The Cultural Context of Sexual Pleasure and Problems

Using rich case material and research presented by distinguished authorities in the fields of sex, couple, family, and psychotherapy, this edited book contributes to our efforts to help individuals and couples increase their sexual satisfaction. The authors explore social and cultural backgrounds, the meaning of sexual problems in specific cultural contexts, and the way in which culture presents challenges to traditional psychotherapy. More importantly, they answer the question: should therapists accept any and all behaviors, values, and attitudes that are considered normal, even if they violate the therapist's own cultural standards? The case studies identify challenging cultural issues and provide clinicians with culturally sensitive treatment options. The book's sections also separate chapters based on the degree to which psychological treatments are recognized and utilized for dealing with sexual problems in different countries, making it an ideal reference for professionals and students. The concluding chapter looks at culture through the lens of the provider, rather than the patient, and ties together the major themes and questions posed.

Kathryn S.K. Hall, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Princeton, New Jersey, where she specializes in the treatment of sexual disorders. Cynthia A. Graham, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Southampton, England, and a research fellow at The Kinsey Institute for Resarch in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University. She is also Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Sex Research.

Hall, Graham, Introduction. Part I: Minorities: The Need for Cultural Sensitivity. Nichols, Same Sex Sexuality from a Global Perspective. Kelly, Shelton, African American Couples and Sex. Melendez, Dickenson, Sol, Guzman, Guyot, Molina, Understanding Latina Women's Sexuality in the US: Analysis of an Innovative HIV Prevention Program. Part II: Psychotherapy is not Practiced Here: Cultural Challenges. Savage, The Multi-cultural Complexity of Sexuality in Cameroon. Zargooshi, Rahmanian, Motaee, Kohzadi, Nourizad, Culturally based Sexual Problems in Traditional Sections of Kermanshah, Iran. Youn, Challenges Facing Sex Therapy in Korea. Part III: The Emerging Practice of Psychotherapy for Sexual Problems. Ramanathan, Weerakoon, Sexuality in India: Ancient Beliefs, Present Day Problems, and Future Approaches to Management. Nga, Ying, Sex, Sexual Problems, and Sexual Agency in Hong Kong Chinese Women. Temkina, Rotkirch, Haavio-Mannila, Sex Therapy in Russia: Pleasure and Gender in a New Professional Field. Part IV: Cultural Adaptations of Psychotherapy Approaches to the Treatment of Sexual Problems. Brendler, Sexual Myths and Realities in Brazil. Soares, Nobre, Sexual Problems, Cultural Beliefs, and Psychosexual Therapy in Portugal. Sungur, The role of Cultural Factors in the Course and Treatment of Sexual Problems: Failures, Pitfalls, and Successes in a Complicated Case from Turkey. Aloni, Heruti, De Paauw, Israeli Sexuality at the Intersection of Tradition and Modernism. van Lunsen, Brauer, Laan, Sex, Pleasure, and Dyspareunia in Liberal Northern Europe: How Sexual Pleasure is Seen as the Most Important Goal of all Non-Reproductive Sexual Activity in a Post-Modern Northern European Society, but is Denied by Women and Scientists who are still under the Influence of Male Dominated Sexual Scripts. Part V: The Other Side of the Couch: The Cultural Contribution of the Therapist. Giami, The Social and Professional Diversity of Sexology and Sex Therapy in Europe.