Unpacking The Self: Sexual Self PDF

UNPACKING THE SELF: SEXUAL SELF What is Sexual Self? - Sexual Self refers to how individuals perceive, experience, and express their sexuality, which is a core aspect of their identify. Anthropologist Helen Fisher (2016) breaks down the process of falling in love into three stages: 1. L...

UNPACKING THE SELF: SEXUAL SELF What is Sexual Self? - Sexual Self refers to how individuals perceive, experience, and express their sexuality, which is a core aspect of their identify. Anthropologist Helen Fisher (2016) breaks down the process of falling in love into three stages: 1. Lust 2. Attraction 3. Attachment Lust - Lust is the initial stage of attraction, driven by the need for sexual gratification and reproduction. Attraction - Attraction is the phase where individuals become focused on their object of affection. Attachment - Attachment is the stage of long-term bonding, where dopamine decreases, and oxytocin and vasopressin increase, creating feelings of security and nurturing. Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love In Sternberg’s theory, the components of love is a triangle that is made up of three components. Some of these components are focused on the love between two people in a romantic or sexual relationship, but they also apply to other forms of interpersonal relationships. The three components of love are: 1.Intimacy- which involves feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness 2. Passion - which involves feelings and desires that lead to physical attraction, romance, and sexual consummation 3. Commitment - which involves feelings that lead a person to remain with someone and move toward shared goals. