Intimate Relationships and Sexuality

Chapter 4 Intimate Relationships and Sexuality Learning Outcomes Describe the formation of intimate relationships Discuss contemporary lifestyles, from being single to cohabitation to marriage and parenting Discuss factors in unhealthy relationships Describe female and male sexual anatomy and related health issues Discuss sexual orientation Discuss different types of sexual behaviors Discuss sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy

Intimate Relationship Formation Typically begin with feelings of attraction (finding one another appealing or enticing) Physical appearance is the key factor in determining initial attraction Attraction-similarity hypothesis: tendency for people to develop romantic relationships with those who are similar to themselves in physical attractiveness

Intimacy Involves a sense of trust, caring, acceptance, and willingness to share innermost thoughts and feelings with a partner Not necessary to be sexually intimate to have an emotionally intimate relationship Factors that build intimacy Knowing and liking yourself Self-disclosure: You tell me and I’ll tell you… carefully Trust and Caring Honesty Commitment

Love Robert Sternberg: Love has three components Consummate love Intimacy Feelings of closeness ; sharing innermost feelings Passion Intense romantic or sexual desire Commitment The commitment to maintain the relationship through good times and bad Consummate love A complete love consisting of all three components

Love

Contemporary Lifestyles Singlehood Most common lifestyle among people in their 20s Postponing marriage due to educational/career goals Most, not all, singles are sexually active, many practice serial monogamy; some have “friends with benefits” Cohabitation Living together as though married but without legal sanction Many reasons for cohabitation

Marriage Most common adult lifestyle in the United States Meets various psychological and cultural needs Legitimizing sexual relationships Proving a social structure in which children can be supported and reared Permits orderly transmission of wealth from one family to another and one generation to another Homogamy Practice of marrying people who are similar in social background and standing Young adults similar to their chosen mates in race, age, height, weight, personality traits, intelligence, alcohol and tobacco use

Parenthood People delaying parenthood, couples choosing to have children for reasons of personal happiness or fulfillment, not out of a sense of obligation Single Parenthood More than 1 in 4 children are being raised by a single parent. 5 out of 6 single parents are mothers Nearly half are separated or divorced, and 1/3 have never married Single parents usually survive on one income

Factors in Unhealthy Relationships Jealousy One of most commonly mentioned reasons for relationships failing Other factors include: Failure to share power Failure to provide emotional support, Reluctance to discuss innermost feelings Lack of satisfaction

Divorce 40-50% of American marriages end in divorce Often associated with financial difficulties and health problems such as anxiety, depression, physical ailments Most divorced persons remarry Children of Divorce health related problems of their own

Female Sexual Anatomy External Organs Vulva Collective term for external female genitalia Mons Veneris Labia Majora Labia Minora Clitoris Urethral Opening Hymen Vaginal Opening Perineum Anus

Female Sexual Anatomy Internal Organs Vagina Cervix Uterus Fallopian Tubes Ovaries

Health Issues Proximity of urinary opening to the vaginal opening (introitus) increases risk of infections Endometrium – inner lining of the uterus. If endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus – endometriosis – can cause pain and if left untreated can lead to infertility Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) – 2nd most common surgery performed in the U.S.

The Menstrual Cycle Four cycles ending with menstruation – the shedding of the endometrium when the egg goes unfertilized

Menstrual Related Conditions Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation Sign of infertility Various causes Menstrual Discomfort Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) A combination of physical and psychological symptoms that afflicts many women during 4-6 day interval prior their menstruation Menopause: cessation of menstruation Perimenopause Climacteric

Male Sexual Anatomy External Organs: penis and scrotum Internal Organs: testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland, ejaculatory duct, seminal vesicle

Sexual Response Four phases Excitement Plateau Orgasmic Resolution Refractory Period (men)

Sexual Orientation Directionality of one’s sexual or erotic interests Heterosexual: opposite sex Homosexual: same sex Bisexual: both sexes Origins unclear: not a single factor – interaction of genetic, hormonal factors, and environmental influences

Varieties of Sexual Expression Masturbation Kissing Touching Oral Sex (fellatio, cunnilingus) Sexual Intercourse Anal Sex Celibacy

Sexual Dysfunction Problems with sexual interest, arousal, or response Sexual desire disorders Sexual arousal disorders Orgasmic disorders Sexual pain disorders Caused by biological , psychosocial factors, or combination of both Sex therapy has two main goals Reducing performance anxiety Fostering sexual skills or competencies