Andrew Mattison
Encyclopedia
Andrew Michael Mattison was a medical psychologist
and researcher. He performed influential research in both clinical and social aspects of sexology
, as well as drug use
. He spent the majority of his career as a professor, practicing psychotherapist, and research scientist at the University of California, San Diego
.
Mattison received his Ph.D. from United States International University (now Alliant International University
) in 1975, with the dissertation Onset of Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Males. His best-known book was The Male Couple: How Relationships Develop, coauthored with his partner David McWhirter. The book argued that gay
male relationships have particular tendencies distinct from other categories of sexual relationships, an innovative thesis that encouraged the growth of a new field, homosexuality studies. However, the book was also used by anti-gay marriage activists in legal arguments, because it does not use heterosexuality as a model for understanding homosexuality.
Mattison later began studying the use of party drugs by gay men, a controversial subject, which eventually led to a more thorough investigation of drug use in general. In 2000 he cofounded the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, of which he was co-director until his death.
He died of stomach cancer at the age of 57.
Medical psychology
Medical psychology is a very broad field and has been defined in various ways. The Academy of Medical Psychology's definition applies to both the practices of consultation and prescribing in Medical Psychology, when allowed by statutes...
and researcher. He performed influential research in both clinical and social aspects of sexology
Sexology
Sexology is the scientific study of human sexuality, including human sexual interests, behavior, and function. The term does not generally refer to the non-scientific study of sex, such as political analysis or social criticism....
, as well as drug use
Recreational drug use
Recreational drug use is the use of a drug, usually psychoactive, with the intention of creating or enhancing recreational experience. Such use is controversial, however, often being considered to be also drug abuse, and it is often illegal...
. He spent the majority of his career as a professor, practicing psychotherapist, and research scientist at the University of California, San Diego
University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego, commonly known as UCSD or UC San Diego, is a public research university located in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California, United States...
.
Mattison received his Ph.D. from United States International University (now Alliant International University
Alliant International University
Alliant International University is a private, non-profit higher education institution based in San Diego, California. It offers programs in six California cities and four locations outside the United States...
) in 1975, with the dissertation Onset of Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Males. His best-known book was The Male Couple: How Relationships Develop, coauthored with his partner David McWhirter. The book argued that gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
male relationships have particular tendencies distinct from other categories of sexual relationships, an innovative thesis that encouraged the growth of a new field, homosexuality studies. However, the book was also used by anti-gay marriage activists in legal arguments, because it does not use heterosexuality as a model for understanding homosexuality.
Mattison later began studying the use of party drugs by gay men, a controversial subject, which eventually led to a more thorough investigation of drug use in general. In 2000 he cofounded the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, of which he was co-director until his death.
He died of stomach cancer at the age of 57.
External links
- Obituary from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
- Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research