Andrew Mattison

Who was Andrew Mattison?

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 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.