The Sexual Self PDF

Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the different concepts related to one’s sexual self 2. Understand human sexuality 3. Appreciate the role of language in keeping a long-lasting relationship 4. Analyze the sexual response cycle 5. Show awareness on the risks of sexually transmitted disease....

Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the different concepts related to one’s sexual self 2. Understand human sexuality 3. Appreciate the role of language in keeping a long-lasting relationship 4. Analyze the sexual response cycle 5. Show awareness on the risks of sexually transmitted disease. 2 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality 3 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality  Sex - physiological differences found among male, female, and various intersex bodies.  Gender – socio-cultural distinctions associated with being male, female, or intersex.  Sexuality - sexual interest and attraction to others, as well as their 4 Sex and Gender  Terms sex and gender are not interchangeable  A person’s sex, as determined by his or her biology, does not always correspond with his or her gender.  A baby boy who is born with male genitalia will be identified as male. As he grows, however, he may identify with the feminine aspects of his culture.  Characteristics of sex do not vary between different human societies.  All persons of the female sex, regardless of culture, will eventually menstruate and develop breasts that can 6 Sex and Gender  Characteristics of gender, on the other hand, may vary greatly between different societies.  In American culture, it is considered feminine to wear a dress or skirt.  In many Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cultures, dresses or skirts (often referred to as sarongs, robes, or gowns) can be considered masculine.  The kilt worn by a Scottish male does not make him appear feminine in his culture. 7 Sexual Orientation  Sexual orientation refers to a person’s emotional and sexual attraction to a particular sex (male or female).  Sexual orientation is typically divided into four categories: 1. Heterosexuality (straight) - attraction to individuals of the opposite sex 2. Homosexuality (gay) - attraction to individuals of the same sex 3. Bisexuality - attraction to individuals of either sex 4. Asexuality - no attraction to either sex 8 Sexual Orientation  There is no scientific consensus regarding the exact reasons why an individual holds a heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual orientation.  Research has made clear that sexual orientation is not a choice, but rather it is a relatively stable characteristic of a person that cannot be changed. 9 Gender Roles  Gender Role refers to society’s concept of how men and women are expected to act and how they should behave.  These roles are based on norms, or standards, created by society.  One way children learn gender roles is through play.  Adherence to them demonstrates fulfillment of social expectations but not necessarily personal preference. 10 Gender Identity  Gender identity is an individual’s self- conception of being male or female based on his or her association with masculine or feminine gender roles.  Cisgender is used to describe people whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex  Individuals who identify with the role that is the opposite of their biological sex are called transgendered. 11 Gender Identity  Transgendered individuals who wish to alter their bodies through medical interventions such as surgery and hormonal therapy are called transsexuals.  Also known as male-to-female (MTF) or female- to-male (FTM) transsexuals.  Not all transgendered individuals choose to alter their bodies: many will maintain their original anatomy but may present themselves to society as the opposite gender.  Cross-dressing is typically a form of self-expression, 12 Sexuality Sexuality  Human sexuality refers to people’s sexual interest in and attraction to others. It is the capacity to have erotic or sexual feelings and experiences.  May be experienced and expressed through thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships. 14 15 Sexuality: Biological Basis  Hypothalamus plays an important role in motivated behaviors, and sex is no exception.  The Medial Preoptic Area is involved in the ability to engage in sexual behavior, but it does not affect sexual motivation.  The Amygdala and Nucleus Accumbens are involved in motivation for sexual behavior, but they do not affect the ability to engage in it. 16 Love Language  Love language is a concept that describes the ways that people receive and express love in a relationship.  Knowing your partner's love language and letting them know yours can help you ensure you both feel loved and appreciated in your relationship. 17 Love Language 1) Words of affirmation is about expressing affection through spoken words, praise, or  appreciation. They enjoy kind words and encouragement, uplifting quotes, love notes, and cute text messages.  You can make this person's day by complimenting them or pointing out what they do well. 18 Love Language 2) Quality Time - love and affection are expressed through undivided attention.  This means putting down the cell phone, making eye contact, and actively listening.  People with this love language are looking for quality over quantity.  They feel loved if you are present and focused on them when you are together. 19 Love Language 3) Physical Touch - person with this love language feels loved through physical affection.  Aside from sex, those who have physical touch as their primary love language feel loved when their partner holds their hand, touches their arm, or gives them a massage at the end  They of thewant simply day. to be close to their partner physically. 20 Love Language 4) Acts of Service - a person feels loved and appreciated when someone does nice things for them, such as helping to carry things, running errands, etc.  They love when people do little things for them and often can be found doing these acts of service for others. 21 Love Language 5) Gift-giving is symbolic of love and affection for someone with this love language. They treasure not only the gift itself but also the time and effort the gift-giver They remember put intolittle every it. gift received from their loved ones because it makes such an impact on them.  They also do not necessarily expect large or expensive gifts; it's more what is behind the gift that appeals to them. 22 Sexual Response Cycle  The four phases of sexual response cycle was developed by William Masters and Virginia Johnson.  Their research demonstrated the often- cited statistic of the average size of a flaccid and an erect penis (3 and 6 inches, respectively)  Relationships between the size of a man’s erect penis and his ability to provide sexual pleasure to his female partner.  They determined that the vagina is a very elastic structure that can conform 23 to penises of various sizes Sexual Response Cycle 1) Excitement Phase is the arousal phase of the sexual response cycle.  It is marked by erection of the penis or clitoris and lubrication and expansion of the vaginal canal. 2) Plateau - women experience further swelling of the vagina and increased blood flow to the labia minora, and men experience full erection and often exhibit pre-ejaculatory fluid. 24 Sexual Response Cycle 3) Orgasm is marked in women by rhythmic contractions of the pelvis and uterus along with increased muscle tension.  In men, pelvic contractions are accompanied by a buildup of seminal fluid near the urethra that is ultimately forced out by contractions of genital muscles. 25 Sexual Response Cycle 4) Resolution is the relatively rapid return to an unaroused state accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure and muscular relaxation.  While many women can quickly repeat the sexual response cycle, men must pass through a longer refractory period as part of resolution.  The refractory period is a period of time that follows an orgasm during which an individual is incapable of experiencing another orgasm. As men age, their refractory periods tend to span longer periods of time. 26 27 Sexually Transmitted Disease  Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are generally acquired by sexual contact.  The bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.  Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles. 28 29 30 Sexually Transmitted Disease  Use latex condoms every time you have sex.  If you use a lubricant, make sure it's water-based.  Avoid sharing towels or underclothing.  Wash before and after intercourse.  Get a vaccination for hepatitis, get tested for HIV.  If you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, get help. People who are drunk or on drugs often fail to have safe sex.  Consider that not having sex is the only sure way to prevent STDs. 31 Discussion Forum What is your love language? 32