease; that this message to all health professionals. It approach to sexual functioning. Kap- is costing us an appalling price in should also be read by those physi- lan cites evidence that excitement and personality disorder and social dislo- cians, clergy and other health and arousal in the male and female are un- cation; and that the time has come to mental health workers whose practice der the influence of the parasympa- recognize that marriage is a highly brings to them people in trouble with thetic nervous system, while orgasm complex and difficult task, offering their human relationships, in or out of is primarily mediated by the sympa- great rewards to those who succeed marriage. PR. thetic nervous system. This permits and abject misery to those who fail.” her to make a biphasic clinical differ- Clark Vincent’s plea therefore is to entiation between the disorders of provide the same competent health arousal and those of orgasm. To what promoting services for marriage, that extent this theory will be confirmed by are presently available in other areas additional physiologic and clinical re- vital to our well being. How can one Sexual Conduct: The Social Sources of search remains to be seen, but at least approach a marriage relationship with Human Sexuality. John H. Gagnon at the moment the data seem to sup- the care of its health in mind? Vin- and William Simon. Chicago, IL: Al- port her hypothesis. cent suggests being sensitive to cate- dine, 1973. (307 pp.; $8.95). Will sex counselors and therapists gories of the relationship: “the dignity be able to make effective use of the of self love, an acceptance of each Reviewed by Robert Staples, Ph.D. material in this book? Trained psy- other’s impressions as reality, an chotherapists will find in it a gold- awareness of changing needs as well This is a book which attempts to mine of ideas for their clinical use. as appropriate responses to those correct the prevailing view that biol- However, those many sex counselors changing needs,theconstant improve- ogy and nature are the powerful forces around the country who have been us- ment of communication skills, and de- that shape human sexual behavior. In ing Masters and Johnson’s techniques velopment of techniques-all of which ten chapters, six of which have previ- in a cookbook fashion, without regard involve the freedom to be oneself, to ously been published elsewhere, the to the subtleties of the interaction be- be different, to quest, to experiment, authors illustrate how many of the tween partners or to the intrapsychic and to err.” physical dimensions of sexual be- factors affecting the relationship or In a preliminary chapter both phy- havior are dictated by norms, roles, attitudes toward sexuality, may be sicians and relevant health profes- statuses and social meanings. It is an shocked by the realization that their sionals are urged to assume responsi- original and interesting effort to techniques fall far short of what ought bility for being consultants to the place human sexuality in a sociolog- to be done for patients or clients with marriages in their practice. By way of ical and psychological framework. serious sexual problems. The great making this possible, the ninechapters Two of the more interesting chap- detail with which Kaplan discusses that follow offer fundamental explor- ters in the book deal with male homo- people’s reactions to the specific ations of the above relationship cate- sexuality and the lesbian. The authors forms of sexual re-education intro- gories ranging over the techniques of point out that our ignorance of the duced by Masters and Johnson, in- communication through identifying lives of these two groups has led to an cluding the exquisite use of fantasy, those forces which expose the deep unusual preoccupation with the etiol- should serve notice to these poorly haunting doubts about self worth, ogy of their “deviance” and the sex- trained therapists that a slavish and the potential for growth, and loving ual aspects of their conduct. The truth uncritical use of any method, however vs. non-loving relationships. Also con- is that their sexual activities carry the powerful,for relieving human distress, sidered are the problems of the anx- same weight in their lives as in the invites failure and disillusionment. ious adolescent, the perplexed parent, heterosexual world. What homosex-

6 SIECUS Report, November, 1974 uals must cope with as a result of an typically, reviewers wrote much as sion later in life. Following are illus- uncommon sexual preference are the Robert Harper did (Rational Living, trative morsels: Comfort’s advice to a problems that center around their Spring 1974, p. 44) “. . . superior to mother who finds her daughter mastur- work, friendship patterns, family rela- almost anything else dealing with the bating: “Rejoice and be exceedingly tionships, religion, etc. In the case of heterosexual relationship . . .” Com- glad that she’s learning a skill . . . to the male homosexual, the straight SO- fort himself believes that, in one year, enjoy all her life . . . for adult love- ciety labels him as a deviant and iso- joy I has “altered the face of sex ed- making . . .” (P. 65). In “His and Hers:” lates him in the gay world where it ucation by bringing the healthy dis- “Maleness and femaleness are in terms becomes very difficult to transfer cussion of sexuality into. . . the draw- of cooperative self-realization. If we back into the heterosexual environ- ing room. It was the first explicitly can make up for the hundreds of years ment. Similarly, our emphasis on the sexual book for the coffee tables” (Joy spent in turning women off, men as sexuality of the lesbian masks the fact II, p. 6). Sales of close to two million well as women will learn to enjoy the that she follows normative female pat- would tend to support this except that results (p. 142). In “Couples and Oth- terns in her nonsexual career. other sex books that professionals ers,” he recognizes that many mar- While this book presents a unique could recognize as pernicious and ried couples do not need or want ex- approach to the study of human sex: harmful in their biases and misinfor- tramarital sexual outlets which, how- ual conduct, the authors may have mation also sold in equivalent num- ever, provide enrichment of their own fallen into the same trap as do those bers. relationship for some and enhance- who emphasize the physical aspects In ]oy II, Comfort switches empha- ment of personal growth for others. of sex. What they consider as sexual sis from how to manage the physical He warns of mischief-makers, who actions which derive from social side of sex relations to improving re- seduce and attempt to destroy (p. 153). sources may actually be natural re- lationships and personal growth A major world problem is that “Most sponses to sexual stimuli. Social roles through sexuality. Because of my work great powers are now run by a minor- and norms may have their greatest in- with the handicapped I am particularly ity of sick people, suffering from their fluence in what they proscribe-not sympathetic with his efforts to blend inability to eroticize and hence hu- prescribe. The authors also rely heav- technique with sensitivity in relation- manize their experiences, who use the ily on dated Kinsey statistics for many ship, because just this same kind of rest of us for play therapy.” (P. 133). of their assumptions about what is blending is crucial to the training of On sexual addiction: “If sex gets to be sexually happening today. More re- clinicians for serving the needs of chil- a substitute