Sexual Motivation & Belongingness

Alfred Kinsey Considered the father of the study of human sexuality for conducting his studies in the 1940’s. Studies showed that there were wide variations in “normal” sexual practices of individuals and that premarital sex was commonplace.

Sexual Response Cycle Following Kinsey’s studies, scientists looked to identify typical sexual reactions among volunteers in the 1960s. Masters and Johnson filmed and identified the sexual response cycle: refers to the four stages of sexual response: 1. Excitement 2. Plateau 3. Orgasm 4. Resolution

Sexual Response Cycle 1. Excitement: blood flows to the genital areas causing both sexes’ genitals to enlarge. 2. Plateau: peak of the excitement phase; breathing increases; penal and vaginal secretions increase. 3. Orgasm: ejaculation in the male and vaginal contractions in the female. 4. Resolution phase: body returns to unaroused state. Males enter a refractory period: resting period where they cannot have another orgasm.

Influence of Masters and Johnson Study 1. Probably the most cited study in all human sexuality courses…paved way for future scientific study of sex. 2. Ideas have been applied to help treat sexual dysfunctions. 3. Exposed many sexual myths.

Hormones and Sexual Behavior Certain hormones help activate sexual fertility, putting animals in “heat.” Females become sexually receptive when estrogen (sex hormone greater in females) peaks during ovulation. Testosterone levels also effect sex drive in both males and females. Hormones are monitored by hypothalamus.

Effect of External Stimuli on Sexual Motivation Studies have shown that both males and females are both aroused by seeing, hearing, or reading erotic material. Some psychologists have argued that sexually explicit materials can have negative effects.

Reasons for Teen Pregnancy Ignorance Lack of communication about birth control Guilt related to sexual activity Alcohol & drug use Exposure within the media

Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2/3 of new infections occur in people under 25 Condoms don’t protect against other sexual activity outside of intercourse Predictors of sexual restraint: High intelligence Religion Presence of father Participation in service learning programs

Sexual Disorders Sexual Disorders: a problem that consistently impairs sexual arousal or functioning. In Men: Premature Ejaculation: ejaculation before they or their partners wish. Impotence: inability to maintain an erection. In Women Orgasmic Disorder: infrequent or never experiencing an orgasm.

Sexual Orientation Sexual Orientation: an enduring sexual attraction toward members of either one’s own gender (homosexual orientation) or the other gender (heterosexual orientation)

Possible Causes of Homosexuality? Have found brain differences between heterosexual men and homosexual men and women. Hard to get at causation. Genetics Prenatal exposure to certain hormones. Most psychologists believe that nature more than nurture influences sexual orientation but the answer has not been completely solved.

Changing Attitudes towards Homosexuality People who believe homosexuality to be biological tend to be more accepting. Extramarital sex is “always wrong” Homosexuality is an acceptable life-style 1987 2000 Year 100% 80 60 40 20

Why do people need to belong? Idea that humans do not live as islands and are motivated to connect to others. Why? Aids Survival Wanting to belong Sustains relationships Avoid being ostracized