Chapter 12 LifeSpan Sexual Development For use with

Chapter 12 Life-Span Sexual Development For use with text, Human Sexuality Today, 5 th edition. Bruce M. King Slides by Callista Lee 1 King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

We are sexual even before birth l l 2 Sexuality begins in the womb with reflexive displays of genital arousal (erection in boys); both boys and girls continue to experience reflex-induced genital arousal throughout infancy. Physical contact and emotional bonding with caretakers is essential for life and begins a child’s education about sexuality (the pleasure of touch and emotional intimacy). King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Early Childhood (Ages 2 – 6) l l Egocentrism before age 2; a lack of understanding others’ points of view. Genital exploration is a natural part of learning about one’s own body. Social play after age 2; genital exploration expands beyond their own bodies to include curiosity about others; peaks in ages 3 -5. – 3 Sexual exploration games, touching self and others, talking about sex, noticing differences between boys & girls, and between children & adults. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Responding to childhood sexuality l l l 4 Aggressive sexual behaviors may be indicative of abuse and should be investigated. Sexual exploration games (especially with same-sex playmates) are normal and only become harmful when a parent’s response frightens or shames the child. Socialize children for privacy rather than punishing. To stop the behavior when it is inappropriate, distract the child rather than scolding or slapping their hands away. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

School-Age Years (Ages 7 – 11) l l l 5 Freud’s sexual latency stage is not supported; children in others cultures continue sex play; children in our culture learn that sex play should be hidden from adults. By age 9, most social play is with same-sex friends; including sexual exploration games. Girls tend to be treated more harshly than boys when “caught” engaging in sex play. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Puberty (Ages 7 – 15) l l l 6 l Puberty – a process of reproductive and sexual maturation lasting several years. Adrenarche (ages 6 -8) – adrenal glands secrete androgen hormone DHEA > converts to testosterone and estrogen. Gonadarche (several years later) – pituitary gland (FSH & LH), testes (sperm and testosterone) and ovaries (ova, estrogen and progesterone) mature. Secondary sex characteristics appear. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Puberty in Girls l l l l 7 Breast buds – 1 st sign of puberty (avg. age 11. 2) Growth spurt begins – begins about age 12 and finishes about age 16 in most girls. Fatty deposits at hips and buttocks Pubic hair, & after a few years, underarm hair Sweat and sebaceous glands > acne Menarche – First period (avg. age 12 -13) Attitudes about menarche -- King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Puberty in Boys l l Testicles/scrotum growth – 1 st sign of puberty Testosterone then stimulates growth of the penis, prostate gland seminal vessicles. – l l l 8 Genital growth(and pubic hair) begins around ages 11 -12; finishes about age 15; ejaculation possible about a year after penis begins growing. Nocturnal emissions and voice deepening Temporary gynecomastia Underarm & facial hair, sweat & sebaceous glands appear later King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Precocious or Delayed Puberty l l 9 Precocious – before age 11 -12 in girls and before 8 -9 in boys; premature activation of pituitary hormones perhaps due to early weight gain, hormones in meat/milk, chemical pollutants. Delayed – when secondary sex characteristics and physical growth do not begin in early adolescence. Treatment with gonadatropinreleasing hormone or androgens. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Sexual behavior at or before puberty l l 10 Pubertal changes in the brain increase sexual desire, making sexual risk-taking behaviors more likely. First sexual attractions occur at about age 10, after adrenarche but before gonadarche. Masturbation to orgasm is not uncommon. Sexual attraction > sexual fantasy > sexual exploration games (e. g. , spin the bottle) have more erotic content than early childhood exploration games. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Adolescence (Ages 13 – 17) l l l 11 In many non-industrialized countries, individuals become adults immediately following puberty. Most important psychological challenge is development of a self-identity; intense body awareness as the teen’s body becomes a symbol of self-worth. Broader-based sense of self-esteem based upon accomplishments and quality of life develops later. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Masturbation in adolescence l l l 12 l Most teens masturbate (more boys than girls) but nearly half feel guilty about it. When viewed positively, masturbation provides a way to gain sexual self-confidence as well as a way to control sexual impulses. People who masturbated in adolescence generally engage in sex more frequently and with better sexual self-esteem in adulthood than those who did not. Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders fired, 1990 s. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Partnered sexual activity in teens l l l 13 Petting/Necking – most have begun by age 14 and 80% have begun by age 18. 2001 – 6. 6% have had sexual intercourse by age 13; 60% of high school seniors have had sexual intercourse; 14% of high school students have had four or more partners. Age at first intercourse (boys and girls) – younger for African-Americans and Whites; older for Latinos and Asian-Americans. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Attitudes about premarital sex l l 14 1994 – 58% of those who say premarital sex is wrong have engaged in premarital sex. Fewer young people today believe premarital sex is wrong than in the 1980 s. Less guilt and greater condom use has led to small decreases in teen pregnancy and birth rates during the 1990 s. For most teen girls (but much less so for boys), love and committed relationships are important before engaging in sex. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

