Studying Sex: A Content Analysis of Sexuality Research in Counseling Psychology

Abstract

Using a sex positive framework, the authors conducted a 61-year (1954–2015) content analysis of sexuality research in the flagship counseling psychology journals, the Journal of Counseling Psychology and The Counseling Psychologist. Given counseling psychology’s core strengths- and multiculturalism-related values, this study aimed to uncover which human sexuality topics were published most, whether publications aligned with a sex positive, neutral, or negative discourse, what methodologies were used, and differences in how populations were investigated across race. Researchers used an integrative approach to content analysis and human coding (Neuendorf, 2011). Results highlighted that out of 188 articles meeting criteria, a slight majority (38.05%) focused on sexual orientation, identity, and minorities topics. Only 4.78% utilized a sex-positive perspective. Quantitative and conceptual pieces were most published, and publications disproportionately focused on primarily White populations. When people of color were included, the discourse was sex negative. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Development and initial validation of the Positive Sexuality Scale for female adults

“…Third, we focused on positive sexuality from a woman's point of view. However, whether men conceptualise positive sexuality in the same way as women is especially worthy of being addressed (Hargons et al, ), and future psychometric studies using the focus group methodology (Vogt et al, ) might address the development and validation of a complementary PSS for men. Fourth, no evidence of criterion‐related validity could be obtained from a negative correlation perspective as no self‐report of negative sexual experiences or sexual dissatisfaction has yet been validated in Italy.…”

“…Traditional approaches to sexual health and functioning have predominantly adopted a problem‐centred orientation, with a focus on negative sexual experiences (e.g., coercion or violence, unintended pregnancy) or on sexual dysfunctions (e.g., desire, arousal, orgasm, pain and distress) (Anderson, ; Hargons, Mosley, & Stevens‐Watkins, ). The positive psychology movement has proposed a different approach based on positive aspects of human life (Wood & Tarrier, ).…”

“…Being capable of controlling and enjoying sexual activity, and having physically and emotionally pleasurable and fulfilling sexual experiences have indeed beneficial implications for a number of outcomes, such as sexual, physical and mental health, overall well‐being and quality of life (Anderson, ; Williams et al, ). Despite this knowledge, most sexuality research still focuses on problems associated with sexual behaviour rather than on the potential benefits of sexuality (Arakawa, Flanders, Hatfield, & Heck, ; Hargons et al, ). Thus, there is a need to incorporate positive sexual indicators in sexuality research, by adopting a positive, strength‐based perspective (Arakawa et al, ; Williams et al, ).…”

“…Thus, there is a need to incorporate positive sexual indicators in sexuality research, by adopting a positive, strength‐based perspective (Arakawa et al, ; Williams et al, ). Furthermore, focusing on positive aspects of sex as a relevant component of human life across the life course and across cultures has been suggested as a way to minimise stigma and promote humanity (Hargons et al, ; Williams et al, ).…”

“No One Can Make that Choice for You:” Exploring Power in the Sexual Narratives of Black Collegians

“…Consequently, the majority of existing research exploring power in the sexual experiences of Black US citizens is rooted in or reinforces stereotypes of Black sexuality (C. Hargons, Mosley, & Stevens-Watkins, 2017;Jones, 2018). Literature solely addressing risky sexual behaviors can be helpful for prevention.…”