Chapter 12 Sexuality

What is sexuality? Sexuality is not a personality characteristic. Sexuality is not a level of biological drive. Sexuality is a choice of behaviors.

Early vs. Late Maturation Early maturing girls have a less positive body image They are more likely to drink, smoke, be depressed, have an eating disorder or mental disorder, date and have sex earlier, and have lower educational and occupational attainment –Berkley Longitudinal Study

Heterosexual Choices 90% of people have had sexual intercourse by age 22 National Health & Social Life Survey (1994) – to 59 year olds –Partners are alike in age, ethnicity, education & religion –71% have only one sex partner per year –1/3 have sex up to twice a week; 1/3 a few times a month; 1/3 a few times a year

Heterosexual Behavior Married people have the most frequent sex & most satisfying sex lives Most popular activities intercourse, watching partner undress 75% men, 85% women not unfaithful Men think about sex more –Michael & others, 1994

Sexuality - Adulthood Sexual activity increases through the 20s and declines in the 30s. 80% of adults in committed relationships, and 88% in marriages report begin “extremely physically and emotionally satisfied.” Only a few report persistent sexual problems

Sex and Relationships “Sex is a socially significant act.” Self-concept Future partners Parents Possible children The need to belong Best in truly intimate relationships

Why is sex best in an intimate relationship? Physical and psychological intimacy influence each other. Commitment is a safeguard. A caring rather than a using partner. Identity/relationship issues are important.

Unregulated Sexual Behavior Unregulated sexual behavior is a problem for any society. The problem is age/stage-related, in adolescence & young adulthood Adolescents have the highest rates of STD’s all age groups, 1 in 6 per year

STD’s (The Short List) National Center for Health Statistics, of 6 Americans has one. Bacterial Viral –SyphilisGenital herpes –GonorrheaHPV –ChlamydiaAIDS

Cochran & Mays (1990) 20 % of men 4% of women Indicated that they would lie to a potential sex partner about the results of a positive HIV test.

Adolescent Pregnancy U.S. adolescent pregnancy rate is higher than that of most industrialized countries 40-45% of these end in abortion 75% to unmarried females Increased social acceptance Belief that a baby will fill a void in life

Teenage Mothers Likely to be poor High percentage are low-income, minorities Tend to have limited education, poor school performance, etc.

Effects of the Child on Circumstances Reduces likelihood of educational attainment Reduces the chance of marriage Increases the chances of economic disadvantage and welfare

Why so much irresponsible sex? Irresponsible Mindset Lack of clear cultural standards religion, morality, social acceptability no longer reasons to say no Social acceptability: Substantial numbers of people believe it is OK –Most high school seniors are no longer virgins Internal conflict – ambivalent feelings; guilt –20% use no contraception

Irresponsible Mindset Lack of communication about birth control/sex Alcohol & other drugs “Romantic fog”

Why so much irresponsible sex? Pressure Media/TV – spontaneous passion should be acted upon; the 40-year-old Virgin Subculture factors – to be “normal” Peer pressure – to be acceptable Date pressure – to be loved

We live in a sexually coercive society. 12% of American girls and 5% of boys say they were forced to have intercourse Among those who had sex voluntarily, 25% said they really did not want to do so

Sexual Coercion Estimated 13% of women have endured rape, legally defined as intercourse by force, by threat of harm, or when the victim is incapable of consent by reason of mental retardation, mental illness, or intoxication college survey, 44% of women had experienced sexual coercion; 19% of men had obtained sex through force

Why is date rape a problem? Because too many people think it isn’t. –Taking sex too lightly – no big deal –Pornography/Myths about women  Beliefs that women enjoy rape  Misreading friendliness  Assuming that refusal is part of the game

Sexual Coercion: The Cost Psychological reactions to rape resemble those of trauma survivors –ShockConfusion –WithdrawalChronic fatigue –TensionDisturbed sleep –Depression/Suicidal thoughts

Homosexuals 2.7% men, 1.3% women No real evidence of biological basis No clear indications of social, environmental correlates May be an interaction of the two (nature- nurture question) Factors in explanation –Biological plasticity –Social tolerance

Sexual Orientation: Not Genetically Determined Identical twin concordance rate is about 50% Inconsistency of preference  18% heterosexual boys, 6% girls report engaging in at least one homosexual act  Prisoners  Bisexuality  Other conditions of changing lifestyles

“There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles... “ –American Psychological Association New Statement from APA