Evolutionary Psychology Meets Intimacy In Sexuality: Development, Cases, And Treatment: A Book Review
Abrams is no stranger to this subject, as he was a frequent collaborator of Albert Ellis, one of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century, known for formulating rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) and for his role in developing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Author:Darren McphersonReviewer:Gordon DickersonDec 15, 20253.9K Shares116.5K Views
There has been a rich history of psychological treatises on the topic of sexuality dating back to Freud and beyond. Evolutionary psychology expert Mike Abrams and veteran psychology researcher Marija Milisavljević Grdinić have taken an evolutionary, well-researched, and deeply human approach to human sexuality in their most recent publication, Sexuality: Development, Cases, and Treatment.
Abrams is no stranger to this subject, as he was a frequent collaborator of Albert Ellis, one of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century, known for formulating rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) and for his role in developing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For 17 years, Abrams took on several research projects with Ellis, including co-authoring the books The Art and Science of Rational Eating, published in 1992, How to Cope with a Fatal Illness, published in 1994, and Personality Theories: Critical Perspectives, published in 2008.
Through this book, Abrams has expanded on Ellis’s work as a sex and love researcher using his own background in evolutionary psychology to add more unique insights on topics such as commitment in relationships, emotion, attraction, and interactions. For this reason, the book is a natural extension of Ellis’s work, which Abrams has also continued as a fellow and supervisor at the Albert Ellis Institute.
In this book, Abrams and Grdinić’s work manages to strike a good balance between presenting topics in a relatable, engaging manner and having the academic rigor to ensure readers have the most research-backed overview of the topics the different chapters discuss.
They also integrate compelling case illustrations that demonstrate how theory translates into lived experience, helping readers connect abstract concepts with the real-world dynamics that shape human relationships and sexual development. It is notable how the book manages to pack references from over 900 scientific sources, lessons from clinical experience, and information from other disciplines such as biology into one easy-to-read package.
One commendable aspect of this text is the way in which it never loses sight of what makes the topic relatable. In a work so dedicated to backing up its assertions with academic literature, it would be easy to sound detached or overly pedantic. However, Abrams and Grdinić do a good job of making the research practical, deeply human, and applicable to daily life.
They manage to analyze a plethora of situations without passing cultural or moral judgments, which is crucial for any academic text examining a topic as complex as human sexuality. Dedicated readers will not only have a good grasp of what current research says about human sexuality, but they will also come away with a better understanding of the cognitive, physiological, and emotional responses that govern their everyday responses to relationships and intimacy.
However, despite the book’s informative and engaging text, it won’t be for everyone. The ideal audience for this book includes psychology students looking for a comprehensive, but readable exploration of the topics, as well as psychology professors looking for a good textbook that will teach important concepts while holding readers’ attention. This is not a book for readers looking for an easy read during an airplane ride or pop psychology book enthusiasts who prefer more surface-level explorations of this topic that are easier to digest.
Even so, readers with a right understanding of this text and its audience will find this text enlightening and highly informative. For readers specifically interested in how sexuality relates to evolutionary psychology, this text should warrant a deeper look. Mike Abrams’s experience in clinical psychology and training in evolutionary psychology will serve as a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in exploring how theoretical underpinnings intersect with real-life psychology practice in a clinic.
Darren Mcpherson
Author
Darren Mcpherson brings over 9 years of experience in politics, business, investing, and banking to his writing. He holds degrees in Economics from Harvard University and Political Science from Stanford University, with certifications in Financial Management.
Renowned for his insightful analyses and strategic awareness, Darren has contributed to reputable publications and served in advisory roles for influential entities.
Outside the boardroom, Darren enjoys playing chess, collecting rare books, attending technology conferences, and mentoring young professionals.
His dedication to excellence and understanding of global finance and governance make him a trusted and authoritative voice in his field.
Gordon Dickerson
Reviewer
Gordon Dickerson, a visionary in Crypto, NFT, and Web3, brings over 10 years of expertise in blockchain technology.
With a Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT and a Master's from Stanford, Gordon's strategic leadership has been instrumental in shaping global blockchain adoption. His commitment to inclusivity fosters a diverse ecosystem.
In his spare time, Gordon enjoys gourmet cooking, cycling, stargazing as an amateur astronomer, and exploring non-fiction literature.
His blend of expertise, credibility, and genuine passion for innovation makes him a trusted authority in decentralized technologies, driving impactful change with a personal touch.
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