dissertationThis research describes the male sexual self-schema, or the way men conceptualize their sexual identity. The study uses as its basis Brooks' five-theme description of heterosexual male sexuality referred to as "The Centerfold Syndrome," namely, voyeurism, objectification, the need for validation, trophyism, and the fear of true intimacy. Self-schemas derive from past experience, affect current experiences, and facilitate the processing of sexual information. Using these concepts, this study addressed the question: how do men understand their own sexual self-schemas? Perspectives 20 gay, 20 bisexual men, and 20 heterosexual men were drawn together using a grounded theory methodology. In addition, 29 of the interviewees participated in three focus-group discussions to confirm the relevance of the evolving model with their experiences. These men discussed elements of relationships with men, relationships with women, and also attitudes about themselves that contribute to their ideas about sexuality. A detailed model emerged that depicted the behaviors and attitudes participants experienced as part of the male script. Additionally, men discussed the situations that caused them to consider reconstruction of these schemas. The resulting model may be used by clinicians to conceptualize men's presenting problems, as well as plan treatment that produces the most benefit and the least harm to male clients
