Cameron Staley introduces his new book, Confessions of an LDS Sex Researcher, published by By Common Consent Press. This book weaves his personal experiences from the chapel, research laboratory, and therapy room integrating faith, sexuality, science, and diversity.
I’ve never been afraid to write anything before. Well, until this book. I’ve published a dozen research studies in peer-reviewed medical and psychological journals. I’ve spoken from the pulpit to my congregation many times on various religious topics. Those were easy. I knew who my audience was. I can talk openly about sexuality in the academic realm and about faith with my fellow parishioners.
The problem with writing this book is simple: I can’t tailor the message to my audience. I can’t censor my thoughts as I talk about discipleship or hold anything back as I share my experiences as a graduate student in a human sexuality research laboratory.
For a long time, it seemed easy to balance my faith and scientific training. Until the media got wind of my research. I’ve received invitations to appear on the Dr. Phil Show, and my research has been written about in British tabloids, Time, and Christian-focused magazines. I’ve even heard false claims that our research on sex was funded by pornography!
I’m just a little-known name on a research paper. No one knows my secret: I’m also a Mormon, or as I prefer to be identified, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Somehow, I found a way to simultaneously offend the “sex addiction” treatment community as well as members of my own faith who believe in “sex addiction.”
As a clinician, I work with many individuals who feel like they can’t fully express themselves within their own religious communities. There is a high level of fear about being ostracized if others truly know the doubts they hold or the beliefs they have. I share this fear. This is one of the primary motivating factors behind the undertaking of Confessions of an LDS Sex Researcher. I believe that times are changing. Individuals are more willing to express themselves openly. It’s exciting to witness how often people who take these risks are embraced by others who hold similar views, whose fear has also made them reluctant to speak.
In this book I share my journey in graduate school researching sexuality and the discovery that unwanted pornography viewing may be inaccurately classified as an addiction. There are wonderful research supported treatments (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for compulsive behaviors such as unwanted pornography that members of the church desperately need to learn more about. I explore ways I have integrated my faith background with the psychology profession and the importance of learning from diverse perspectives including LGBT individuals. Much of my counseling experience involves navigating the impact of church culture, beliefs, and policy on sexual development and identity which felt important to address in this book.
Writing Confessions also allowed me to reflect on the impact of sexual abuse within society, family, and religious organizations and the sacredness of creating a healing space for others to address religious and mental health concerns. I also wanted an opportunity to share my love, testimony, and personal lessons learned from the Book of Mormon. Lastly I acknowledge the pioneers in psychology and in the church who built bridges, formed connections, and learned from diverse individuals that have shaped my views and helped me become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Cameron Staley is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals improve their mental and sexual health through counseling, education, and the development of accessible mental health programs. Cameron has presented his research on pornography at the International Academy of Sex Research (IASR) and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) along with peer-reviewed publications in the journals of Socioaffective Neuroscience and Psychology, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Biological Psychology, Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, and Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Dr. Staley also enjoys writing articles for LDS Living on topics related to diversity, the Book of Mormon, and mental health. Covenant Communications published his first novel, In the Hands of the Gadiantons, which explores the silent history of the Lamanite legacy. He lives in Idaho with his wife and four children and enjoys playing sports, especially basketball, and building Legos with his family.
Finally! A candid book about sex that challenges the “porn addiction” model and the fear-based hysteria that has gathered so much momentum in the past few decades. With a unique blend of personal experience and professional insights, Dr. Staley sensitively challenges the status quo and gently suggests a healthier, respectful way of thinking about sex and sexuality. A must-read for all Latter-day Saint families and Church leaders seeking more insight and compassion around complexities of human sexuality.
—Dr. Julie Hanks, therapist and author of The Assertiveness Guide for Women
Yay! for a book that gives the word “sex” the place of honor it deserves in a society that claims we are that we might have joy but often dispenses fear and confusion. Confessions is both light-hearted and seriously helpful, a great gift to families and individuals needing a friendly scientific and spiritually-attuned guide to walk with them on this awesome and challenging territory.
—Carol Lynn Pearson, author of The Love Map
Dr. Cameron Staley brings fresh perspectives and unique insights on sensitive subjects in the Latter-day Saint community. Subjects we need to discuss in our congregations and families so we can better understand and support each other. This is a book I wish I’d read decades ago before becoming a husband, father, and having church assignments. Dr. Staley’s work—because of his education, clinical experience, and understanding of gospel principles—brings better pastoral insights to help others. This book is a must read for every Latter-day Saint.
—Richard Ostler, host of the Listen, Learn and Love podcast”