Peer-reviewed journal articles by Adam Jowett
British Journal of Psychology, 2020
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) that has caused the coronavirus ... more The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) that has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic represents the greatest international biopsychosocial emergency the world has faced for a century, and psychological science has an integral role to offer in helping societies recover. The aim of this paper is to set out the shorter‐ and longer‐term priorities for research in psychological science that will (a) frame the breadth and scope of potential contributions from across the discipline; (b) enable researchers to focus their resources on gaps in knowledge; and (c) help funders and policymakers make informed decisions about future research priorities in order to best meet the needs of societies as they emerge from the acute phase of the pandemic. The research priorities were informed by an expert panel convened by the British Psychological Society that reflects the breadth of the discipline; a wider advisory panel with international input; and a survey of 539 psychological scientists conducted early in May 2020. The most pressing need is to research the negative biopsychosocial impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic to facilitate immediate and longer‐term recovery, not only in relation to mental health, but also in relation to behaviour change and adherence, work, education, children and families, physical health and the brain, and social cohesion and connectedness. We call on psychological scientists to work collaboratively with other scientists and stakeholders, establish consortia, and develop innovative research methods while maintaining high‐quality, open, and rigorous research standards.
Psychology of Sexualities Review, 2020
This article identifies the quantity and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and... more This article identifies the quantity and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and asexual (LGBTIA) related journal articles published within the official British Psychological Society (BPS) journals. A systematic search of BPS journals was conducted using the BPS/Wiley search engine PsychSource. The search was conducted on 1 January 2018 and no timeframe was set for the search. Sixty-nine articles were identified across the BPS journals between 1941–2017. Until the end of the 1970s content focused almost exclusively on assessment and treatment of homosexuality (and to a lesser extent transsexuality), and was published primarily in the British Journal of Medical Psychology (n = 20; 1941–2000). From 1980 onwards, the content of articles mainly focused on anti-gay prejudice and have been published primarily in the British Journal of Social Psychology (n = 31; 1986–2017). The findings demonstrate a shift from a medical model of homosexuality prior to the 1980s, to focusing on homophobia as a social psychological problem. The review highlights a paucity of content relating to LGBTIA issues within the 11 official BPS journals. Within four BPS journals no relevant articles were identified. The range of LGBTIA topics published within these journals are also found to be extremely narrow.
Psychology & Sexuality, 2019
The traditional marriage initiation script entails male partners 'proposing' to female partners. ... more The traditional marriage initiation script entails male partners 'proposing' to female partners. However, little is known about how same-gender couples initiate a marriage or civil partnership. Drawing on qualitative survey data from 82 people in a UK civil partnership or same-gender marriage we identify two marriage initiation themes which foreground the reshaping of script norms for marriage proposals. The first theme, "queer proposals" entails an adaptation of the conventional script. The second theme "jointly negotiated initiations", foregrounds a fundamental departure from heteronormative scripts for initiating the legal formalisation of a relationship. It is argued that the non-normative status of such partnerships not only allow for alternative scripts to socially emerge, but offer a reconceptualization of a cultural script grounded in heteronormative relationship practices. The study therefore makes an important contribution to our understanding of same-gender relationship practices and has significant implications for sexual script theory.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, which partially discriminalised sex... more To mark the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, which partially discriminalised sex between men in England and Wales, all five living British prime ministers (Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and Sir John Major) wrote exclusively for the LGBT news website PinkNews. Drawing eclectically on recent work on social representations of history and a rhetorical psychological approach to commemorative discourse, this article examines how these prime ministers represented the history of LGBT rights and how such representations were used rhetorically. The prime ministers figuratively represented the Act as the start of a long road to LGBT equality. In doing so, the historical event was anchored in a contemporary political agenda for LGBT equality. However, despite this being an outward display of unified celebration, these prime ministers indirectly engaged in the business of party politics by selectively praising the achievements of their own parties and omitting how LGBT rights have been advanced by their opponents. Theresa May in particular managed the Conservative Party’s brand. It is argued that representations of the past provide a selective and partial view of the history of LGBT rights in the UK but that we should go beyond examining the content of representations to examine how they are put to political ends.
Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2017
We adopted a grounded theory approach to explore the process of recovery experienced by stroke su... more We adopted a grounded theory approach to explore the process of recovery experienced by stroke survivors over the longer term who were living in the community in the United Kingdom, and the interacting factors that are understood to have shaped their recovery trajectories. We used a combination of qualitative methods. From the accounts of 22 purposively sampled stroke survivors, four different recovery trajectories were evident: (a) meaningful recovery, (b) cycles of recovery and decline, (c) ongoing disruption, (d) gradual, ongoing decline. Building on the concept of the illness trajectory, our findings demonstrate how multiple, interacting factors shape the process and meaning of recovery over time. Such factors included conception of recovery and meanings given to the changing self, the meanings and consequences of health and illness experiences across the life course, loss, sense of agency, and enacting relationships. Awareness of the process of recovery will help professionals better support stroke survivors.
In 2012, the US actress Cynthia Nixon was quoted in New York Times Magazine as having stated that... more In 2012, the US actress Cynthia Nixon was quoted in New York Times Magazine as having stated that “for me, it [being gay] is a choice. I understand that for many people it’s not, but for me it’s a choice, and you don’t get to define my gayness for me”. The interview attracted international media attention and public criticism by lesbian and gay activists. This paper suggests a rhetorical approach to understanding etiological beliefs and provides a discursive analysis of 198 online comments by readers of Pink News, a gay news website which reported on Nixon’s controversial interview. This paper explores common arguments used in readers’ comments about Nixon and examines the rhetorical construction of sexuality. The analysis examines three themes within the data. Firstly, biological essentialism was treated by many readers as common knowledge; secondly readers suggested that only bisexuals have ‘choice’; and thirdly it was suggested by both Nixon’s critics and her supporters that counter arguments colluded with homophobia. The paper suggests that there is an ideological dilemma whereby both ‘born-this-way’ and ‘choice’ arguments can be understood as colluding with anti-gay prejudice.
Since the introduction of same-sex marriage, there have been two
parallel institutions (marriage ... more Since the introduction of same-sex marriage, there have been two
parallel institutions (marriage and civil partnership) for the legal recognition
of same-sex relationships in England, Wales and Scotland. The
current study aimed to examine how those in a civil partnership or a
same-sex marriage perceive civil partnership in the context of marriage
equality. Eighty-two respondents completed a qualitative online survey,
and their responses were analysed thematically. The respondents were
divided between those who viewed civil partnership as: 1) a stepping
stone to equality, and felt that civil partnerships should be discontinued;
2) a form of legal recognition free from cultural baggage, and argued the
Government should make civil partnership available for all; or 3) those
who displayed ambivalence and conflicting views. We conclude by discussing how the principle of formal equality underpinned opinions on all
sides, and what implications this might have for how we understand
discrimination.
The gendered dimensions of partner support in relationships where one partner has a chronic condi... more The gendered dimensions of partner support in relationships where one partner has a chronic condition has been a recurring focus within the literature on gender and health. Such literature however typically focuses exclusively on heterosexual couples while same-sex relationships are rendered invisible, leading to the discourse around partner support being heteronormative. This article examines gendered dimensions within accounts of lesbian, gay and bisexual people with diabetes using a discursive psychological approach. The analysis identifies how participants drew upon a range of interpretative repertoires, including: (1) notions that women are more caring than men; (2) that men can take control in an emergency; (3) that gay men are caring; (4) that grown men can take care of themselves; and (5) that gay men are more independent than heterosexual men. It is argued that rather than simply dismissing heteronormative repertoires of gender and health, non-heterosexuals draw upon them in ways that display ideological tensions.
The United Kingdom's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act (2013) was framed by the Government as an eq... more The United Kingdom's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act (2013) was framed by the Government as an equality measure and, as such, those who opposed the legislation were likely to be sensitive to possible accusations of prejudice. This article examines opposition to marriage equality within the British press and explores how denials of homophobia were made. Opponents to same-sex marriage attended to commonsense notions of 'homophobes', either by aligning their views with categories of persons not typically considered homophobic or by distancing their views from a homophobic other. Opponents also offered a counter-accusation that it was liberal supporters of same-sex marriage who were intolerant. Parallels are drawn with discursive literature on racist discourse and it appears that despite social scientists' attempts to expand the concept of antigay prejudice, homophobia is commonly referred to in terms of irrational bigoted individuals.
