The Centerfold Syndrome: How Men Can Overcome Objectification and Achieve Intimacy with Women

Here is the first candid analysis of how boys are conditioned to pursue those air-brushed fantasies, how they're brought up to both depAnd on and yet fear the power they perceive women to hold over them, as gatekeepers to this precious commodity: their objectified body parts! And most importantly, how this syndrome prevents true emotional intimacy between men and women.In this groundbreaking book, Gary R. Brooks identifies the five principal symptoms of voyeurism, or "I can't stop watching gorgeous women; objectification, or obsessive fetishism over body parts (breasts and bottoms) that interfere with the ability to have relationships with an actual person; the need for validation, or "Women have great power to make or break my sense of masculinity; trophyism, or "Beautiful women are collectibles that show the world who a man is; and the fear of intimacy, or "I'm desperately lonely but deeply fearful of getting too close.Dr. Brooks also offers a way to overcome this insidious and destructive malady. Using actual case histories and transcripts from groups he has conducted over many years, he documents how a variety of men from different backgrounds have struggled to escape the depersonalization, the isolation, the sense of frustration and powerlessness of the Centerfold Syndrome. In stories that are both inspiring and instructive, the author demonstrates their successes and setbacks in efforts to achieve mature and more meaningful relationships with wives and partners.Both men and women will appreciate the honesty and candor of The Centerfold Syndrome. The author offers specific guidelines and a practical plan of action for all of us in our various roles as friAnds, lovers, partners, husbands, wives, parents, and responsible citizens in an era of rapidly changing gAnder relations.

"Brooks offers hope and concrete suggestions in generous doses. . . . The Centerfold Syndrome, though chilling sometimes in its bluntness, is a window into the psyche of the typical American male. I recommAnd it highly to clinician and lay person alike as a very informative and readable book." --The Journal of Family Psychotherapy

"This book will open men's minds and hearts to a very different way to approach male-female relationships." --Ronald F. Levant, Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, Cambridge Hospital/Harvard Medical School, co-author of Masculinity Reconstructed

"A 'must read' for men, therapists who work with men, and for all who love men." --Terry A. Kupers, M.D., psychiatrist, author of Revisioning Mens' Lives: GAnder, Intimacy and Power

"Never preachy, always compassionate and sensible, Dr. Brooks will prove a steady companion for any man who wants to make changes in his sexual life." --Kathy Weingarten, assistant professor of psychology, Harvard Medical School, author of The Mother's Voice: Strengthening Intimacy in Familes

In an era of rapidly changing gAnder relations, The Centerfold Syndrome gives a candid analysis of how boys are conditioned to both depAnd on and fear the power that females hold over them as gatekeepers to a precious commodity--the objectified female body. Most importantly, the study describes how this syndrome can prevent true emotional intimacy.Both men and women will appreciate the honesty and candor of The Centerfold Syndrome. It offers specific guidelines and a practical plan of action for all of us in our various roles as friAnds, lovers, partners, husbands, wives, parents, and responsible citizens.

This candid analysis shows how boys are brought up to both depAnd on and yet fear the perceived power they think women hold over them and, most importantly, how this prevents true emotional intimacy between men and women. Learn from their inspiring and instructive stories.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 213-234) and index.

GARY R. BROOKS, Ph.D., is an associate professor in psychiatry and behavioral science with the Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, adjunct faculty member at Baylor University, and instructor of men's studies with Texas Women's University. He is also the assistant chief of psychology service at the O. E. Teague Veteran's Center, Temple, Texas.

Foreword

1. What Is the Centerfold Syndrome?

2. The Men's Group

3. Debunking Conventional Wisdom

4. The True Causes of the Centerfold Syndrome

5. Men Who Made Progress

6. Men Who've Made Little Progress

7. Overcoming the Centerfold Syndrome