Brian G. Gilmartin
Encyclopedia
Brian G. Gilmartin is an American
behavioral scientist
, professor of psychology
, and author of books and articles in the field of social psychology
. He is most notable for his quantitative psychological research
on an anxiety-related syndrome what he has termed love-shyness
.
In more recent years, Gilmartin has taught sociology
, social psychiatry
, and parenting
at the Montana State University - Northern
.
, and subsequently raised in nearby Maplewood
.
He obtained his B.A.
in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder
in 1962, and his M.S.
in the same subject from the University of Utah
in 1965.
In 1976, Dr. Gilmartin earned his Ph.D.
in Sociology
from the University of Iowa
. There he specialized in marriage
and family
studies.
From 1963 to 1973, Gilmartin taught as an assistant professor at Humboldt State University
in Arcata, California
. From 1980 to 1987 he worked as an assistant professor at Westfield State College in Westfield, Massachusetts
. During these decades, he also taught at California State Polytechnic
, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
, and Auburn University
. Additionally, Gilmartin served as a psychological counselor
on both Utah and California State campuses.
Since 1988, he has been an associate professor
stationed at Montana State University - Northern. He currently lives in the surrounding campus community of Havre, Montana
.
In addition to the subjects noted above, his research interests have also included the neuropsychology
of personality, the practice of "sexual
spouse sharing
", and the effect of dog ownership
on family life, his most recent book being How to Excel at Parenting: 33 Proven Success Strategies (2003).
is elaborated in his books Shyness & Love (1987) and The Shy Man Syndrome (1989). His survey
and empirical
data for these books are described in his two articles, Some family antecedents of severe shyness in males (1985) and Peer group antecedents of severe love-shyness in males (1987).
Criticisms of his research have been made by Allgeir (1988) that he has wasted attention on pseudoscientific theories of shyness, and by Cheek (1989) that he has not paid enough attention to research regarding similar shyness in women. However, despite such criticism, Gilmartin subsequently became a spokesman
and social advocate
for love-shyness
afflicted, anxiety
-inhibited young men.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
behavioral scientist
Behavioural sciences
The term behavioural sciences encompasses all the disciplines that explore the activities of and interactions among organisms in the natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behaviour through controlled and naturalistic observation, and disciplined...
, professor of psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
, and author of books and articles in the field of social psychology
Social psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. By this definition, scientific refers to the empirical method of investigation. The terms thoughts, feelings, and behaviors include all...
. He is most notable for his quantitative psychological research
Quantitative psychological research
Quantitative psychological research is defined as psychological research which performs mathematical modeling and statistical estimation or statistical inference. This definition distinguishes it from so-called qualitative psychological research; however, many psychologists do not acknowledge any...
on an anxiety-related syndrome what he has termed love-shyness
Love-shyness
- The Definition Of Love-shyness:Love-shyness is a specific type of severe chronic shyness that impairs or prevents intimate relationships. It implies a degree of inhibition and reticence with potential partners that is sufficiently severe to preclude participation in courtship, marriage and family...
.
In more recent years, Gilmartin has taught sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
, social psychiatry
Social psychiatry
Social psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that focuses on the "interpersonal" and cultural context of mental disorder and mental wellbeing. It involves a sometimes disparate set of theories and approaches, with work stretching from epidemiological survey research on the one hand, to an indistinct...
, and parenting
Parenting
Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood...
at the Montana State University - Northern
Montana State University - Northern
Montana State University – Northern is a public state university, part of the Montana State University System, located in Havre, Montana. Montana State University – Northern was known as Northern Montana College prior to the restructuring of Montana's public university system...
.
Brief biography
Gilmartin was born May 18, 1940 in Newark, New JerseyNewark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
, and subsequently raised in nearby Maplewood
Maplewood, New Jersey
Maplewood is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 23,867.-History:...
.
He obtained his B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
in 1962, and his M.S.
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in the same subject from the University of Utah
University of Utah
The University of Utah, also known as the U or the U of U, is a public, coeducational research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The university was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, making it Utah's oldest...
in 1965.