Online forums provide a wealth of publicly accessible data and have proven particularly useful fo... more Online forums provide a wealth of publicly accessible data and have proven particularly useful for critical psychologists wishing to examine naturalistic data on a wide range of social phenomena. This article begins by considering the use of online discussion forums for critical discursive psychological research and outlines ethical debates regarding their use (particularly in light of past and current British Psychological Society guidelines). To demonstrate how such data can be used in critical psychology I provide an illustrative example of a discursive analysis of a single online discussion thread taken from a diabetes newsgroup that examines anti-social online behaviours in the form of “trolling,” “flaming,” and heterosexism.
Feminism & Psychology, 2014
This article uses a rhetorically informed thematic analysis to critically examine conservative ar... more This article uses a rhetorically informed thematic analysis to critically examine conservative arguments against same-sex marriage, as articulated in the British press at the time of a public consultation on marriage equality. Seven opposition arguments were identified: (1) marriage is by definition and tradition a union between a man and a woman; (2) marriage is designed as a framework for raising children; (3) if you allow gay marriage now, it will be polygamous and incestuous marriage next; (4) same-sex marriage would threaten the right to religious freedom; (5) same-sex couples already have equal rights; (6) changing the law to allow same-sex marriage would be undemocratic and (7) the government should focus on bigger priorities. Many of these arguments were a reworking of arguments previously used to oppose other forms of equality, although there was a notable absence of arguments explicitly based on assertions that homosexuality is immoral.
Around 50% of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction. Much of the literature focuses o... more Around 50% of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction. Much of the literature focuses on quality of life measures with heterosexual men in monogamous relationships. This study explores gay and bisexual men’s experiences of sex and diabetes. Thirteen interviews were analysed and three themes identified: erectile problems, other ‘physical’ problems, and disclosing diabetes to sexual partners. Findings highlight a range of sexual problems experienced by non-heterosexual men and the significance of the cultural and relational context in which they are situated. The personalised care promised by the UK government should acknowledge the diversity of sexual practices which might be affected by diabetes.
Qualitative Research in …, Jan 1, 2010
The internet is used across a range of disciplines to conduct qualitative research and qualitativ... more The internet is used across a range of disciplines to conduct qualitative research and qualitative psychologists are increasingly turning to the internet as a medium for conducting interviews. In this article we explore the first author’s experience of conducting synchronous online interviews using instant messaging or ‘chat’ software. We highlight the costs and benefits of conducting online interviews and reflect on the development of a rapport with participants within this medium. In particular, we consider how researchers can attempt to make online interviewing less abrupt and more conversational, how researchers can demonstrate ‘listening’ and how insider/outsider status of the interviewer affects interaction within online interviews.
The legal recognition of same-sex relationships is a contested terrain that has been hotly debate... more The legal recognition of same-sex relationships is a contested terrain that has been hotly debated by feminists. This article provides a social constructionist analysis of the UK newspaper media coverage around the time of the introduction of the Civil Partnership Act (2004).
""As marginalised forms of masculinity, examining how gay men account for their gender is importa... more ""As marginalised forms of masculinity, examining how gay men account for their gender is important for the analysis of masculinities as a whole. Drawing on a UK-based sample of 11 young men who identified as gay, this article explores the participants’ dilemma of producing their identities as masculine within a cultural milieu which constructs homosexuality as the antithesis of masculinity. Using thematic discourse analysis I demonstrate how ‘regular’ masculinity was claimed through resisting essentialist notions of gay male effeminacy and ‘othering’ effeminacy by distancing themselves from other ‘camp’ gay men. I conclude
by suggesting a greater emphasis should be placed on lesbians and gay men as gendered beings, and how gay men resist and are complicit in their own marginalisation.""
Feminism & Psychology, Jan 1, 2009
In this article we contribute to the expansion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (... more In this article we contribute to the expansion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) health psychology beyond the confines of sexual health by examining the experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual people living with non-HIV related chronic illness. Using a (predominantly) qualitative online survey, the perspectives of 190 LGB people with 52 different chronic illnesses from eight countries were collected. The five most commonly reported physical conditions were arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, asthma and chronic fatigue syndrome. Our analysis focuses on four themes within participants’ written comments: (1) ableism within LGBT communities; (2) isolation from LGBT communities and other LGB people living with chronic illness; (3) heteronormativity within sources of information and support and; (4) homophobia from healthcare professionals. We conclude by suggesting that LGBTQ psychology could usefully draw on critical health psychology principles and frameworks to explore non-heterosexual’s lived experiences of chronic illness, and also that there remains a need for specifically targeted support groups and services for LGB people with chronic illnesses.
