Psychologys approach to sexual orientation has long had its foundation inessentialism which undergirds psychological theory and research as well asclinical prac... » 

Psychologys approach to sexual orientation has long had its foundation inessentialism which undergirds psychological theory and research as well asclinical practice and applications of psychology to public policy issues. It isonly recently that psychology as a discipline has begun to entertain socialconstructivism as an alternative approach.Based on the belief that thoughtful dialogue can engender positive changeConversations about Psychology and Sexual Orientation explores the implicationsfor psychology of both essentialist and social constructionist understandingsof sexual orientation. The book opens with an introduction presenting basictheoretical frameworks followed by three application sections dealing withclinical practice research and theory and public policy. In each thediscussion takes the form of a conversation as the authors first consideressentialist and constructionist approaches to the topic at hand. Thesethoughts in turn are followed by responses from distinguished scholars chosenfor their expertise in a particular area. «