for life, you’ve got prob- cent studies would reveal some signif- dren with various developmental dis- lems which need dealing with.” (P. icant changes in sexual behavior orders. Just as therapy for the handi- 167.) Sharing as opposed to swapping, which would also require modification capped requires know how in both means the sharing of sexual experi- of their theories about the meanings technique and relationships, so does ence with another couple by making attached to certain sexual acts. sex therapy which practically every- love in each other’s presence (p. 168). This book, however, constitutes a one seems to need. Comfort says: Watching another couple can be most valuable addition to the body of liter- “we’re concerned with the uses of arousing and perhaps instructive. ature on sexual behavior. It is pri- physical sensation and the back- Most of the people who have written marily written for a professional audi- ground in which it fits.” (P. 10). This about sexuality never saw a couple ence since it requires some familiarity background often leaves much to be making love: “How many books about with the terminology and with sexual desired. Basic cultural miseducation football, telling you exactly how you research. In fact, because of the au- requires that we get rid of three basic should play it, have been written by thors’ writing style it makes for rather hangups which tend to block More people who never actually saw a laborious reading. There are other as- Joy: “We have to learn that people game?” (p. 95). This point about pon- pects of sexuality that have not been aren’t dangerous, that the body isn’t tificators on sexual technique is made touched upon in great detail, e.g., shameful, and that no rewarding sex- more than once, and is one reason group sex, interracial relations, etc. ual sensation is abnormal or bad un- why, in “Resources,” Comfort ranks In sum, it is a good beginning in an less it’s antisocial in some way.” (P. self-help with other couples as a major area that remains to be explored in all 10). Comfort believes that sexual resource. its ramifications. A, PR growth in these three respects can About the illustrations: these are a help enormously in getting at other continuation of the ones so highly common hangups. I am among those praised in /oy 1. They could scarcely who would agree wholeheartedly. be more explicit, but I have yet to hear The book contains five major parts: them alleged as pornographic. I par- The Language of the Body, His and ticularly liked (as others may dislike) More Joy. Alex Comfort. New York, Hers, Couples and Others, Resources the inclusion of female underarm hair NY: Crown, 1974. (224 pp.; $12.95 illus- and Special Needs. I found the mate- as part of erotic attractiveness. Per- trated, $7.95 non-illustrated.) rial on babies worthwhile because (1) haps the pointless, institutionalized, it makes the usually ignored point that often painful attack on this part of the Reviewed by Warren R. lohnson, Ed.D. freedom in one’s sexual life isn’t com- female anatomy is on its way out? patible with an exclusively child-bear- As a student of psycholinguistic as- I saw only one review that was very ing and child-rearing life style; and (2) pects of human health, I attach espe- critical of this book’s lovemaking com- it outlines the role of babyhood in cial importance to Comfort’s choice of panion, The lov of Sex-and that cri- initiating or avoiding the crucial hang- both book titles. The widespread link- tique seemed to me labored. More ups that tend to plague sexual expres- age of the words joy and sex-in the

SIECUS Report, November, 1974 7 advertising campaign reaching librar- The format of the book is question- ity and death of cardiac patients OC- ies, homes, colleges, schools and the answer with a brief introduction for curring during sexual intercourse with public press-will help markedly in parents and another for teenagers. It marital and extramarital partners. the growing campaign to clean up our concludes with a discussion of respon- Though admitting to documentation attitudes about sex by associating it sible sexual decision making for to- of higher mortality in extramarital in- with the good rather than the bad in morrow’s parents and a short glossary tercourse for the person with prior life. Both joy / and Joy II indeed be- of slang terms. Regrettably there is disability, they caution that many long with the very good things of life. no index. such events occur within marriage but A, PR The title of the book is poor for ob- are unreported. Where the conditions vious reasons. One substantive weak- of extramarital coitus involve in- ness of the book is its flip attitude creased intake of food and drink, guilt about sex and aging: feelings, and/or fear of sexual perfor- mance for either partner, increased “Question: Is it true that married cardiovascular strain develops which couples stop having intercourse af- may lead to the small percentage of ter a few years? such reports. The key factor they be- Answer: No. While most people Everything a Teenager Wants to Know lieve is the strangeness or lack of have less intercourse as the years About Sex.. . and Should. Harry Pres- complete comfort with the partner, go by, there are many couples in ton with Jeanette Margolin, M.D. rather than the “extramarital” aspect their forties, fifties and older who Chatsworth, CA: Books for Better Liv- per se, unless the above conditions are still have sex together regularly, and ing, 1973. (176 pp., $1.25.) predominant. often with greater enjoyment be- All of the content of this book ispre- cause pregnancy is no longer a pos- Reviewed by Lorna B. Flynn, M.A. sented in an objective, humane man- sibility.” ner indicating that the social, moral, When it comes to sex, writer Harry One of the things I like most is the ethical, and legal implications reside Preston and psychiatrist Jeanette Mar- books’ consistent single standard for with the reader. Societal expecta- golin appear to know their coitus in men and women. Not only does it en- tions are presented, but the manner in ano from their coitus in axilla. Like courage teenage women to satisfy which the individual experiences vari- most books for teenagers about sex, their sexual drives, but it frankly tells ations from these “norms” without the purpose of this one is to help teen- girls who feel they were “taken ad- discomfort are examined. The theme agers make responsible and informed vantage of” that they can only blame of respect for oneself with an aware- decisions about their sexuality. How- themselves if they were at all willing. ness of what personal behavior is con- ever, unlike many other books, its LT gruent with this concept and with con- basic premise is that “every human cern for others is evident throughout being has the right to express himself the book. sexually and in his own way so long An array of cardiovascular condi- as he does not infringe on the rights of tions and the limitations surrounding others.” Preston and Margolin include Sound Sex and the Aging Heart. Lee D. them are presented. At the same time, teenagers in their definition of human Scheingold and Nathaniel N. Wagner, prescriptions for physical activity and being and they hope teenagers will New York, NY: Human Sciences Press, the manner in which these derived look at sex as pleasurable. 