Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identities over the Lifespan

This book provides critical reviews of core psychological issues related to the lives of lesbians, gay men, and bisexual women and men. The emphasis is on contemporary research findings and recommendations for future research. It is the most comprehensive review of psychological research on sexual orientation available. What is the current state of psychological knowledge about lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals? This book presents definitive treatments of both current and classical psychological research and theory on lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities across the lifespan. Not only is the current status of the topic surveyed, and important research summarised from the last two decades, but promising directions for future research are also identified. This book is the most comprehensive review of psychological research on sexual orientation available and unique in focusing on lesbian, gay and bisexual people in relationships, families, and in communities.

Over the last fifteen years, psychological research regarding sexual orientation has seen explosive growth. In this book, Anthony R. D'Augelli and Charlotte J. Patterson bring together top experts to offer a comprehensive overview of what we have discovered--and what we still need to learn--about lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities. Writing in clear, nontechnical language, the contributors cover a range of topics, including conceptions of sexual identity, development over the lifespan, family and other personal relationships, parenting, and bigotry and discrimination. Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identities Over the Lifespan is essential reading for researchers, students, social scientists, mental health practitioners, and general readers who seek the most up-to-date and authoritative treatment of the subject available.