Sex

Sex and sexual problems are studied by psychologists. Psychologists and other clinicians focus on enhancing or restoring sexual functioning and pleasure. They have developed effective treatments for many common conditions: lack of desire, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and painful intercourse, for example. Later life sex and love in intimate relationships are also a focus of study.

Psychologists work to understand sex offenders and reduce the proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising and the media. Special psychological resources are available for victims of rape and sexual abuse.

Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology and the Sexualization of Girls Public Interest Directorate page.

Sexualization of Girls in the Media

  • Sexualization of Girls

    Includes the "Girls Talk: Sexualization of Girls" video and additional publications and press releases related to the sexualization of girls in advertising and the media.

  • Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls

    The APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls found that the proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising and media is harmful to girls' self-image and healthy development.

Getting Help

Monitor on Psychology Articles

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Books

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APA Offices and Programs

  • Sexuality

    A collection of research studies with a real-world applications, designed to help better understand how to reduce high-risk sexual behavior in adolescents, as well as the debunking the myth that sexual orientation is linked to mental health problems.