In 1976, Dr. Gilmartin earned his Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
in Sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
from the University of Iowa
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
. There he specialized in marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
and family
Family
In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children...
studies.
From 1963 to 1973, Gilmartin taught as an assistant professor at Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University is the northernmost campus of the California State University system, located in Arcata within Humboldt County, California, USA. The main campus, nestled at the edge of a coast redwood forest, is situated on Preston hill overlooking Arcata and with commanding views of...
in Arcata, California
Arcata, California
-Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile...
. From 1980 to 1987 he worked as an assistant professor at Westfield State College in Westfield, Massachusetts
Westfield, Massachusetts
Westfield is a city in Hampden County, in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 41,094 at the 2010 census. The ZIP Code is 01085 for homes and businesses, 01086 for Westfield State...
. During these decades, he also taught at California State Polytechnic
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, or Cal Poly Pomona, is a public university located in Pomona, California, United States...
, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech , is a public land-grant university with the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia with other research and educational centers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, and internationally.Founded in...
, and Auburn University
Auburn University
Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
. Additionally, Gilmartin served as a psychological counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed professional counselor is a licensure for mental health professionals. The exact title varies by state, but the other most frequently used title is licensed mental health counselor . Several U.S. states, including Illinois, Maine, and Tennessee, have implemented a two-tier system whereby...
on both Utah and California State campuses.
Since 1988, he has been an associate professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
stationed at Montana State University - Northern. He currently lives in the surrounding campus community of Havre, Montana
Havre, Montana
Havre is a city in, and the county seat of, Hill County, Montana, United States. It is said to be named after the city of Le Havre in France. The population was 9,621 at the 2000 census.-History:...
.
In addition to the subjects noted above, his research interests have also included the neuropsychology
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology studies the structure and function of the brain related to specific psychological processes and behaviors. The term neuropsychology has been applied to lesion studies in humans and animals. It has also been applied to efforts to record electrical activity from individual cells in...
of personality, the practice of "sexual
Human sexual behavior
Human sexual activities or human sexual practices or human sexual behavior refers to the manner in which humans experience and express their sexuality. People engage in a variety of sexual acts from time to time, and for a wide variety of reasons...
spouse sharing
Open marriage
Open marriage typically refers to a marriage in which the partners agree that each may engage in extramarital sexual relationships, without this being regarded as infidelity. There are many different styles of open marriage, with the partners having varying levels of input on their spouse's...
", and the effect of dog ownership
Pet
A pet is a household animal kept for companionship and a person's enjoyment, as opposed to wild animals or to livestock, laboratory animals, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for economic or productive reasons. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful...
on family life, his most recent book being How to Excel at Parenting: 33 Proven Success Strategies (2003).
Love shyness
Professor Gilmartin's theory of love-shynessLove-shyness
- The Definition Of Love-shyness:Love-shyness is a specific type of severe chronic shyness that impairs or prevents intimate relationships. It implies a degree of inhibition and reticence with potential partners that is sufficiently severe to preclude participation in courtship, marriage and family...
is elaborated in his books Shyness & Love (1987) and The Shy Man Syndrome (1989). His survey
Statistical survey
Survey methodology is the field that studies surveys, that is, the sample of individuals from a population with a view towards making statistical inferences about the population using the sample. Polls about public opinion, such as political beliefs, are reported in the news media in democracies....
and empirical
Empirical
The word empirical denotes information gained by means of observation or experimentation. Empirical data are data produced by an experiment or observation....
data for these books are described in his two articles, Some family antecedents of severe shyness in males (1985) and Peer group antecedents of severe love-shyness in males (1987).