1974. (169 pp.; $7.95). are explored. The conclusions and The book covers the usual areas of data for this are based on the authors anatomy, pregnancy, contraception, Reviewed by Evalyn S. Cendel, M.D. involvement with the Washington abortion, VD, masturbation, and State Health Association Cardiac Work homosexuality. It even has a chapter This book offers well written expla- Evaluation Clinic. Although the focus entitled “Off the Beaten Path” which nations of questions asked and un- is on the aging heart, anyone with a briefly discusses topics such as trans- asked in the anxiety-ridden area of cardiac problem will find a vast sexualism, transvestism, fetishism, sexual activity and heart disease, ag- amount of information concisely and sadism, and masochism. Because the ing or not. The authors have deline- clearly communicated. authors are answering questions ated the normal function of the heart An overall consideration for aging young people really wonder about with explicit descriptions of how the and the factors which influence the instead of those which professionals most frequent disorders occur in this aging process, both psychological and think they should ask, this book normal pattern, whether the disease physiological, afford the reader an ex- stands out as filling a real need, espe- is inherited or acquired or occurs cellent framework for a perspective cially for the more sophisticated teen- through an evolutionary aging pro- on aging where the chronological atti- ager. cess. tudinal “mix” is evident as a major For sure, many parents won’t want There is special consideration given element. their children reading the answers to to the desexualization of various indi- Finally, there emerges a configura- questions like: “What does a boy’s viduals including those who are grow- tion of the complex pervasiveness of semen taste like?” or “Is it all right to ing older and are concerned with a sexuality throughout the life of an in- use a vibrator on your sex organs?” “mid life” reassessment often de- dividual. The critical impact on con- But for those people who complain picted as a time of crisis. tinuing intellectual growth and phys- that most books at best soft pedal The authors provide a sensitive ical well being which an understand- pleasure, this book will be welcome. analysis of myths surrounding disabil- ing of one’s own sexuality offers, be- a SIECUS Report, November, 1974 comes more pronounced as the scope ences into the text which might have sists that sexual expression is a social of this work is absorbed. helped to add personalness and per- experience and it is the quality of This is a thoroughly enjoyable book mission to be sexual, both essential to social intimacy that makes it so. for which the audience is unlimited. It an intellectually and emotionally inte- His book will give little comfort is useful to individuals looking for in- grated approach to sexuality. either to those who argue that sexual formation about personal cardiac con- She concludes with a section on abstinence is the only path to follow, ditions and sexual activity. Far more, counseling and family adjustment or to those who think recreational sex it is for those who work with patients, which clinches the book’s basic orien- (“balling”) should be accepted with- clients, counselors, and students as an tation to the professional rather than out question. Defining sexuality as adjunct to their current professional or to the disabled, nonprofessional read- broadly as he does, Hettlinger would experiential knowledge, or as a re- er. The content of the chapter on say that abstinence is impossible- view, or as a reminder of the need for counseling is brief and offers some from intercourse, yes; from sexual ex- individualization about‘ sexuality, dis- useful perspective to help the counsel- pression, no. Recreational sex, unless ease and aging. A, PR or understand the client and the prob- a certain commitment is involved, will lems shared with his/her partner. A, in the long run lead to ennui and dis- PR illusion if not to exploitation and alienation. He dismisses the argu- ment that “an occasional experience *By invitation. Dr. Cole is Professor, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Reha- of recreational sex is symptomatic of serious emotional immaturity,” but he Sexual Adjustment, A Guide for the bilitation, University of Minnesota Spinal Cord Injured. Martha Ferguson does say, Medical School. Gregory. Bloomington, IL: Accent on I, . . . thecollegestudentshouldgrad- Living Inc. P.O. Box 726,1974. (73 pp.; uate from this type of behavior as $4.95). definitely as he or she has graduated from high school. The values and Reviewedby Theodore M. Co/e, M.D.* influence of those who advocate im- personal sex as a way of life or prac- This is a new addition to the slowly tice it in preference to affective and growing body of literature on sex and integrative relationships may have the physically disabled. Its compact Sex Isn’t That Simple: The New Sex- long-term consequences for our so- size and its soft and attractive cover all uality on Campus. Richard Hettlinger. ciety.” contribute toward the likelihood that New York, NY: Seabury Press, 1974. it will be picked up and read. (250 pp. $3.50 paper). Applying his philosophy of respon- Its title suggests that it is written for Existential Sexuality: Choosing to sible decision-making for growth and the spinal cord injured person him- love. Peter Koestenbaum. Englewood creative experience in interpersonal self or herself. Its content and style, Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1974. relationships Hettlinger has a chapter, however, are unmistakably academic (179 pp. $2.45 paper). “Gay Can Be Good.” In discussing (it is taken from a graduate thesis writ- homosexual relations, he hopes for ten by an able-bodied woman who is Reviewed by Lester A. Kirkendall the time when, married to a quadriplegic man) and its Ph.D. “People will be able to accept the content, therefore, is more appropriate fact that it doesn’t really matter all for professional people who work in These two booksareconcerned with that much whether or not they are the area of physical disability. The putting human sexuality into a broad, homosexual, but that it does matter first half of the book deals with physio- philosophical context. It may be hap- whether their sexual relations with logical and psychological aspects of penstance that both have appeared in others are mature and creative. Both spinal cord injury and serves as a the same summer. Perhaps, however, heterosexuals and homosexuals will framework for the second half which this represents the growing need to be set free from a compulsive need focuses more upon sexual adjustment. find a meaningful, more penetrating to demonstrate what they are and Sexual adjustment is discussed both focus for human sexuality. With the able to concern themselves with physiologically and behaviorally. The diminishing importance and desirabil- how they are as sexual beings.” author’s choice of literature citations ity of using sex for procreation, other leaves this reviewer to detect a ten- questions arise: what is its purpose- Regardless of the nature of the experi- dency to treat other than genital sex for hedonistic pleasure, for titillation, ence-group marriage, prostitution, acts as allowable and not to be con- for relieving tensions? Perhaps, but pornography, premarital intercourse, sidered perverse but nonetheless not Hettlinger and Koestenbaum are say- virginity, masturbation-Hettlinger al- quite as “normal” or desirable as ing that choice is more than yielding ways returns to his basic philosophy to penile-vaginal intercourse. Also same- to impulse-there is a philosophical justify this position. sex relationships are almost entirely framework which needs to be taken Sex Isn’t That Simple will be val- overlooked. This results in a less than into account. uable to students in still another way. affirmative and positive attitude to- Hettlinger’s central concern is “to Hettlinger looks briefly but searching- ward the wide variety of sex acts help people recognize the complexity ly at the ideas advanced by such per- which may occur between consenting of sexual relationships and develop an sons as Freud, Marcuse, Reiss, Hugh adults. The author seems not to have enjoyment of sexuality as a creative Hefner, Masters and Johnson, Albert injected herself and her own experi- element in personal growth.” He in- Ellis, Havelock Ellis, Norman Brown,

