Understanding Human Sexuality is one of the pre-eminent psychology of sexuality textbooks, first developed in 1979 by faculty emerita Janet Shibley Hyde and the late John DeLamater. Now in its 16th edition, the 2026 release introduced two new co-authors – psychology professors Sara Chadwick and Morgan Jerald – whom Hyde invited to join the project.
Their goal was to provide students with the most up-to-date findings and interesting new discoveries across the field of human sexuality, particularly in areas like law and policy, shifting social norms, terminology changes, updated statistics, and advances in medication and treatment. To accomplish this, the authors divided up the 21 chapters equally, scouring the latest research for fresh information and updates to add, edit, and revise. In addition to improving content accessibility and ensuring that the information offered is based in rigorous and reliable scientific research, the authors also worked to encourage students’ critical thinking skills through analysis of different kinds of research and methodological approaches to studying and understanding sexuality, which are woven throughout the presentation of findings.
Students taking Psych 453 Human Sexuality will find comprehensive coverage of core topics, including theories, the history of sex research, anatomy and hormones, pregnancy and childbirth, the menstrual cycle, contraception, sexual arousal, sexual orientation, STIs, sexual coercion, and more.
Chadwick, who holds a joint appointment in Gender and Women’s Studies, notes that Understanding Human Sexuality is one of the core psychology of sexuality textbooks in the country and “in fact, was the very first textbook I had in my own Psychology of Sexuality class as an undergrad at the University of Michigan.”
Congratulations to all on this wonderful new edition!