A New Perspective on Sexual Orientation: Theory Meets Reality

Brad Bowins

Jun 2023 · Cambridge Scholars Publishing

About this ebook

We are all aware of sexual orientation and its influence on sexual behavior, but the true nature of this complex occurrence is elusive. Despite extensive investigations there is no clear answer as to what sexual orientation is. Conjectures far outweigh proven fact. Based on extensive experience counselling clients regarding sexual orientation issues, such as discrimination and persecution, it became apparent that common perspectives are inaccurate. A major problem pertains to how theories of sexual orientation are generated, without first establishing criteria for a robust theory. Correcting this error, twelve comprehensive criteria for a robust theory of sexual orientation are presented. Major biological, evolutionary, and psychosocial perspectives are evaluated based on the theory criteria, revealing weak performance. With the goal of aligning clinical and research realities, and guided by the twelve theory criteria, a four-component approach—homoerotic and heteroerotic dimensions, activation/deactivation of these dimensions, erotic fantasy, and social construction—that comprehensively define sexual orientation, is proposed. This proposition represents the first novel theory of sexual orientation in decades, explaining many fascinating sexual orientation occurrences. It is a must read for researchers/scholars, graduate/undergraduate students, and sexual orientation counsellors.

About the author

Dr Brad Bowins is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, researcher, and founder of The Centre for Theoretical Research in Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology. His research and writings challenge the status quo, fostering paradigm shifts so crucial to the advancement of science and knowledge. Noting how behavioral occurrences involve many influences and are not isolated from one another, comprehensive theoretical perspectives explaining diverse aspects of mental health and psychological functioning have been proposed, and published in eighteen peer-reviewed articles and four academic books. Pertaining to sexual orientation, a trade book designed to help consumers understand sexual orientation and two peer-reviewed articles have been published.