Volume 24, Number 2, 289-311, DOI: 10.1023/A:1015399324887

Barriers and Bridges to Intimacy and Mutuality: A Critical Review of Sexual Advice Found in Self-Help Bestsellers

Toni Schindler Zimmerman, Kristen E. Holm, Kathrine C. Daniels and Shelley A. Haddock

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Abstract

Sexuality in a committed relationship is based ideally on both intimacy and mutuality. Gender socialization may limit women's and men's capacities in these two important areas of sexual relationships. This article describes the results of a content analysis of nine best-selling popular press books on the New York Times Bestseller List between 1988 and 1998 according to their advice related to sexual intimacy and mutuality. Books were analyzed to determine the degree to which they built ldquobarriersrdquo or ldquobridgesrdquo to the development of intimacy and mutuality. Results indicate that while most authors offered advice that built bridges to intimacy, several built barriers to the development of mutuality. Implications for therapists are discussed.

sexuality - gender - popular press - self-help literature - marital and family therapy

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