Criticisms of his research have been made by Allgeir (1988) that he has wasted attention on pseudoscientific theories of shyness, and by Cheek (1989) that he has not paid enough attention to research regarding similar shyness in women. However, despite such criticism, Gilmartin subsequently became a spokesman
Spokesman
A spokesperson or spokesman or spokeswoman is someone engaged or elected to speak on behalf of others.In the present media-sensitive world, many organizations are increasingly likely to employ professionals who have received formal training in journalism, communications, public relations and...
and social advocate
Advocate
An advocate is a term for a professional lawyer used in several different legal systems. These include Scotland, South Africa, India, Scandinavian jurisdictions, Israel, and the British Crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man...
for love-shyness
Love-shyness
- The Definition Of Love-shyness:Love-shyness is a specific type of severe chronic shyness that impairs or prevents intimate relationships. It implies a degree of inhibition and reticence with potential partners that is sufficiently severe to preclude participation in courtship, marriage and family...
afflicted, anxiety
Anxiety
Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. The root meaning of the word anxiety is 'to vex or trouble'; in either presence or absence of psychological stress, anxiety can create feelings of fear, worry, uneasiness,...
-inhibited young men.
Works
| Year | Work | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Sociology today: Lacunae, emphases and surfeits | American Sociologist pp 283-291 (co-author: Julia S. Brown) |
| 1975 | That swinging couple down the block | Psychology Today Psychology Today Psychology Today is a bi-monthly magazine published in the United States. It is a psychology-based magazine about relationships, health, and related topics written for a mass audience of non-psychologists. Psychology Today was founded in 1967 and features articles on such topics as love,... , pp 54-58 |
| 1978 | The Gilmartin Report: Inside Swinging Families | Citadel Press, Lyle Stuart Inc. Lyle Stuart Lyle Stuart was an American author and independent publisher of controversial books.... , Secaucus, New Jersey. ISBN 9780806506418 |
| 1979 | Corporal punishment: a research update | Human Behavior pp 18-25. |
| 1979 | The case against spanking | Human Behavior pp 18+ |
| 1985 | Some family antecedents of severe shyness in males | Family Relations Family Relations (journal) Family Relations is a peer reviewed academic journal published on behalf of the National Council on Family Relations by Wiley-Blackwell. It covers family studies and social work research, educational practices or philosophies, and professional development for researchers, educators, family policy... pp 429-438 |
| 1987 | Shyness and Love: Causes, Consequences, and Treatments | University Press of America University Press of America University Press of America is an academic book publisher based in the United States. Part of the independent Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, it was founded in 1975 and boasts of having published "more than 10,000 academic, scholarly, and biographical titles in many disciplines"... , Rowman & Littlefield Rowman & Littlefield Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group is an independent publishing house founded in 1949. Under several imprints, the company offers scholarly books and journals for the academic market, as well as trade books. The company also owns a book distributor, National Book Network... , Lanham, MD. ISBN 0-8191-6102-0 & ISBN 9780819161024 |
| 1987 | Peer group antecedents of severe love-shyness in males | Journal of Personality Journal of Personality Journal of Personality is a journal covering Personality Psychology published by Wiley-Blackwell.The editor-in-Chief is Howard Tennen.Journal of Personality publishes research on personality – particularly on personality and behavior dynamics, personality development, and cognitive,... pp 467-489 |
| 1989 | The Shy Man Syndrome: Why Men Become Love Shy And How They Can Overcome It | Madison Books, New York, New York. ISBN 0-8191-7009-7 & ISBN 9780811917095 |
| 2003 | How to Excel at Parenting: 33 Proven Success Strategies | Kendall Hunt, New York, New York. ISBN 9780757502378 |
Critiques
- Elizabeth R. Allgeir (1988), Book review: shyness & love, Journal of Sex ResearchJournal of Sex ResearchThe Journal of Sex Research is a scientific journal published by the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality . In 1963, the society had published a one-issue journal entitled Advances in Sex Research...
pp 309-315.- Focuses on Gilmartin's use of pseudo-scientific theories with shyness.
- Jonathan M. Cheek (1989a), APA Review of Books, Contemporary PsychologyAmerican Psychological AssociationThe American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. It is the world's largest association of psychologists with around 154,000 members including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. The APA...
, 34(8): 791-792.- Critique of Shyness & Love, highlighting the lack of study of shyness in women.
External links
- Shyness & Love: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment –- online text of his 1987 book, as well as information regarding "love-shy" support and advocacy groups