First sexual intercourse l Men/boys generally experience greater pleasure and less guilt than women/girls. – – l 15 l Males much more likely to experience orgasm One-third of girls reported severe physical pain Young women with positive experiences usually had extensive childhood and adolescent sexual experiences and 1 st intercourse was with a caring partner in a safe place. Confusing sexual and emotional intimacy King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Peer pressure vs. abstinence l l l One-fourth to 1/3 of girls say they “went along” with it or that it was “voluntary but not wanted” – more so when her partner was much older. Teens who believe that most of their friends are having sex will often feel intense pressure to conform. Teens who postpone sexual intercourse – – 16 Waiting for marriage and fears of pregnancy/STDs Positive parental involvement/communication and lack of drugs/alcohol use by the teens King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Sex for the right reasons l l l 17 Feeling guiltless and self-confident that your reputation will not be hurt by this choice. Not trying to prove yourself, your love. Not rebelling against parents or seeking attn. Sex as expression of current feelings vs. attempt to improve a poor relationship. Ability to discuss and agree about contraception, STDs, what to do if contraception fails. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Emerging Adulthood (Ages 18 – 25) l l l 18 Today, “full” adulthood (economic selfsufficiency, marriage, parenthood, etc. ) is later than in the past; median age of marriage for women is 25, and 27 for men. 90% of emerging adults are sexually experienced, have sex regularly, and have had multiple partners. Multiple partners are less common among the more religious and more educated women. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Sex among emerging adults l l l Emotional involvement – 86% of women and 71% of men say that sex is difficult without it. Serial monogamy – a common pattern Sexual self-schemas – cognitive views about the sexual aspects of ourselves – – 19 Erotophilia – positive emotions about one’s sexuality; these individuals tend to have a wider range of sexual experiences Erotophobia – negative emotions about one’s sexuality King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Young Adulthood (Ages 26 – 39) l l 20 Long-lasting monogamy is the norm for most adults aged 25 and older. Adults who get and stay married have higher levels of psychological well-being than those who remain single. Frequency of sexual intercourse in the first year of marriage is usually high; about 15 times per month. For the entire population, frequency is highest for married couples in their 20 s and 30 s. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Sex in marriage l l 21 Married women are more likely than single women to have orgasms during intercourse. Married couples use a greater variety of sexual techniques than in the past. The majority of young people continue to masturbate after getting married. A majority of men and women report marital sex to be more satisfying; more so than singles. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Living Together: Cohabitation l l 22 Cohabitation has increased 700% since 1970. Half of these unions end within 5 years. Fifty-four percent of all first marriages begin as cohabitation; however, the divorce rate for this group is higher than for those who did not cohabit before marriage. “Living together” may attract individuals with less enthusiasm for marriage and more acceptance of divorce. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Single Parenthood l l l 23 In 2000, 27% of families maintaining their own households were headed by single mothers (22%) or single fathers (5%). 25% of white children live with a single parent. 65% of black children live with a single parent. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

