The Psychology of Sex

What can psychology teach us about sex? How do different bodies and minds respond sexually? How can we prevent people being stigmatised for their sexuality? The Psychology of Sex takes you on a tour through the different ways that psychologists have researched and theorised, and created and sustained, certain understandings of sex and sexuality. The book explores cultural concerns, such as sex and technology, trauma and consent, as well as drawing on research from sexual communities and the applied area of sex therapy. When so much of our relationship to sex happens in the mind, The Psychology of Sex shows us how important it is to understand where our ideas about sex, and our erotic desires, come from.

Dr. Meg-John Barker is a writer and illustrator with a background in academic psychology, sex and relationship therapy, and queer activism. They've published a number of graphic guides and self-help style books on the themes of sex, gender, relationships and mental health, as well as free books and zines on topics such as trauma, consent and plurality. Website: rewriting-the-rules.com.

Foreword to the new edition 1 Psychology and sex 2 Sex and sexuality 3 'Proper' sex 4 'Normal' sex 5 Sex debates 6 Un/conscious sex Further resources