Psychology of Gender/Sex

Part 1. Background: Making Sense of Gender/Sex

1. Introduction
Definition of Terms
Cultural Understandings of Gender/Sex
Political Issues Surrounding Gender
This Book’s Approach to the Study of Gender

2. Methods of Gender/Sex Research
The Evolution of Gender/Sex Measures
Ways of Knowing and the Scientific Method
Difficulties in Conducting Research on the Psychology of Gender/Sex
Critical Feminist Mixed-Methods Designs

3. Theories of Gender/Sex Development
Biology
Evolutionary Theory
Social Learning Theory
Gender-Role Socialization
Social Role Theory
Cognitive Development Theory
Gender/Sex Schema Theory
Considering the Context: Deaux and Major’s Model
Social Constructionism
Queer Theory

4. Gender/Sex Comparisons
Gender Similarities Hypothesis
The Sticking Power of the Myth of Gender/Sex Binary Differences
Can Gender/Sex Binary Differences Be Meaningful?
The Future of Gender/Sex Comparison Research

Part 2. Sexism and Discrimination

5. Sexism and Gender/Sex-Role Stereotypes
General Attitudes toward Gender/Sex Roles
Attitudes toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons
Affective component: Sexism
Cognitive component: Gender/Sex Stereotypes
Consequences of Gender/Sex Stereotypes
Gender/Sex-Role Strain

6. School and Sports
Educational Statistics: Dropout, School Climate, and Safety
Teacher Influence on Educational Outcomes
Parental Influence on Educational Outcomes
Educational Achievement: Individual Factors
Educational Achievement as a Feminine
Improving Educational Access: Segregated Educational Experiences
Improving Educational Access: Title IX Turns 50
Sports in Schools
Title IX Sports History, Achievements, Issues, and Future
Sports as Gender/Sex Socialization Curricula
Gender/Sex Issues in Sports

7. Work, Discrimination, and Leadership
Entry into the World of Work
Choosing a Career: Social Cognitive Theory
Paid Work: Gender/Sex Occupational Segregation
Paid Work in the United States: Pay Disparity
Navigating Paid Work and Life
Leadership and Influenceability

Part 3. Relationships

8. Friendship
Interaction Styles in Childhood
Interactions in Adulthood
Homophily
Characteristics of Friendship
Cross Category Friendship
Closeness of Friendship
Barriers to Closeness in Boys’ and Men’s Friendship
Conflict in Friendship
Friendship at Work
Changes over the Lifespan
Effect of Friendship on Health

9. Romantic and Family Relationships
Relationship Development
Characteristics Desired in a Romantic Partner
The Nature of Romantic Relationships
Sexuality
Maintaining Relationships
Relationship Conflict
Parenting
Division of Labor
Relationships and Health
Widowhood and Health
Effects of Relationship Dissolution on Health

10. Power and Relationships
Sexual Harassment
Stalking
Intimate Partner Violence
Rape and Sexual Coercion
Power-Over Violence by the State

Part 4. Health

11. Gender/Sex and Physical Health
Gender/Sex Differences in Mortality
Gender/Sex Differences in Morbidity
Explanations for Gender/Sex Differences in Health
Biology
Artifacts
Health Behaviors
Masculine and Feminine Social Roles and Health

12. Gender/Sex and Mental Health
Crisis Support, Person-First Language, and Empathy
Gender Dysphoria
Depression
Suicide
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Eating Disorders
Neurodivergence
Considering Wellness: Mindfulness, Happiness, and Psychological Well-Being

Biography

Vicki S. Helgeson is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Gender, Relationships, and Health Lab at Carnegie Mellon University.

Krystle Balhan is Instructor of Psychology and Director of Grants and Special Projects, STEM Division at Seattle Central College.

Erin Winterrowd is Professor of Psychology and Academic Dean of Regis College at Regis University.

"The updated focus of this longstanding textbook is signaled through its changed title, the rationale for which is laid out in clear detail by Helgeson, along with her new co-authors Balhan and Winterrowd. The 7th edition retains the authoritative synthesis of scholarship and research in the field while adopting a refreshed and inviting tone that will appeal to the sensibilities of today's students. We appreciated the expanded attention to gender/sex beyond the binary, the wider lens on the role of relationships in people's lives, the greater emphasis on structures of power, and the enhanced discussion of LGBTQ+ communities. The addition of learning outcomes and the expansion of the sidebars give teachers and students more ways to track learning and distill and expand upon key ideas."

Christie Launius, Kansas State University and Holly Hassel, Michigan Technological University, co-authors Threshold Concepts in Women's and Gender Studies: Ways of Seeing, Thinking, and Knowing.

"Helgeson (with two new co-authors to this edition, Balhan and Winterrowd) have produced an important textbook with intersectional, interdisciplinary, and scientific perspectives on gender/sex. With an engaging writing style, the book provides the most cutting-edge perspectives and empirical research on gender/sex identities, their connections to other social categories, and their roles in various important contexts, including family, relationships, friendships, health and well-being. Every reader – from an undergraduate student to a seasoned scholar in the area – will benefit from a thoughtful read of this text. Although “Psychology” is in the title, this book provides multiple additional perspectives, including from sociology, anthropology, public health, and relationship science."

Susan Sprecher, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, Illinois State University