Human Sexual Health and Biology

Study Notes

Understanding the Sexual Self

Fertilization and pregnancy can occur when a healthy, sexually mature male and female engage in intercourse.
The 23rd pair of chromosomes determines the sex of an individual, with XX being female and XY being male.

Sociobiological Perspective

This perspective studies how evolutionary forces impact sexual behavior.
Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are best suited to their environment are most likely to survive.

Psychological Perspective

Sexuality involves emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, not just physical responses.
According to Sigmund Freud, human beings are driven by two forces: sex instinct (libido) and death instinct (aggressive instinct).
Erogenous zones are areas of the body where sexual energy is located at different psychosexual stages.

Psychosexual Stages of Development

Oral Stage: the child's erogenous zone is the mouth, with gratification through eating and sucking.
Anal Stage: the erogenous zone is the anus, with sexual gratification derived from defecation.
Phallic Stage: the erogenous zone is the genitals, with the Oedipus complex or Electra complex emerging.
Latency Stage: sexual impulses lie dormant as the child is occupied by social activities.
Genital Stage: the erogenous zone is again in the genitals, with sexual attraction directed towards others.

Structures of Personality

ID: the pleasure principle, seeking pleasure and aggression.
Superego: the moral principle, guiding morality.
Ego: the analytical principle, finding ways to satisfy needs in an acceptable manner.

Religious Perspectives

Judaism: marital sex is seen as blessed by God and pleasurable for both men and women.
Islam: family is considered of utmost importance, and celibacy within marriage is prohibited.
Taoism: sex is seen as a natural, healthy, and sacred union necessary for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Hinduism: sexuality is seen as a spiritual force, with ritual lovemaking celebrating and transcending the physical.
Roman Catholic: marriage is purely for intercourse and procreation.

Key Terms

Sexual Arousal: the arousal of sexual desire, often in anticipation of sexual activity.
Sexual Identity: how one sees and expresses themselves sexually, including crushes, relationships, and sexual experiences.
Gender Assignment: the determination of an infant's sex at birth.
Masculine/Feminine: qualities and things associated with men and women, respectively.

Description

This quiz covers the basics of human sexual health, including the process of fertilization, pregnancy, and the role of sex chromosomes. It also touches on the sociobiological perspective on sexual behavior and natural selection.