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Human Sexuality

Human Sexuality. Sexual Expression. Sexual Expression. Encompasses sexual behavior, emotions, and attitudes Sexual activities: intrapersonal/interpersonal. Mind/Body Dichotomy. Biological drives govern sexual expression (Fisher, 2004)

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Human Sexuality

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  1. Human Sexuality Sexual Expression

  2. Sexual Expression • Encompasses sexual behavior, emotions, and attitudes • Sexual activities: intrapersonal/interpersonal

  3. Mind/Body Dichotomy • Biological drives govern sexual expression (Fisher, 2004) • Aspects of the mind drive sexuality, not just the body (Fausto-Sterling, 2000)

  4. Mind/Body • “The body, plainly enough, is in some sense- yet to be determined- the domain of sexuality” (Giddens, 1992)

  5. Mind/Body • “Sex begins in the mind and then travels downward…It is the imaginative power of the mind that transforms our biological imperatives into the actual experience of sexual pleasure.” (Bader, 2002)

  6. Mind/Body • Dynamic interactions between the mind and body in the context of sexual behavior

  7. Biological Perspectives • Understanding sex drive: • Testosterone/hormones • Brain: dopamine, norepinephrine

  8. Socio-cultural Factors • Sexual Scripts: What we learn and internalize about sexual expression • Cultural • Intrapersonal • Interpersonal

  9. Internalization • Parental attitudes • Religious/cultural attitudes • Other influences on secular thought

  10. Cultural Scripts • What is normal/abnormal • Sequence of sexual events: how does the sexual encounter occur? • Impacts our learning experiences about sexuality

  11. Intrapersonal Scripts • Physiological responses/sensations • How we make sense of our sexual responses

  12. Interpersonal Scripts • Negotiating sexual dynamics with our partners

  13. Attitudes and Sexual Expression • Correlation between our sexual attitudes/comfort levels and our sexual behaviors • “erotophobic” individuals: more sexual risks, less likely to take care of sexual health

  14. Social Factors ImpactingSexual Expression • Body image: our outer appearance gives our bodies social meaning

  15. Body Image and Sexuality • Slim people rated themselves as more sexual attractive than larger people (Haavio-Mannila, 2001) • Women- stronger link between BMI and sexual attractiveness

  16. Sexual Attractiveness • Evolutionary/biological arguments • Cultural variation • Body size and body parts considered attractive vary across cultures

  17. Sexual Attractiveness • Both innate and learned • Social Learning Theory: how cultures internalize standards of beauty

  18. The Halo Effect • We assume that one desirable trait is linked to many others • Attractive people: we assume they are sexual (more open, exciting), sociable, fun (Stelzer, Desmond & Price, 1987)

  19. Sexual Attractiveness:Women • “Beauty-mediated power” (Unger, 1979) • Paradox: linked to power, but also objectification

  20. Sexual Attractiveness:Women • Make-up: • Women wearing make-up were perceived as healthier, more confident, professional, with greater earning potential (Nash, 2006)

  21. Sexual Attractiveness:Women • Jeffreys, 2005: • Western beauty practices, including make-up and cosmetic surgery, are culturally harmful

  22. Sexual Expression:Between Partners • Approaching sex with responsibility/mutual respect- linked to self-esteem and happiness (McCabe & Cummings, 1998)

  23. Sexual Expression:Between Partners • Not feeling ready for sex, lack of respect between partners- linked to guilt, regret, decreased self-esteem (Wight, 2000)

  24. Erotophobia • Those who feel uncomfortable with sexuality • Less likely to be sexually responsible; less likely to take care of their sexual health

  25. Autoeroticism • Sexual activities involving only oneself • Fantasies/thoughts/dreams • Masturbation/self-stimulation

  26. Historical Perspectives:Autoeroticism • Biblical references: damnation • Victorian “warnings”: masturbation leads to insanity, blindness, heart problems • Devices were inventing to curb masturbation

  27. Sexual Behavior with Others • Touching • Kissing • Oral sex • Intercourse: vaginal and anal

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