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

Abstract

Using a sex-positive framework, we conducted a 61-year (1954–2015) content analysis of sexuality research featured in The Counseling Psychologist and the Journal of Counseling Psychology. We aimed to uncover (a) which human sexuality topics were published most, (b) whether the publications aligned with sex-positive, neutral, or negative discourse, (c) what methodologies were used, and (d) differences in how populations were investigated across racial groups. We used an integrative approach to the content analysis and human coding. Results highlighted in 188 articles meeting criteria, the largest focus (38%) was on sexual orientation, sexual identity, and sexual minorities; only 5% utilized a sex-positive perspective. Quantitative and conceptual articles were the most published methods, and publications disproportionately focused on non-Latino White populations. When people of color were included, the discourse was sex negative. Implications for research and practice are discussed.