SIECUS Report, November, 1974 9 Sherfey, Millett and others. An appen- He adds that, corded sex-oriented confessions in dix provides some basic facts about Roman Catholic churches in Italy. A “The conventions of society are a birth control, abortion and venereal bestseller in that country, the book powerful given-both in terms of the disease. earned banning by the Church and ex- strength of the laws and the weight Koestenbaum in Existential Sexual- communication of its journalist au- of social ostracism. The pervert has ity comes to his philosophy through thors. In a Watergate era when our chosen a countersocial behavior pat- his interest in existential psychology consciences have been honed a bit tern. And it is from the asocial char- fortified by his experience in counsel- concerning deceptive information- acter of his response that he suffers, ing and experiences at Esalen. His con- gathering and ends-justify-means ap- not from the response itself. The tention is that sexuality can be com- proaches, we rightly raise serious problem is therefore how he can bined with or dropped from many dif- moral questions about the authors’ come to terms with the asocial char- ferent patterns of living if an methodology. Granted, it produced acter of his responses. This dilemma individual understands and accepts useful results: authentic and represen- he can solve by first placing himself honestly the meaning and conse- tative responses of Italian Catholic in touch with that part of his life- quence of his choice. Being a human- priests to sex-related confessions. style over which he does have free istic psychologist the discussion is Granted, the “penitents” were actually control.” much concerned with such matters part of the investigative team, so no as body concepts, authenticity, com- There will be no disagreement when genuine confessions were violated. mitment, existential sex, freedom, the conventions of society are de- But confessional booths were bugged, choices, the surrender/conquest syn- scribed as a “powerful given,” but is the clergy was tricked. And, though on drome, self-disclosure, the determina- the task of adjustment solely and this side of the ocean some claims for tion of limits, resistance, values, and strictly that of the individual? the sanctity of privileged communica- responsibility. To make the meaning There is a kind of indiscriminate tion in government have been of these terms clear, Koestenbaum lumping together of various sexual ex- stretched beyond credulity, I do not includes numerous illustrations and pressions in a way which implies that believe that even the need for the in- case histories. The concern is to free each may or may not be a perversion. formation in this book justifies the people to choose that which isauthen- Thus he comments that the sexual itch, willful violation of confidentiality in tic for them. Many illustrations experi- counseling and confession. “can be satisfied in any number of enced through counseling are in- So much for the method. The con- ways: through heterosexual inter- cluded. His interest extends (in Chap- tents are illuminating, somewhat pre- course, through homosexual inter- ters 13-16) to existential parenthood. dictable, fascinating, at times repeti- course, through masturbation, The book is directed to those who tious and boring, depressing and, oc- through sodomy and other perver- are heterosexually based, open to ex- casionally, hopeful-all of the above. sions.” perimenting within conventional lim- The “penitents” geared their “confes- its, and psychologically oriented. Fxis- No definition of perversion is given. sions” to six general areas for clerical tential Sexuality is thus limited in its With what we currently know of hu- response. First, are there any bound- appeal. man sexuality how should it be de- aries for permissible, “love play” At a couple of points (Chapter 6) fined? May not existing social pat- within marriage? (Priestly responses: further elaboration and updating seem terns themselves be perverse? Or do love play is permissible, even neces- needed. First, Koestenbaum takes al- we now need the term at all? sary, if preparatory to complete in- most no account of the extensive ex- Both authors’ efforts to relate sex- tercourse; used without introjection perimentation and pluralistic lifestyles uality to a life philosophy have much and emission, however, it is sinful.) which now occupy the time and atten- merit, and they should be thanked for Second, can intercourse by engaged tion, particularly of the sexually avant- this contribution. LT, A, PR couples, who have not yet practiced it, garde. Second, he fails to take into be sanctioned? (Responses: the great adequate account both the possibility majority were strictly uncompromis- and desirability of reevaluating and/ ing; the few conciliatory priests still or changing social attitudes toward gave no real permission.) Third, can sexual conduct. More flexibility is engaged couples who have been hav- needed here. The point is made that ing intercourse continue todoso with- the “only irrevocable given, uninter- out jeopardizing full participation in preted, and invariable fact about sex the Church? (Responses: the priestly is a specific kind of genital “itch” or a Sex and the Confessional. Norberto Va- majority would give absolution if the lentini and Clara Di Meglio, Eds. generalized urge of pursuit.” This is, penitent promised to stop the prac- (Translated by S. Davis). New York, tice; a small minority were more flex- “Superimposed.. . [upon] two kinds NY: Stein and Day, 1974. (213 pp.; ible.) Fourth, what of the situation of of interpretations: inaccessible and $6.95). the unmarried middle-aged woman accessible, unfree and free. Inac- yearning for love and sexual expres- cessible interpretations are learned, Reviewed by lames B. Nelson* sion? (Responses: unanimous insis- but learned early and learned so tence upon absolute chastity.) Fifth, thoroughly that the individual The expose nature of the title is what of contraception within marital seems to have lost all free control accurate: this book, with a bare mini- intercourse? (Responses: a mixed pic- over them. Accessible interpretations mum of commentary, consists of se- ture-about one-third traditionally in- are social conventions, ideas, and lected transcripts from 636 tape-re- transigent, a third permissive, and a fads.” 10 SIECUS Report, November, 1974 third absolving the “innocent” part- begging final chapter, may have con- Part III, Sexual Behavior in Cross- ner who merely acquiesced in the oth- tributed to these needed changes- cultural Perspective is conceived as er’s use of contraception.) Sixth, can a almost in spite of themselves. A, PR an extension of the findings in Ford separated or divorced person form a and Beach’s classical study, Patterns new love-sex bond with another? of Sexual Behavior. The five articles (Responses: four-fifths insisted upon in this section feature sexual patterns *By invitation. Dr. Nelson is Professor complete chastity, but one-fifth in Scandinavia, Germany, United of Christian Ethics, United Theological granted absolution and some kind of States, Canada, England, and Gusii Seminary, Minneapolis, MN. permission.) (southwest Kenya). The best known The most disheartening thing about authors are Luckey and Nass, and the majority of priestly attitudes por- Christensen and Gregg. trayed here is the rigorism with which Part IV extends further to studies of they perceive a supposedly immutable, special populations, including older inflexible, and external law which persons, pregnant married and un- takes precedence over the variety of Perspectives on Human Sexuality: married women, swinging couples, human feelings, needs, and situations. Psychological, Social and Cultural Re- and rape victims. Linked with this is the constant focus search Findings. Nathaniel N. Wagner: The contribution of the editor is con- upon external acts (including “how New York: Behavioral Publications, fined to an introductory statement and many times did you . . . ?