How do people select a mate? l l l 24 Short-term relationships dominate human mating patterns worldwide, but in all cultures the idealistic goal is for a lasting relationship. 80% of societies allow polygyny – men may have multiple wives or mistresses, but most do not. 2% allow polyandry – women may have more than one mate. Western cultures achieve the same thing through serial marriages or extramarital affairs. Men may enjoy female promiscuity in short-term relationships but seek a chaste woman for a longterm relationship. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Extramarital sex l l 25 36% of husbands and 25% of wives report at least one extramarital affair. Rates are just as high in cohabitating couples. Men tend to be looking for sexual enjoyment whereas women are almost always looking for emotional connection as well as sex. Men are most upset with their partner’s sexual infidelity; women with the emotional infidelity. Opportunity for an affair and growing apart from one’s mate play important roles. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Consensual extramarital arrangements l Open marriage – both partners agree that it is okay to have sex with others (separately) – – l Swinging – extramarital sex (together) – – – 26 There are usually agreed-upon restrictions to serve to honor the primary status of the marriage. Divorce rates equal to traditional marriages. Often sex between the wives while husbands watch Some will “full swap” and some set limits Tend to be white, non-religious, politically diverse King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Middle Ages (Ages 40 – 59) l l l Many parents appear to be nonsexual because their behavior is private and they hesitate to discuss sexual topics with their children. Decrease in sexual activity is very gradual between ages 30 and 60. Many couples remain sexually active after 60 and report that their relationships are very satisfying sexually and emotionally. – 27 Hugging and kissing become even more important than they were at younger ages. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Death and divorce – Losing one’s partner l l 28 Over half of all marriages end in divorce, with the greater risk being to 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th marriages. 40% of Americans aged 45+ are single. Because men die earlier than women, there are many more available single women than men as the population ages. About ¾ of divorced people remarry; usually within 3 to 4 years. Half of these marriages end in divorce. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Female hormonal changes l l l 29 Ovaries begin failing to respond to pituitary hormones; menstrual irregularities become common after age 35. Climacteric (perimenopause) – the few years preceding and the year following menopause. Menopause – cessation of ovulation and menstruation. Four-fifths experience menopause between ages 44 and 55. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Physical changes of menopause (1) l Hot flashes – without ovarian estrogen and progesterone to inhibit them, LH and FSH are released in large amounts, causing blood vessels to dilate. – – 30 Sudden, intense heat spreads over upper body lasting from a few seconds to 15 minutes. Pressure in heat or chest, nausea, feelings of suffocation can also be experienced. Night sweats > fatigue, irritability and depression 20% of women experience hot flashes for 5 years or longer. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Changes in levels of pituitary hormones throughout the female’s lifespan. 31 King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Physical changes of menopause (2) l Osteoporosis – bones become brittle – l Decrease in vaginal lubrication – – l Some couples mistakenly assume that this is a sign of decreased sexual desire. Pick up a water-based lubricant at the drug store. Uterine or vaginal prolapse – occurs in some women when severely weakened ligaments can no longer hold these organs in place. – 32 Hip fractures are most common Reconstructive surgery can correct the problem. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

The medicalization of menopause l l l 33 This normal process has become viewed as an illness to be treated medically with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The majority of women go through menopause without HRT and with no or few complaints. HRT was believed to protect against heart disease and broken bones but recent research indicates that it does not decrease heart attack and it does increase risk of breast and ovarian cancer and strokes. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

The good news l l Post-menopausal women can throw away their contraceptives. For most women, menopause causes no change in level of sexual desire. – l Women who have regular sexual activity throughout life experience less vaginal atrophy and loss of vaginal lubrication. – 34 For those who do experience lowered desire, medical treatment is available. Yes, it’s true: Use it or lose it! King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Male menopause? l l l 35 There is no “sudden” loss of hormones in men as there is in women. “Andropause” refers to emotional reactions some men have in response to changing family relationships, inability to achieve career goals and accepting their changing body. A very gradual decline in testosterone begins in the late teens; by age 55, 20 -50% of men have testosterone levels that would be considered “low” for a young man. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Effects of lowered testosterone l l l 36 Decreased sensitivity of the penis, longer time needed to achieve erection, less firm erection, less forceful ejaculation, testicle shrinkage, longer refractory period. Sperm production continues but at a reduced rate after age 40. Testosterone replacement therapy can increase muscle mass and restore sexual desire in men who experience a hormonally related decline. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Other issues of “andropause” l l 37 Other effects of low testosterone - decline in muscle mass, reduction in bone density, sparser beard growth and slightly higher voice. Best predictor of middle-age man’s level of sexual activity is his level of activity when younger. Taking longer to achieve erection often pleases the female partner. Reports of overall sex-life satisfaction remain high in middle age. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

The Elderly Years (Ages 60+) l l Our culture has viewed the elderly as sexually neutered; sex is seen as being for the young. Among people in their 60 s who have partners, over 70% have sex regularly. – l 38 50% report having sex at least once a week A study of men and women aged 80 -102 found that ¾ still fantasized about sex and enjoyed touching and caressing their partners; nearly ½ still engaged in sexual intercourse and 1/3 engaged in oral-genital sex. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Sex among the elderly l l l 39 Sexual activity tends to be limited most by living arrangements (lack of privacy) or lack of an available partner rather than lack of interest. Elderly people with physical disabilities who must depend on others for their care experience even less privacy, even to masturbate. Sex after a heart attack – once you can engage in moderate exercise you’re okay. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall

Attitudes play a key role l l l 40 Most other cultures view their elderly as sexual human beings; maturity improves sexual satisfaction. Adjustment to bodily changes include both cognitive and medical efforts. There is more to sexuality than intercourse, oral -sex or masturbation; elderly people often report great sexual satisfaction with emotionally erotic experiences. King, Human Sexuality Today, 5/e © 2005 by Prentice Hall