David Rowland talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's New Hot Paper in the field of
Psychiatry/Psychology.
Article Title: Will medical solutions to sexual
problems make sexological care and science
obsolete?
Authors:
Rowland,
DL
Journal: J SEX MAR THER
Volume: 33
Issue: 5
Page: 385-397
Year: 2007
* Univ Valparaiso, Dept Psychol, Valparaiso, IN 46383
USA.
* Univ Valparaiso, Dept Psychol, Valparaiso, IN 46383 USA.
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
This paper first acknowledges and then discusses an underlying controversy
that has been brewing for some time—even before the introduction of
sildenafil citrate (Viagra®)—between the fields of sex therapy
and sexual medicine. As an author and researcher with strong ties to and
history within both fields (over 25 years), I frequently sense the tension
between these very different models of treatment.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper
in layman’s terms? Does it describe a new discovery, methodology,
or synthesis of knowledge?
"...this
article raises the issue of who
will set the agenda for future
research on sexuality and who will
pay for it."
This review/synthesis attempts to take a balanced perspective toward the
issue, admonishing the sex therapy camp to reclaim its critical role in the
treatment of sexual problems while prodding the sexual medicine camp to
learn lessons from the past. The supportive and critical responses of other
authors to this piece are, in my view, a testimonial to how deep the issues
run.
Do you foresee any social or political
implications for your research?
Research and commentary on issues about sexuality often draw
interest—people are naturally curious and usually quite concerned
about their sexual health—and the issues frequently have strong
social and political implications. At the one level, sexuality is a very
private and moral issue for most people, generating strong emotional
responses and attitudes. But at another level, this article raises the
issue of who will set the agenda for future research on sexuality and who
will pay for it.
David L. Rowland, Ph.D., Dean
Graduate and Continuing Education
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso IN, USA