“), with 1974. (528 pp.; $14.95, $6.95 paper). a prelude to each part-each slightly little concern for the meaning of acts over a page in length, plus coauthor- to persons, and little recognition of Reviewed by LesterA. Kirkendall, Ph.D. ship of two essays. This book is pro- the possibility of moral ambiguity in duced by photocopying typewritten life. Sadly interweaving the priestly This book of 23 readings, provides pages, but it is clear-cut, easy to read, responses, also, are ample instances of original research materials in human and a good representation of the rela- male sexism and of the occasional sexuality for college and medical stu- tively inexpensive book format we are lascivious pressing for intimate sexual dents. Part I has to do with sex differ- more and more likely to see. A, PR details. It needs be said that a minor- ences and the development of sexual- ity of priests, to their credit, appear to ity. Articles by Freud, Money, Schmidt be more healthy, humanly sensitive, and Sigusch and others deal in various and theologically perceptive than the ways with the psychological conse- majority. quences of physical anatomy-sex- The reader should bear in mind that role stereotypes, homosexuality as the Italian Catholic Church is hardly an aspect of sexual dimorphism, early representative of many other Catholic and late maturation in girls, the extent ABOUT THE REVIEWERS branches, nor is this a valid picture of to which women are prejudiced against the Christian Church at large. How- women, sexual differences in response Reviews of books, booklets, journal ever, three general conclusions are to sexual stimulation, and an interest- articles and audio-visuals are written unavoidable: First, the entire Christian ing if fruitless effort to distinguish dif- by present and former members of the Church must reclaim and effectively ferences in male and female orgasm SIECUS Board and Staff. Background communicate a responsible sex- (none, except the female’s propensity information about present Board positive ethic. Second, whatever other for multiple orgasm, could be found). members and staff can be found on virtues it may have, priestly celibacy Part II deals with psychological fac- the back cover of the SIECUS Reports. more often than not is detrimental to tors in sexual behavior and features Identification of former Board mem- helpful sexual counseling. And third, authors such as Rainwater, Reiss, bers follows: theological education (whatever the Clark and Wallin, Abramson, Lo- religious affiliation) needs thorough Piccolo, and Manosevitz. The subjects Warren R. Johnson, Ed.D., Professor and effective programs of professional include sexual behavior in lower class of Health Education and Director, sex education which deal not onlywith groups, Negro-White sexual permis- Children’s Health and Developmen- accurate sex information and sound siveness, the relation of women’s sex- tal Clinic, University of Maryland, theological perspectives but also with ual responsiveness to the length and College Park, MD. the individual’s own sexual feelings quality of their marriages, masturba- and self-understanding. The authors, tion and personality attributes, value Harold I. Lief, M.D., Professor of Psy- even with their objectionable meth- differences between mother and chiatry, Director of Center for the ods, their own irritating moral rigor- daughters, and differences in early Study of Sex Education in Medicine, ism (albeit of a different stripe than sexual behavior of homosexual and University of Pennsylvania School the priests’), and their odd question- heterosexual males. of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.

Audience Level Indicators. The bold type letter(s) following book reviews indicate the general audience level. Keys to categories are as follows: C-Children (elementary grades), ET-Early teens (junior high), LT-Late teens (senior high), A-College, general adult public, P-Parents, PR-Professionals (educators, physicians, clergy, public health workers, nurses, etc.).

SIECUS Report, November, 1974 11 I

i AUDIO-VISUAL REVIEWS I 1

Audio-visualmaterialis reviewedby Derek 1. Burleson, Ed.D., S/ECUS Director of Educationaland Research Services, unless otherwise indicated

On Being Gay. Cassette Tape, discus- this cassette will be informative; for There’s A New You Comin’-For Girls. sion manual. Thesis, P.O. Box 11724, others, consciousness-raising. It will Sound filmstrip, LP Record or Cas- Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Price: $6.98. assuredly stimulate more informed sette. Marsh Film, P.O. Box 8082, and sensitive discussion about a topic Shawnee Mission, KS 66208. Price: This audio-cassette, originally pro- that is still shrouded with ignorance $17 with record, $20 with cassette. duced for use in study programs in the and “sick” jokes. For high school, Presbyterian Church on the topic of college and adult groups this audio- homosexuality, has fortunately been cassette and its helpful discussion This is the companion filmstrip for released for educational use by any manual will provide resource material girls to the one for boys with the same group interested in dealing with for several sessions. title (See review SR Jan. ‘74). It covers homosexuality on both a cognitive and the physical and emotional develop- emotional level. The voices and view- ment of the prepubertal girl and points heard on the cassette include should find ready acceptance in the in- Phyllis Lyon, a nationally known au- termediate grades of many communi- thority on lesbianism and co-author It Couldn’t Happen to Me. 16 mm ties. Unfortunately, the decision to with Del Martin of Lesbian Woman; sound/color, 28 min. Perennial Educa- produce separate filmstrips for boys Bill Johnson, a minister in the United tion, Inc., 1825 Willow Road. P.O. Box and girls practically assures that they Church of Christ whose ordination in 236, Northfield, IL 60093. Price: $300; will be shown in segregated settings. 