Psychology Chapter 7: Understanding the Self and Relationships

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What do primary sex characteristics refer to?

The development of the human reproductive system

The sex organs (correct)

Visible changes seen in puberty

Erogenous zones

What is the term for the desire for sexual activity?

Libido (correct)

Erogenous zone

Secondary sex characteristic

Sexual response

At what stage does sexual development begin in humans?

In puberty

At birth

Inside the womb of mothers (correct)

During adolescence

What are erogenous zones?

Areas of the body sensitive to sexual stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What do hermaphrodites have?

Both male and female sex organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the changes seen in puberty?

Secondary sex characteristics Signup and view all the answers

When does the human reproductive system develop?

Inside the womb of mothers and continues after birth Signup and view all the answers

What has psychological and physiological bases?

Human sexual response Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Ventral Tegmental Area in the brain?

It is part of the brain's reward system and changes activity when we begin to fall in love Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Basal Ganglia in the brain?

It is involved in promoting attachment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Limbic System in the brain?

It is the 'seat of emotions' in the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cortisol in the initial phase of romantic love?

It increases in level, leading to depleted levels of serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dopamine in the brain?

It activates the reward circuit, helping to make love a pleasurable experience Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of oxytocin in the brain?

It deepens feelings of attachment and makes couples feel close to one another Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of vasopressin in the brain?

It is linked to long-term relationships and plays a major role in defensive behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of low levels of serotonin in the brain?

Intrusive, maddeningly preoccupying thoughts, hopes, terrors of early love Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria causes Chlamydia?

Chlamydia Trachomatis Signup and view all the answers

Which virus can cause sores on your genital or rectal area?

Herpes Simplex Virus Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage of infection with HIV?

AIDS Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sexual attraction is between persons of the opposite sex or gender?

Heterosexual Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for people who identify differently from their biological sex?

Transgender Signup and view all the answers

What is a way to prevent STIs?

Practicing monogamy Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a person who is attracted to both sexes?

Bisexual Signup and view all the answers

What does HPV stand for?

Human Papillomaviruses Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of norepinephrine on an individual?

It causes individuals to feel alert and unable to sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What is intimacy in the context of relationships?

Being open and vulnerable to a person whom we deeply trust. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the commitment component of love?

It is based on agreements and mutual respect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the physiological response in women during the excitement phase of the sexual response cycle?

The vaginal walls begin to swell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the orgasm phase of the sexual response cycle in men?

Rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the ejaculation of semen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage of the sexual response cycle?

Resolution phase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of passion in the context of relationships?

It is an intense state of being that drives and consumes a person to pursue an interest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle?

Excitement becomes enhanced, and the body prepares for orgasm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding the Self: Sexual Self

Development of secondary sex characteristics and the human reproductive system:
- Begins in the womb and continues after birth
- Primary sex characteristics are seen after birth due to sex organs
- Hermaphrodites have both male and female sex organs
- Secondary sex characteristics are visible changes seen in puberty
Erogenous zones:
- Play a role in human sexual response
Understanding the human sexual response:
- Libido is sex drive or desire for sexual activity
- Sexologists identify desire as a combination of visual, biochemical, emotional, and biomechanical cues

The Role of the Brain

Cerebral cortex:
- Controls higher order functions like language and judgment
Ventral tegmental area:
- Part of the brain's reward system, involved in falling in love
Basal ganglia:
- Promotes attachment
Angular gyrus:
- Mirror neuron system, helps anticipate loved one's actions
Limbic system:
- Known as the "seat of emotions"
Hypothalamus:
- Key structure in sexual arousal, regulates hormone balance, temperature, and blood vessel constriction and dilation

Love and the Brain

Cortisol:
- Increases during initial romantic love phase, leading to decreased serotonin levels and intrusive thoughts
Dopamine:
- Activates reward circuit, enhances testosterone release, and influences mood and emotions
Oxytocin:
- "Love hormone", deepens feelings of attachment, and promotes feelings of contentment, calmness, and security
Vasopressin:
- Linked to long-term relationships, plays a role in defensive behaviors like mate guarding
Norepinephrine:
- A stimulant, causes alertness, and enhances memory and attention to details about partners

Three Components of Love

Intimacy:
- Being open and vulnerable with someone, trusting and feeling connected
- Communication is key, including self-disclosure and meaningful conversations
Commitment:
- Deciding to consistently fulfill agreements and live by values of respect and integrity
- Caring and loving actions for the beloved
Passion:
- Intense state of being that drives and consumes a person, including sexual attraction

The Sexual Response Cycle

Excitement phase:
- Sexual stimuli lead to changes in the body, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension
- Women's breasts become fuller, vaginal walls swell, and men's testicles swell and secrete lubricating liquid
Plateau phase:
- Excitement enhances, and the body prepares for orgasm
Orgasm phase:
- Sudden, forceful release of sexual tension, with muscle contractions in women and ejaculation in men
Resolution phase:
- Return to an unaroused state

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Chlamydia:
- Caused by bacteria, can infect both men and women, and can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth
Genital herpes:
- Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus, can cause sores on genital or rectal areas, buttocks, and thighs
Gonorrhea:
- Most common in young adults
HIV:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus, harms the immune system, and can lead to AIDS
Human Papillomaviruses (HPV):
- Can cause warts on different parts of the body, and increase the risk of cancer

Ways of Preventing STIs

Practice monogamy
Refrain from using alcohol and other drugs
Discuss STI concerns with potential partners
Avoid high-risk behaviors
Use condoms and other barriers
Use other protective measures

Diversity of Sexuality

Heterosexual:
- Romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between persons of opposite sex or gender
Homosexual:
- Romantic and sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between persons of the same sex or gender
Bisexual:
- Attracted to both sexes
Transgender:
- People who identify differently from their biological sex
Transsexual:
- A person who physically transitions from male to female or vice versa
Sexually fluid:
- Sexual preferences can change over a lifetime

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores questions about love, relationships, and self-concept, including the concept of love at first sight and the ideal duration of courtship.