Psychology of Love and Religion

Physical Development

• Puberty is a period of life generally between ages 10 and 15, when reproductive organs mature.
• Rapid physical changes occur during adolescence, including maturation of the reproductive system and development of varying sex characteristics.
• Primary sex characteristics are present at birth. In females, it's the vagina, uterus, and ovaries; in males, the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate gland.
• Secondary sex characteristics develop during puberty. In females, these include breast enlargement, widening hips, and pubic hair growth; in males, testicular growth, increased facial/body hair, and deepening voice.
• Reproductive structures in early development are alike for both sexes, existing in an indifferent stage.
• Sex organs develop according to the presence of testosterone.
• Female embryos develop ovaries, leading to the formation of female reproductive structures since testosterone isn't produced.

Puberty and Menopause

• Reproductive capacity continues until old age in males.
• Menopause is the time when menstrual cycles end. Diagnosed after 12 months without a period.
• Hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, progesterone) are natural substances produced in the body.

Understanding Chemistry of Love, Lust, and Attachment in Human Sexual Behavior

• Human sexual behavior includes solitary, interpersonal, and group activities that induce arousal.
• Two factors that determine human sexual behavior are inherited response patterns (evolved for reproduction) and societal influences.
• Different types of human sexual behavior exist, classified by gender and number of participants; solitary, heterosexual, and homosexual behavior are common examples.

The Human Sexual Response Cycle

• The sexual-response cycle describes bodily changes during sexual arousal for men and women.
• Stages include: arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
• In males, arousal is marked by penile tumescence and ejaculation; in females, vaginal lubrication and breast tumescence occur.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

• Gender identity is a person's internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither.
• Sexual orientation is who a person is attracted to (romantic and/or emotional) sexually.
• Common orientations include heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual.
• Transsexual: people who seek or have undergone physical transition from male to female or vice versa.

Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System

• Infections (e.g., those caused by Escherichia coli, sexually transmitted microorganisms, and yeast) are common reproductive problems.
• Vaginal infections are prevalent in young and elderly women, and those with low immunity.
• Male reproductive system conditions include prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis and various types of cancers.
• Female reproductive system conditions include breast cancer, cervical cancer, and various types of tumors.

Methods of Contraception

• Natural methods (e.g., abstinence, calendar method, basal body temperature, cervical mucus) are those not involving chemicals or foreign objects.
• Artificial methods (e.g., condoms, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and various hormonal injections) involve chemicals and other objects in the method.
• Surgical methods alter the reproductive system structure permanently or temporarily to prevent pregnancy.

The Role of Consumer Culture on the Sense of Self and Identity

• Consumer identity is a pattern of consumption.
• Consumption has shifted from solely functional reasons to incorporating symbolic representations of identity and self-expression.
• People act differently online and offline, thus creating a digital self that differs from their real identity.
• "Partial identities" or "personas" are individual sub-identities created and projected in various circumstances.

Selective Self-Presentation and Impression Management

• Self-presentation is the process of controlling how one is perceived by others. Individuals carefully manage the information they share to project a positive image.
• Online interactions often lead to a different self-perception and self-disclosure.

The Material/Economic Self

• Possessions are linked to personal identity.
• Possessions are symbols of status and success and can reflect hard work/success.

The Spiritual Self

• Spirituality relates to feelings and beliefs about life's meaning and purpose.
• The spiritual self is associated with the search for deeper meaning and connection to something larger than oneself.
• Spirituality is an aspect of identity, beliefs, rituals, and practices that address questions of life's meaning, purpose, nature.
• Religion is belief and worship of a superhuman power; a system of faith and worship. Different religions have various beliefs, rituals, and practices.

Goal Setting

• Goals are ideas/objects sought.
• Goal attributes include: -Content (object sought) -Intensity (scope, complexity)
• Goal-setting can improve performance by influencing direction of effort, effort level, and persistence.
• Effective goal-setting involves feedback and knowledge of past performance.

Two Aspects of Metacognition

• Self-appraisal reflects one's knowledge and capabilities.
• Self-management is the ability to use capabilities effectively in planning and adapting to learning tasks.
• Metacognitive knowledge refers to one's awareness and understanding of what they know.
• Metacognition includes "knowing about knowing" and how to improve learning methods and processes.
• Metacognition regulation is about adjusting thinking to ensure effective learning.

Dweck's Fixed and Growth Mindset Theory

• Dweck's theory distinguishes two mindsets. -Fixed mindset: success depends on innate ability. -Growth mindset: success stems from effort and learning.
• The mindset concept describes different attitudes towards challenges and setbacks.