1972 was the subject of much contro- rental, $30. Most likely the boys will not see the versy because of his acknowledged girls’ filmstrip and the girls will not homosexuality; Herbert Vandervoort, Contrary to the title this is not a see the boys’ filmstrip. The real loss, a psychiatrist who directs the Sex “scare” film about premarital sex. It of course, is the valuable learning Counseling Center of the University of does recognize that many young peo- that takes place when boys and girls California Medical School in San Fran- ple today are sexually active and at- are together allowed to ask questions cisco; Walter Barnett, a professor of tempts to analyze some of the pres- and discuss feelings and attitudes law at the University of California and sures at work in the youth culture to- about each other. This will never hap- author of Sexual Freedom and the day which inhibit the use of effective pen in sex-segregated classes which Constitution; Ross Greek, pastor of the methods of birth control. Opinions of only perpetuate the attitude that it West Hollywood Presbyterian Church professionals are interspersed with somehow isn’t proper to discuss our who has ministered to the homosexual discussions among young people on bodies in the presence of the opposite community in his parish for many the topic of contemporary sexual at- sex. When will we learn! years; and Dr. David Napier, president titudes. A variety of points of view are On the positive side this filmstrip of the Pacific School of Religion, the presented from those young people does an effective job of explaining the seminary where Bill Johnson studied who still firmly believe that sex be- range in growth rates, and technical for the ministry. longs in marriage to those who see vocabulary is defined in terms appro- Complementing the professional nothing wrong with it as long as there priate for the age group intended. insights of the above are interviews, is no exploitation by either partner. Menstruation is handled in a positive with two young gay persons, Jim and I Especially effective is a discussion manner without the pronatalist tone Lyndall, whose fears, confusions, and among a group of pregnant teenagers so prevalent in much menstruation ed- parental conflicts over their homo- talking about such reasons for not ucation material. Sound guidance on sexuality provide excellent case stud- using birth control as guilt about sex, personal hygiene and nutrition is ies of the problems faced by gay peo- desire for spontaneity, denial of risk, also covered. It is encouraging to ple, in a society that has been tradi- fear of parents’ reactions, and lack of see educational materials beginning tionally hostile to variant forms of sex- adequate information about the var- to acknowledge new roles for women ual expression. While there is con- ious methods. All in all this is a bal- as this filmstrip does when it makes siderable emphasis on the audio- anced film which should find wide use the statement,” . . . quiet times will cassette about the role of the church with older high school students and give your mind some exercise, while in dealing with the issue of homosex- college students. It also is good pro- you think over all the terrific possibil- uality, this should in no way inhibit gram material for parent education ities for women today, and what kind its use with other groups. For some, programs. of tomorrow you want for yourself.”

12 SIECUS Report, November, 1974 VD-Kids Get It Too. 41 min., 16mm, savings. “This place is the first time I 1. “An Assessment of Knowledge of Con- sound/color. ACI Films, 35 West 45 ever stopped. I’ve been blowing traception Methodology” Street, New York, NY 10036. Price: around like a piece of paper,“says T.J. Beverly Batchelder $190. He is ready to make a commitment to 313 North 24th St. another person and Shilly is very La Crosse, WI 54601 This is a film about family conflict much on his mind. 2. “Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Re- rather than venereal disease and Shilly, on the other hand, has been sponse During Sexual Activity” therefore will have minimal value for hurt too many times to be able to re- Eleanor D. Rhodes VD education programs. The dramatic ciprocate to his expressions of tender- c/o Dept. of Physiological Nursing University of Washington ness and concern. Her desolate and episode around which this film is de- Seattle, WA veloped gets in the way of its presen- lonely life is portrayed in one episode tation of the vital information about where she goes to bed with Mike, the 3. “Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes and Psychophysiological Responses As- symptoms, consequences, and pre- local gas station attendant, an affair sociated with a Family Life and Sex vention that is essential in any VD that is short-lived as he moves on to Education Unit Administered to Col- educational material. another part of the state. Another epi- lege Freshmen” Kathy, a fourteen-year-old girl from sode involves a surprise visit by Miltiades Vorgeas a middle class background, is diag- Shilly’s mother, an alcoholic prosti- 33 Pickam Road nosed as having gonorrhea. Her tute who has been a drifter all of her Salem, MA 01970 mother is in a state of emotional dis- adult life. Shilly sees herself repeating 4. “The Effects of a Program of Sex Ed- tress, unable to accept the fact that the pattern of her mother’s empty life. ucation on the Attitudes of Junior her little girl could have this awful She comes to the realization that she High School Students and Their Par- ents” disease. The father spends a lot of film needs T.J. and he needs her. For the Chrisann Diprizio time trying to console the mother, but first time in her life Shilly has come to 8417 N. Monticello does have the presence of mind to lis- know what it means to give and re- Skokie, IL 60076 ten to the doctor and sees to it that his ceive love. daughter gets treatment for the infec- This “slice of life” drama can be en- 5. “Family Planning: Is Nursing Educa- tion Meeting Its Responsibility?” tion. Kathy is sullen, insolent and to- joyed strictly as a film whose script Zorka Acevedo tally uncooperative. Onlythrough the and acting are first rate. As an educa- 5 Emerson Place kindly guidance of the doctor is she tional film, which is its intent, it can Upper Montclair, NJ 07043 made aware of the seriousness of the serve effectively as a discussion ve- 6. “Pregnancy: The Social Meaning of a disease, and in the scenes with the hicle for young adults wrestling with Physiological Event” doctor the viewer does learn a few the issue of what is involved in mak- Ruth Seiden Miller facts about VD. Given the epidemic ing a commitment to another person. P.O. Box 531 nature of VD today it is difficult to It is unlikely that the characters of Waquoit, MA 02536 recommend any VD educational ma- Shilly and T.J. fall within the experi- 7. “Sexual Behavior and Fertility Control terial that does not deal directly and ence of many of the potential viewers Among Inner City Adolescents: explicitly with preventive measures. of this film, but as a case study of a Charles B. Arnold, M.D. and This film fails to do so. relationship, it provides many avenues Madelon L. Finkel for thoughtful discussion. Graduate School of Public Administra- tion New York University 4 Washington Square New York. NY 10003