Book chapter by Adam Jowett
Overcoming Adversity in Education., 2022
Chapter 16:
full citation Jowett, A. (2022). Overcoming school adversity for LGBT+ students. In ... more Chapter 16:
full citation Jowett, A. (2022). Overcoming school adversity for LGBT+ students. In A. Holliman & K. Sheehy (eds.). Overcoming Adversity in Education. (pp.188-199). Routledge Taylor & Francis.
Chronic illness refers to long-term conditions that are rarely completely cured and are often cha... more Chronic illness refers to long-term conditions that are rarely completely cured and are often characterized by uncertain outcomes, unpredictable episodes of intrusive symptoms, and intermittent or progressive physical and/or mental impairment.
Examples include cardiovascular disease, arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer. This entry provides a brief overview of how chronic illness may impact people’s lives generally; it then goes on to consider how chronic illness intersects with LGBTQ lives more specifically.
Editorials by Adam Jowett
Psychology of Sexualities Review, 2020
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Peer-reviewed journal articles by Adam Jowett
parallel institutions (marriage and civil partnership) for the legal recognition
of same-sex relationships in England, Wales and Scotland. The
current study aimed to examine how those in a civil partnership or a
same-sex marriage perceive civil partnership in the context of marriage
equality. Eighty-two respondents completed a qualitative online survey,
and their responses were analysed thematically. The respondents were
divided between those who viewed civil partnership as: 1) a stepping
stone to equality, and felt that civil partnerships should be discontinued;
2) a form of legal recognition free from cultural baggage, and argued the
Government should make civil partnership available for all; or 3) those
who displayed ambivalence and conflicting views. We conclude by discussing how the principle of formal equality underpinned opinions on all
sides, and what implications this might have for how we understand
discrimination.
by suggesting a greater emphasis should be placed on lesbians and gay men as gendered beings, and how gay men resist and are complicit in their own marginalisation.""
Book chapter by Adam Jowett
full citation Jowett, A. (2022). Overcoming school adversity for LGBT+ students. In A. Holliman & K. Sheehy (eds.). Overcoming Adversity in Education. (pp.188-199). Routledge Taylor & Francis.
Examples include cardiovascular disease, arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer. This entry provides a brief overview of how chronic illness may impact people’s lives generally; it then goes on to consider how chronic illness intersects with LGBTQ lives more specifically.
Editorials by Adam Jowett
parallel institutions (marriage and civil partnership) for the legal recognition
of same-sex relationships in England, Wales and Scotland. The
current study aimed to examine how those in a civil partnership or a
same-sex marriage perceive civil partnership in the context of marriage
equality. Eighty-two respondents completed a qualitative online survey,
and their responses were analysed thematically. The respondents were
divided between those who viewed civil partnership as: 1) a stepping
stone to equality, and felt that civil partnerships should be discontinued;
2) a form of legal recognition free from cultural baggage, and argued the
Government should make civil partnership available for all; or 3) those
who displayed ambivalence and conflicting views. We conclude by discussing how the principle of formal equality underpinned opinions on all
sides, and what implications this might have for how we understand
discrimination.
by suggesting a greater emphasis should be placed on lesbians and gay men as gendered beings, and how gay men resist and are complicit in their own marginalisation.""
full citation Jowett, A. (2022). Overcoming school adversity for LGBT+ students. In A. Holliman & K. Sheehy (eds.). Overcoming Adversity in Education. (pp.188-199). Routledge Taylor & Francis.
Examples include cardiovascular disease, arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer. This entry provides a brief overview of how chronic illness may impact people’s lives generally; it then goes on to consider how chronic illness intersects with LGBTQ lives more specifically.
Free for BPS Psychology of Sexualities Section members, £2.40 to other BPS members, £3.60 to non-members.
1. What forms does conversion therapy take?
2. Who experiences conversion therapy and why?
3. What are the outcomes of conversion therapy?
4. What measures have been taken to end conversion therapy around the world?
In order to answer Questions 1-3, a rapid evidence assessment was conducted examining research published from January 2000 to June 2020. Forty-six published studies were identified. Most of the evidence identified was specifically focused on conversion therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation, with only five articles that specifically addressed conversion therapy to change gender identity. A qualitative study was also conducted to gather evidence on the experiences of people in the UK who had undergone conversion therapy. Thirty individuals were interviewed (16
men, 12 women, 2 non-binary persons) who had experienced sexual orientation change efforts
(24), gender identity change efforts (3) or both (3).
