Human Sexual Response and Sex Roles

Study Notes

Human sexual response cycle involves mechanics of coitus, arousal, and related behaviors
Cycle includes response in men and women
Malfunctions of the cycle can occur
Gender identity and sex roles, influenced by hormones, pheromones, and drugs, affect sex drive and response cycle

Sex roles are shaped by biological sex, societal perceptions, and presented sexuality
Biological sex (XX or XY) determines anatomical and physiological traits, such as ovaries/testes and secondary sexual characteristics
Biological sex differences in brain function can influence sexual behavior
Gender identity is psychological belief/awareness of one's biological sex
Gender roles (or sex roles) outwardly express this identity
Nature vs nurture debate: Biological makeup ("nature") or learning and experience ("nurture") determine sex roles
Current theory: Continuous interaction of biological and social influences, from conception, shapes sex roles

Arousal occurs when factors (environmental or internal thoughts) initiate a sexual response
Erotic stimuli are external factors that elicit sexual arousal
Individual differences strongly influence erotic perceptions
Cultural context significantly affects perceptions of erotic stimuli
Erotic stimuli can be mental or perceived by senses like vision, hearing, touch, taste, or smell

These are areas of the body highly sensitive to touch and can evoke sexual arousal
Examples in males: glans, corona, lower portion of penis
Examples in females: clitoris, mons, labia minora, lower third of vagina, nipples, lips, tongue, ear lobes, anus, buttocks, thighs, back of knees, soles of feet, center of back
Individual sensitivity varies significantly

This describes courtship, flirtation, seduction, and foreplay in humans
It includes several universal features across cultures, like eye contact, smiling, animated conversation, closeness, touching, and mirroring behavior
These behaviors are influenced by culture and tradition

Pheromones are chemicals emitted by one member of a species that affect another's physiology or behavior
Some mammals rely heavily on smell for sexual interactions
VNO (in the nose) is a special sensory organ in many mammals, for sensing pheromones
Humans have a vestigial VNO, but its neuronal connections tend to be reduced leading to unclear functions in humans
Some research suggests that humans may sense pheromones via the regular olfactory epithelium for attraction

The cycle is divided into four main phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution
The cycle is continuous and the phases can blend together
Effective erotic stimuli are needed to trigger and maintain the experience in both men and women

Monogamy: One mate
Polyandry: One female with several males
Polygyny: One male with several females
Promiscuity: No lasting pair bonds
In humans: Monogamy is common
Several factors, environment or resources of the environment, the duration of parenting/care for the child affect which mating strategy is favored.

Dysfunction is consistent failure to achieve sexual gratification
Several factors can contribute, including physical and psychological factors
Erectile dysfunction (failure to maintain an erection), premature ejaculation, and orgasmic dysfunction are common issues
There are various treatments and therapies to manage sexual problems

Homosexuality is sexual attraction to members of the same sex
Several psychological, behavioral, and physical factors may play a role in developing homosexual tendencies
There are many perspectives on how these factors affect sexual orientation
Evidence supports a biological component associated with development (influence of prenatal hormones)