8. “Stimulating Change in Moral Judge- Truck Stop. 16mm sound, color or ment: An Experimental Validation of b&w, 28 min. Paulist Productions, P.O. an Innovative Educational Approach Box 1057, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. to Sexual Morality: Price: $325 color, $160 b&w; rental: Mary E. Speicher 316 Larson Hall $18.95 color, $12.95 b&w. Harvard University Appian Way What does it take to make a commit- Cambridge, MA 02138 ment to another person? In this short 9. “A Study of Parent and Teacher Atti- absorbing drama we follow the evolu- RESEARCH tudes Toward Sex Education” tion of a rootless young woman from a AWARD Jennifer Stucker, Robert Bjerke, and life of one-night affairs and a succes- ENTRIES Patrick Maher sion of jobs to the potential of a com- c/o 41 Motors 6000 Pacific Blvd. mitted and caring relationship with an In addition to the winners, the fol- Huntington Park, CA 90255 older man, who was himself a drifter. lowing studies were entered in the Shilly works as a waitress in a seedy 1974 SIECUS Research Award Pro- 10. “A Study of Sex Information Sources truck-stop diner. Its owner, T.J., has gram. Included are the names and ad- within a Secondary School - A Health Education Research Project” lived the transient life of a truck driv- dresses of the investigators. None of Patricia Marcklinger er, but now has found some perma- these studies has been published, but Amherst Central High School nence and goal in life in this little fellow researchers might wish to cor- 4301 Main St. diner in which he has invested his life respond with the investigators. Amherst, NJ 14226

SIECUS Report, November, 1974 13 Continued from page 7 exploitive. I believe that one’s sexuality can become a positive tion as acceptable sexual behavior on many other grounds force and as self-affirming as any other dimension of our be- than inherent self-pleasuring. Why the need to excuse it at ing. In too many instances individual human potential is all? The essence of this pleasurable act lies in the dimension thwarted and denied because of sexual fears, threats and self- to self-awareness and self-confidence that it may provide doubts. Assent to our sexuality must begin within ourselves. and that otherwise may not be found. A dramatic result can Can we permit us and others to be sexual? This may be what be the development of self-confidence in one’s own compe- is best about the SIECUS Position Statement. It gives us that tence. This occurred with a twenty-five year old man afflicted permission. I applaud SIECUS for taking a stand to insure to with cerebral palsy who proudly told me that in his world individuals their right to be sexual. I am concerned that those filled with constant reminders of his dependency on others, of us who agree with this Statement take heart from SIECUS masturbation was one thing he could do for himself and he and communicate this message widely. I will venture that the did a “damn good job!” more the SIECUS Statement is promoted, the more helpful Masturbation can and does alleviate premenstrual ten- the positive connotation of masturbation will be. sion for many women. It can confirm to individuals that they My greatest concern is not so much with the acceptance are sexual beings who are sexually responsive, to the en- of this Position Statement among sex educated persons, as it hancement of their self-image. Self-pleasuring and its accom- is with the communication of the essence of this message to panying fantasies can be a rich experience in an otherwise all individuals. That concern accounts for the title of this tedious existence. It was so for one man who confided that article. How do we reach individuals and share such a positive the sexual fantasies and self-pleasuring he anticipated and attitude? Merely saying such formerly taboo words as experienced helped him get through the long day as he sat in masturbation usually elicits shock or puzzlement accompa- his chair at the nursing home. Or, it can be a comfort as it nied by a putting off polite response. Yet most people are was to my widowed friend who reported that masturbation interested and eager for information, permission and comfort was a preferred behavior at the peak of her grief for the lost about their sexuality and sexual behaviors. The fact that we lover who had been her husband. Our sexuality has no pa- know that the majority of individuals do masturbate, in con- rameters but is a part of our total being - thus it is natural trast to the strong taboo in talking about it, presents a puz- to experience our bodies joyfully rather than in fear or guilt, zling dichotomy to communicators, educators and counselors. in such a way that the experience is a positive one. In this society, new ways of communicating some personal To know and enjoy oneself is a prerequisite for a positive messages have become playful, creative and fun. Therefore, self-concept, self-realization and self-esteem, qualities essen- suggested a friend, why not spread the message as others tial for positive human growth. Isn’t it time that professional do? How about a bumper sticker “Honk! If You Mastur- sex therapists and counselors, those of us who see masturba- bate!“? Would this cause silence and shock? Or, perhaps, the tion as positive, pleasurable, comforting behavior, take an af- noise of the responding horns might be a fitting, contem- firmative stand for it? The SIECUS Position Statement does porary and affirmative orchestration for our own sexuality. just that. Sex need not, nor should it, be always solemn. All affirma- People should not have to apologize for their sexuality tions of life build bulwarks against the life- and joy-destroy- and those sexual expressions of it that are private and non- ing forces we daily live with.

Continued from page 2 Continued from page 4 turned to the police if he had escaped after suspecting his effects of premarital intercourse, information availability, hosts, the mass murderers Corrll and Henley. benign effect of several partners, and community attitudes. The carrot in the armament is the message that our views Effects of premarital coitus and information availability con- of sexuality are somewhat of a piece, but the sexual world to tinued to be significantly related to guilt and to account for which those laws refer is not of this day, it is not of the world at least one per cent of the variance of sexual guilt when that relates to personal optimization, or increased marital subjected to multiple regression analysis. satisfaction, or better parenthood, or some human base for a Sex information was negatively related to sexual guilt better understanding in an age which daily seems colder and and was the fourth most potent predictor of sexual guilt more mechanical. in a multiple regression analysis. Sex information was pos- The role that SIECUS has taken in enunciating and stand- itively related to overall sexual activity. This relationship did ing for the basic principles is important here. These principles not reflect increasing promiscuity as sex information im- encompass some of the most significant concerns which are proved, but rather reflected subjects with high sex informa- involved with anachronistic laws as matters of fact rather tion scores as participating in more types of sexual activity, than as matters of issue. The views as to sexual orientation, particularly oral-genital stimulation. explicit sexual material and sex laws contained in the position Higher sex information was significantly related to hold- statements constitute a challenge to the American sexual con- ing a more liberal position on attitude factors regarding non- sciousness which would find wide support. If these positions marital sexual activity, the effect of having several sexual can be kept to the fore, if they can be supplemented by a partners and the harshness with which sex offenders should broad, positively presented program of sexual information, be treated. then sanity and public interest may prevail over an anachron- Greater present religious interest was found to be sig- istic puritanism. Our day may see the end of those immoral nificantly related to holding a more conservative position on morality laws. all attitude factors except the factor related to the harshness William P. Brown, Ph.D. with which sex offenders should be punished.

