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Human Sexuality
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Human Sexuality
A Well-Being Approach


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Human Sexuality

June 2026 | 472 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Human Sexuality: A Well-Being Approach broadens the focus of sexuality education from illness prevention to holistic well-being. Author Theodore R. Burnes combines rigorous science from multiple research areas with up-to-date examples and stories, presenting key concepts in plain language that speaks to today's students. By showing how sexuality evolves over the lifespan, exploring cultural differences, and promoting openness, Human Sexuality fosters student engagement and discussion.

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Chapter 1: Human Sexuality and Well-Being
The Complexity of Human Sexuality

 
Parts of a Sex-Positive Approach

 
Intersecting Sexual Identities and Cultural Identities

 
Embracing Multicultural Sexuality

 
Benefits of Sex Positivity

 
Introducing Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 2: Historical Influences on Sexuality
Sexuality in a Historical Context

 
Early Approaches to and Misunderstandings of Sexuality

 
Sexuality in the 17th and 18th Centuries

 
Sexuality in the 19th Century

 
Sexuality and Gender in the 20th Century

 
Sexuality in the 21st Century

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 3: Research Methodologies in Human Sexuality
Studying Sexuality

 
Research Methods in Sexuality Studies

 
Ethics in Sexuality Research

 
Designing Sexuality Research Studies

 
Historical and Current Trends in Sexuality Research

 
Challenges in Human Sexuality Research

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 4: Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
An Introduction to Sexual Anatomy

 
Sexual Anatomy of People with Vulvas and Ovaries

 
Sexual Anatomy of People with a Penis and Testes

 
Puberty

 
Bodies of Intersex People

 
The Menstrual Cycle

 
Arousal and Orgasm in Sexual Bodies

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 5: Gender, Gender Roles, and Gender Expression
The Many Facets of Gender

 
Gender Roles

 
Understanding Gender Identity and Expression

 
Development of Gender Awareness

 
Experiences of Transgender People

 
Elements of Gender Transition

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 6: Sexual Orientation and Sexual Expression
Sexual Expression

 
Sexual Behavior

 
Sexual Behavior in Context

 
Sexual Orientation

 
Demisexuality, Asexuality, and Fraysexuality

 
Kink

 
BD/SM

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 7: Love, Relationships, and Communication
Love and Romance in Sexuality

 
Monogamy and Non-Monogamy

 
Relationships, Dating, and Marriage

 
Satisfaction in Intimate Relationships

 
Sexual and Relational Communication

 
Ending Relationships, Separation, and Divorce

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 8: Pregnancy and Childbirth
Human Development in a Multidimensional Context

 
Pregnancy

 
Shifts in Well-Being During Pregnancy

 
Social Changes and Social Reactions During Pregnancy

 
Birthing

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 9: Sexuality During Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood
Human Development in a Multidimensional Context

 
Gender and Sexuality During Childhood

 
Gender and Sexuality in Adolescence

 
Technology, Social Media Use, and Adolescent Sexuality

 
Influences and Trends in Human Sexuality Education

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 10: Sexuality During Middle and Late Adulthood
Adult Sexuality in a Multidimensional Context

 
Aging Human Bodies

 
Changing Sexuality in Middle and Later Adulthood

 
Safe and Healthy Sexuality for Midlife and Older Adults

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 11: Contraception and Abortion
Health, Well-Being, and Sexuality

 
Birth Control and Personal Health

 
Abortion

 
Medicine and Sexuality

 
Mental Health and Human Sexuality

 
Chronic Illness, Disability, and Sexuality

 
Careers in Sexuality and Health: Sexual Health Outreach Worker

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 12: Sexual Functioning
Challenges in Sexual Functioning

 
Shifts in Understanding Sexual Functioning

 
Challenges with Sexual Arousal

 
Challenges with Sexual Orgasm, Arousal, and Pain

 
Working with Challenges in Sexual Functioning

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 13: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases
Defining Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases

 
Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases

 
Parasitic and Fungal Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases

 
Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases

 
HIV/AIDS

 
Prevention and Well-Being with STIs and STDs

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 14: Sexual Coercion and Violence
Defining Sexual Violence

 
Harassment

 
Factors Contributing to Sexual Violence

 
The Impact of Sexual Violence

 
Strategies to Reduce Sexual Violence

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 
 
Chapter 15: Sex Work and the Business of Sexuality
The Business of Sexuality

 
Selling Pornography

 
Using Sexuality in Advertising

 
What is Sex Work?

 
Researching Sex Work

 
Sex Work and the Law

 
Reviewing Key Concepts

 
Key Terms

 
Discussion Questions

 
Fact or Fiction?

 

Supplements

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This is a thought-provoking, sex-positive, well-crafted textbook that allows students and learners to hear, see, and work on their understanding of human sexuality. The book is a great addition to any sex educator and absolutely needed for anyone teaching human sexuality in college.

Jessica Boyles, Instructor
Arizona State University
Review

Very comprehensive, progressive in its approach to sexuality education. Excellent socio-historical context and its content can inspire great discussion in the classroom.

Gracie Rodgers, Instructor
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Review

I like how the book focuses heavily on the student. It provides current research, real-world examples, reflection activities, and discussions of contemporary issues relevant to today's college students. The concept of well-being is closely related to current views of public health and psychology, making it particularly relevant to courses in psychology, health sciences, sociology, nursing, and human development.

Instructor
El Paso Community College
Review

It's a 21st century approach to sexuality education.

Sorah Dubitsky, Instructor
Florida International University
Review

Provides a unique and comprehensive overview of human sexuality.

Instructor
San Jose State University
Review

The content is up to date, and the breadth of topics is impressive. The various pedagogical features enhance student engagement.

Instructor
Northwest Vista College
Review

The textbook has a lot of important information that is missing from other texts. For that reason, I love the comprehensiveness of the content.

Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
Review
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Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface, Chapters 1-2


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