Toward a Better Understanding of Sexually Deviant Behavior [Review of the book: Case Studies in Sexual Deviance: Toward Evidence Based Practice edited by William T. O'Donohue]

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

Reviews the book, Case Studies in Sexual Deviance: Toward Evidence Based Practice edited by William T. O. Donohue (see record 2013-19773-000). Any book with the words case studies in the title may raise some eyebrows from those in academia who work with randomized, controlled studies. The case study, as a research method, has certainly received its fair share of criticism for its subjectivity and lack of generalizability. However, O'Donohue thoroughly understands this criticism and does not attempt to use case study examples inappropriately. Rather, he introduces the text by stating that the case studies in the book should not be viewed as evidence for treatment efficacy. Instead, he argues that case studies can have applied value for providing detailed examples of how assessment and treatment protocols are conducted, which can benefit clinicians unfamiliar with a specific presenting problem as well as psychology trainees receiving supervision. With case studies in their proper context, the book does an outstanding job guiding the reader through difficult subject matter that one is typically not exposed to unless receiving specialized training in sexual health.

Department

Psychology

Publication Title

PsycCRITIQUES

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