CHAPTER 11 SEXUALITY DuffyAtwater 2005 Prentice Hall Chapter

CHAPTER 11 SEXUALITY Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Chapter Summary A. Men and Women 1. Changing views of sexuality 2. Sexual communication 3. Initiating and refusing sex Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Chapter Summary Cont’d B. Sexual Responsiveness 1. The sexual response cycle 2. Individual differences 3. Love and sex Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Chapter Summary Cont’d C. Practical Issues 1. Sexual dysfunctions 2. Contraception 3. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 4. Sexual victimization Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

A. Men and Women 1. Changing views of sexuality Older stereotypes related to sexuality are that: Men possess a stronger sex drive than women. Men enjoy sex more than women. Men’s sexual attitudes are more permissive. Men are more sexually assertive; the extreme form is rape. Women prefer sex in a committed relationship. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Such gender stereotypes about sexuality are changing. Few people are completely masculine or feminine. Some people are androgynous: a combination of desirable masculine and feminine characteristics in one person. Later in this presentation we will examine gender differences based on research. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Newer views of sexuality suggest that Both sexes realize that sex is not something a man does to a woman. Women experience the full range of sexual attitudes and behaviors just as men do. Sexual behaviors and attitudes vary with moods, time, place, and partners. Part of the pleasure of sex comes from our partner’s response. If one partner is critical, unresponsive, or passive, the emotional vitality of sexuality is diminished. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

2. Sexual Communication Most people are reluctant to talk about sex and sexual experiences. Sexual communication, just like any other form of communication, should be two-way. Communication is easier when partners trust and demonstrate mutual empathy for one another. There are several patterns of destructive sexual communication that should be avoided. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

These patterns include: Criticism: attacking a partner’s skill or character (“You’re selfish; why can’t we have sex the way I want to? ”). Contempt: using insults to denigrate a partner’s sexuality (“You have the smallest breasts I have ever seen; I wish you were bigger”). Continued on next slide Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Defensiveness: using excuses or refusal to take responsibility for our sexuality (“But I was drunk; I didn’t know what I was doing”). Alcohol dampens inhibitions. That is, under its influence we may do things that we would not otherwise do, such as have sex with someone we barely know. Withdrawal: ignoring a partner by watching TV or being emotionally unavailable (“Not tonight, Dear; I have a headache”). Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

3. Initiating and Refusing Sex Men have traditionally taken the sexual initiative. BUT both men and women (heterosexual or homosexual) who are easily expressive feel comfortable either making the first move or refusing sex. The more couples initiate and refuse sex on an equal basis, the more satisfied they are with their sex lives. Today, it is wise to ask our partners about their sexual history and possible exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Sex with strangers (or even friends) can be dangerous! Advertisement for prostitutes in Nevada, where prostitution Is legal Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

B. Sexual Responsiveness 1. The stages of the sexual response cycle are: Transition: a gradual shift from a nonsexual to a sexual state. Excitement: sex arousal that causes increased muscle tension, engorgement of the genitals, and increased heart rate. Continued on next slide Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

The stages of the sexual response cycle cont’d Plateau: a peak in arousal that occurs just before orgasm when sexual arousal becomes more pronounced. Orgasm: the climax of sexual excitement accompanied by tension release. Resolution: the body returns to its normal state. Refractory period: (in men) a period when added stimulation does not result in sex arousal or orgasm. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

2. Individual Differences in Sexual Response Men and Women Men wish for attractive partners with erotic ability. Women prefer a man with a good sense of humor, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and romantic tendencies. Women worry about a possible pregnancy; half of the pregnancies in the US are unintended. Women also worry about lack of approval from others and guilty feelings. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Age Young women’s sexuality is more person-centered and becomes more body-centered with age. Young men’s sexuality is more body-centered and becomes more person-centered with age. As both sexes age, however, differences between them tend to diminish. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Culture affects many sexual attitudes and behaviors; for example: What features of others we perceive as attractive. Dating, engagement and wedding customs (e. g. arranged marriages). Whether we marry for love or for some other reason. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Sexual Orientation: a component of sexuality that is characterized by enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to a particular gender Gay men and women (lesbians) are homosexual and prefer partners of the same-sex. Heterosexuals prefer partners of the opposite-sex. Bisexual individuals engage in sex with partners of either sex. The sex arousal cycle (e. g. transition, excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution, etc. ) is the same for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Sexual Orientation Cont’d Research indicates that gay individuals are as well-adjusted as heterosexuals, especially when the individual accepts his or her sexual orientation. Gays whose families support and accept them are also better adjusted than gays whose families do not. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Some individuals do not accept sexual orientations other from heterosexuality: Homophobia: holding negative attitudes toward homosexuals. Sexual prejudice: A more general term meaning negative attitudes toward alternate sexual orientations (e. g. homosexuality, bisexuality, cross-dressing, etc. ). Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

