The Centerfold Syndrome: How Men Can Overcome Objectification and Achieve Intimacy with Women

ISBN-13: 9780787901042 / Angielski / Twarda / 1995 / 272 str.

Gary R. Brooks; Lenore Walker

Opis

It's no secret that millions of men read magazines like Playboy and Penthouse and lust after bikini-clad models. After all, guys will be guys, and what's the harm? Plenty! claims psychologist and educator Gary R. Brooks, author of The Centerfold Syndrome, a ground-breaking book that shows how many so-called normal male attitudes toward sex are actually harmful and destructive. Here is the first candid analysis of how boys are conditioned to pursue airbrushed photo fantasies, and how they're brought up to depend upon and yet fear the perceived power women hold over them as gatekeepers to a precious commodity - their objectified bodies! And even more importantly how this syndrome prevents true emotional intimacy between men and women. But Dr. Brooks also offers a way to overcome this destructive malady. Using actual case histories and transcripts from groups he has led over many years, Dr. Brooks documents how a variety of men from different backgrounds have struggled to escape the depersonalization, the isolation, and the sense of frustration and powerlessness of the Centerfold Syndrome. In stories that are both inspiring and instructive, the author demonstrates their successes and set-backs as they try to achieve mature and more meaningful relationships with their wives and partners. Both men and women will appreciate the candor of The Centerfold Syndrome. Dr. Brooks offers specific guidelines and practical plans of action for all of us in our various roles - as friends, lovers, partners, husbands, wives, parents, responsible citizens - in an era of changing gender relations.

Recenzje

"Brooks offers hope and concrete suggestions in generous doses. . . . The Centerfold Syndrome, though chilling sometimes in its bluntness, is a window into the psyche of the typical American male. I recommAnd it highly to clinician and lay person alike as a very informative and readable book." ––The Journal of Family Psychotherapy

"This book will open men′s minds and hearts to a very different way to approach male–female relationships." ––Ronald F. Levant, Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, Cambridge Hospital/Harvard Medical School, co–author of Masculinity Reconstructed

"A ′must read′ for men, therapists who work with men, and for all who love men." ––Terry A. Kupers, M.D., psychiatrist, author of Revisioning Mens′ Lives: GAnder, Intimacy and Power

"Never preachy, always compassionate and sensible, Dr. Brooks will prove a steady companion for any man who wants to make changes in his sexual life." ––Kathy Weingarten, assistant professor of psychology, Harvard Medical School, author of The Mother′s Voice: Strengthening Intimacy in Familes

Spis treści

Foreword
1. What Is the Centerfold Syndrome?
2. The Men′s Group
3. Debunking Conventional Wisdom
4. The True Causes of the Centerfold Syndrome
5. Men Who Made Progress
6. Men Who′ve Made Little Progress
7. Overcoming the Centerfold Syndrome

O autorze

GARY R. BROOKS, Ph.D., is an associate professor in psychiatry and behavioral science with the Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, adjunct faculty member at Baylor University, and instructor of men′s studies with Texas Women′s University. He is also the assistant chief of psychology service at the O. E. Teague Veteran′s Center, Temple, Texas.

Blurb

In an era of rapidly changing gAnder relations, The Centerfold Syndrome gives a candid analysis of how boys are conditioned to both depAnd on and fear the power that females hold over them as gatekeepers to a precious commodity––the objectified female body. Most importantly, the study describes how this syndrome can prevent true emotional intimacy.Both men and women will appreciate the honesty and candor of The Centerfold Syndrome. It offers specific guidelines and a practical plan of action for all of us in our various roles as friAnds, lovers, partners, husbands, wives, parents, and responsible citizens.