To answer Question 4, an additional search of the grey literature was conducted to identify measures taken around the world to end conversion therapy.
Modern forms of conversion therapy appear to largely take the form of talking therapies and spiritual interventions. There is evidence that these forms of conversion therapy can be harmful but there is no robust evidence that identifies whether certain techniques or practices used by
conversion therapists are more or less harmful than others. The evidence base is larger for sexual orientation change efforts than for gender identity change efforts. A growing number of legal jurisdictions are legislating to restrict conversion therapy. The scope of such laws varies and due to many legislative measures being relatively recent there is little evidence on what are the most effective policies for ending conversion therapy.
non-heterosexual men living with diabetes both online and face-to-face. In this case, we discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of interviews and shed light on some of the unexpected events that occurred during data collection. We then consider how some of these incidents may relate to the interviewer’s “outsider” and “insider” positions
within the research and discuss how the researcher’s personal similarities and differences with participants may affect research. We then turn to the sensitivities of discussing the issue of sexual difficulties with the participants and the importance of following the participants’
concerns within the interview. We end by reflecting on how the research emerged both from the researchers’ prior agenda and the participants’ concerns. The need for caution and care when representing accounts of illness, particularly those from marginalized groups, is highlighted.
independent practice as a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and psychotherapist. Martin has previously
served on the inaugural committee of the Section when it was first established as the Lesbian and Gay
Psychology Section and was keynote speaker at our 2015 AGM event. He is also a former Chair of the British
Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Counselling Psychology. In 2012 Martin received the BPS Award
for the promoting of equality of opportunity. He has published widely on the topic of sexuality in the context
of counselling and psychotherapy and his most recent book was entitled ‘Sexuality: Existential perspectives’
(Milton, 2014). I interviewed Martin in January 2016 about how he became involved in the Section, his
career as both an academic and practitioner and the relationship between homophobia and mental health.
What follows is an edited version of our conversation. The full issue of Psychology of Sexualities Review is available from: http://shop.bps.org.uk/publications/psychology-of-sexualities-review-vol-7-no-1-spring-2016.html
since its inception. She was the Editor of the Section’s previous publication, the Lesbian and Gay Psychology
Review, and has gone on to publish prolifically in the field. Liz has published three books in the psychology
of sexualities field including Out in Psychology (Clarke & Peel, 2007) which won a distinguished book
award in 2012 from the American Psychological Association’s Division 44 and the first undergraduate
textbook in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) psychology (Clarke et al., 2010) which won a
British Psychological Society book prize in 2013. She has also won several prizes from the Section including
the 2012 research prize. Her latest book focuses on ageing and sexualities with Rosie Harding
(Peel & Harding, 2016). In March 2015, I interviewed Elizabeth about her role as Chair of the Section and
her views on the current state of the field. What follows is an edited version of our conversation. Full issue of Psychology of Sexualities Review available from: http://shop.bps.org.uk/publications/psychology-of-sexualities-review-vol-6-no-1-winter-2015.html
This paper builds on and extends previous critical social psychological work on arguments against LGBT equality by critically exploring conservative arguments used to oppose same-sex marriage in the British press. Editorial/opinion/comment pieces (n=105) and published letters to editors (n=103) were sampled over a nine month period (October 2011 – June 2012) from just after the UK Government’s announcement of a public consultation on extending civil marriage to same-sex couples, to the end of the consultation period. The data was analysed using thematic analysis, theoretically drawing on the tradition of rhetorical psychology. Seven arguments were identified: (1) Marriage is by definition and tradition a union between a man and a woman; (2) Marriage is designed as a framework for raising children; (3) If you allow gay marriage now, it will be polygamous and incestuous marriage next; (4) Same-sex marriage would threaten the right to religious freedom; (5) Same-sex couples already have equal rights; (6) Changing the law to allow same-sex marriage would be undemocratic; and (7) The Government should focus on bigger priorities. Many of the arguments used to oppose equal marriage were a reworking of arguments previously used to oppose LGBT equality, however, human rights discourses were also mobilised by opponents and there was a notable absence of arguments explicitly based on assertions that homosexuality is immoral. These arguments will be discussed in relation to their rhetorical context."
Our call for abstracts and registration is now open. To submit an abstract please see the 'programme' tab of the website: www.bps.org.uk/pos-jul18
For those wishing to make a weekend of it, London Pride will take place immediately after the conference on 7th July.
Please spread the word and we hope to see you there.