3. Love and Sex Psychologists suggest that there is nothing inherently wrong about sex without love, but many people feel uncomfortable when they do not have a personal relationship with a partner. Love usually enriches sex. There are several types of love. Romantic love: closeness to and passion for another person. Companionate love: a loving but practical relationship based primarily on emotional closeness and commitment. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

C. Practical Issues 1. Sexual dysfunction: persistent problems that prevent an individual from engaging in or enjoying sexual intercourse. Example for men: Erectile inhibition (“impotency”): insufficient vasocongestion such that an erection cannot be established or maintained. Example for women: Female orgasmic disorder: absence of orgasms. See other dysfunctions as detailed by your text Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

2. Contraception and prevention have become ever more important today because of the spread of the virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. Various methods for HIV protection and birth control have advantages and disadvantages as outlined in your text. Teen pregnancy is troubling in the U. S. By 12 th grade, 65% of our high school students are sexually experienced. The U. S. leads all industrialized countries in teen pregnancy rate. The responsibility for contraception usually falls on the woman in heterosexual relationships; women are generally not happy with this circumstance. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Various methods for HIV protection and birth control have advantages and disadvantages as outlined in your text. Teen sexuality (i. e. pregnancy) is troubling in the U. S. By 12 th grade, 65% of our high school students are sexually experienced. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

3. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): diseases transmitted primarily through sexual interaction. The rates of such diseases are highest among high school and college-aged students. There are many such diseases, with HIV/AIDS the most difficult to treat as well as the deadliest. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Sexually transmitted diseases cont’d HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by means other than sexual contact, e. g. needle sharing. Contrary to popular believe, gay men are not the main carriers of HIV; the heterosexual population now contains 70% of all HIV/AIDS cases. Prevention of STDs by various means, e. g. latex condom use, is better and safer than after-the-fact treatment. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

4. Sexual Victimization: being forced to comply with sexual acts under duress or force. Sexual abuse of children: Up to 20% of American men and women have had sexual contact with children. Abusers are often family members or friends. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Sexual Victimization Cont’d Sexual abuse is most likely to involve prepubescent children between 9 and 12 years of age. People abused as children may exhibit many symptoms of duress, including physical complaints, difficulty becoming involved in other sexual relationships, depression, and anxiety. Abused children can themselves become abusers in adulthood. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Sexual Victimization Cont’d Rape: sexual intercourse under conditions of actual or threatened force that overcome the victim’s resistance. Date Rape: coercive sexual activity that occurs during a date. Victims are usually women, many under the age of 18 years at the time of the rape. In some countries, women and children are abducted and sold as objects for sexual gratification. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Only one in six rapes is reported to the police. Most rapes are committed by someone known to the victim. Many victims of rape develop rape-related posttraumatic stress disorder, including headaches, nausea, anxiety, fear, etc. Support groups, psychotherapy, and improvements in the justice system have helped recent victims begin to heal. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Some victims are emotionally abused, too Sometimes it is difficult and confusing to admit that you are in an abusive relationship or to find a way out. If the person you love or live with does any of these things to you, it's time to get help: See next slide Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Signs of Abuse: Keeps track of what you are doing all the time and criticizes you for little things. Constantly accuses you of being unfaithful. Prevents or discourages you from seeing friends or family, or going to work or school. Gets angry when drinking alcohol or using drugs. Humiliates you in front of others. Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall

Destroys your property or things that you care about. Threatens to hurt you or the children or pets, or does cause hurt (by hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, or biting). Uses or threatens to use a weapon against you. Forces you to have sex against your will. Blames you for his/her violent outbursts. GET HELP! Duffy/Atwater © 2005 Prentice Hall