14 SIECUS Report, November, 1974 SIECUS OFFICERS-1974 HASKELL R. COPLIN, Ph.D. LESTER A. KIRKENDALL. Ph.D. PHILIP M. SARREL, M.D. Professor Emeritus of Family Associate Professor of Obstetrics President-Evalyn S. Gendel. M.D. Professor of Psychology Amherst College Life Education and Gvnecolonv and Director, President-Elect-Wardell 8. Pomeroy, Ph.D. Amherst, Massachusetts Oregon State University Yale S&uality Program Vice-Presidents- Corvallis, Oregon Yale University School of Medicine Diane B. Brashear, M.S.W., Ph.D. RABBI DAVID M. FELDMAN, D.H.L. New Haven, Connecticut Bav Ridge Jewish Center J. Noel Macy DANIEL H. LABBY, M.D. Brooklyn-, New York Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry SALLIE SCHUMACHER, Ph.D. The Rev. Leon Smith, Ed.D. University of Oregon Medical School Director, Human Sexuality Center LORNA BROWN FLYNN, M.A. Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical Center Secretary-Deryck D. Calderwood, Ph.D. Portland, Oregon Treasurer-John A. Malloy, M.A. Washington, D.C. New Hyde Park, New York ‘EVALYN S. GENDEL, M.D. ROBERT J. LEVIN, M.A LARRY PAUL SCOll Director, Division of Maternal and Articles Editor Personnel Manager Child Health Redbook Magazine Touche, Ross & Company Kansas State Department of Health New York, New York Newark, New Jersey Topeka, Kansas E. JAMES LIEBERMAN, M.D.. M.P.H. ETHELRINE SHAW, R.N., M.S THE REV. WILLIAM M. GENNf, M.A., B.D Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry Assistant Professor Coordinator of Family Ministries Howard University Medical School School of Nursing SIECUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS-1974 National Council of Churches Washington, D.C. Ohio State Universitv Board members are not serving New York, New York Columbus, Ohio SIECUS as reoresentatives of their ROBERT C. LONG, M.D. JAMES A. SIEFKES. B.D. organizations, but as individuals. SADJA GOLDSMITH, M.D., M.P.H. Associate Professor of Obstetrics Director for Discovering Ministries Medical Director. Teenaae Services and Gynecology and Director. Division for Service and Planned Parenthaod of gan Francisco Division of Human Sexuality Mission in America San Francisco, California University of Louisville School The American Lutheran Church of Medicine Minneapolis, Minnesota *GEORGIA NEESE GRAY Louisville, Kentucky *ALAN P. BELL, Ph.D. Vice Chairman LAURA J. SINGER, Ed.D. Senior Research Psychologist Capitol City State Bank & Trust Co. TED MclLVENNA Former President, American Association of Institute for Sex Research Topeka, Kansas San Francisco, California Marriage and Family Counseiors, and Indiana University RICHARD GREEN, M.D. Adjunct Associate Professor Bloomington, Indiana *J. NOEL MACY Professor, Department of Psychiatry Teachers College, Columbia University Washington, D.C. New York, New York ‘DIANE B. BRASHEAR, M.S.W., Ph.D. and Behavioral Science Private Practice State University of New York *JOHN A. MALLOY. M.A. *THE REV. LEON SMITH, Ed.D. Indianapolis, Indiana at Stony Brook Greenwich, Connecticut Director of Education for Stony Brook, New York Marriage and Family Life WILLIAM P. BROWN, Ph.D. MARCELLA MARTINEZ PERRY E. GROSS, M.D. United Methodist Church Professor of Criminal Justice Assistant Director, Tourism for Jamaica Nashville, Tennessee School of Criminal Justice General Practice Jamaica Tourist Board State University of New York, Albany Dallas, Texas New York, New York *MORTON SONTHEIMER Albany, New York President, Sontheimer & Co., Inc THE REV. WALTER HARRELSON, Th.0. J. ROBERT MOSKIN. M.A. New York, New York JUNE DOBBS BUTTS, Ed.D. Dean and Professor of Old Testament Editor-at-large Divinity School, Vanderbilt University Saturday Review/World Magazine ROBERT STAPLES, Ph.D. Department of Public Health Associate Professor Nashville, Tennessee New York. New York University of Massachusetts Department of Sociology Amherst, Massachusetts JACQUELYN JOHNSON JACKSON, Ph.D. RICHARD A. MYREN, LL.6.. J.D. University of California Associate Professor of Medical Sociology San Francisco, California ‘DERYCK 0. CALDERWOOD, Ph.D. Department of Psychiatry Dean and Professor Associate Professor of Health Education State University of New York Duke University Medical Center Albany, New York METTE STRONG New York University School of Education Durham, North Carolina Greenwich, Connecticut New York, New York MICHAEL PHILLIPS *G. WILLIAM JONES, M.Th., Ph.D. Treasurer ROBERT M. VEATCH, B.D.. Ph.D. MICHAEL CARRERA. Ed.0. Associate Professor of Film Art Associate for Medical Ethics Glide Foundation The Institute of Society, Ethics and Associate Professor of Health Education Southern Methodist UniVerSitY San Francisco, California Community Health Education Program Dallas. Texas the Life Sciences Hunter Collage Institute of the ‘WARDELL B. POMEROY. Ph.D Hastings-on-Hudson. New York Health Sciences HELEN SINGER KAPLAN, M.D., Ph.D. Psychotherapist VERNON E. WILSON, M.D. New York, New York Head, Sex Therapy and New York, New York Professor of Community Health Education Program and Medical Practice DONALD H. RIDDLE, Ph.D. *RICHARD A. CHILGREN, M.D. Payne Whitney Clinic of the University of Missouri Director, Program in Human Sexuality New York Hosoital President Columbia, Missouri University of Minnesota Medical School Cornell iniversiiy Medical College John Jay College of Criminal Justice Minneapolis, Minnesota New York, New York New York, New York * Denotes Executive Committee member

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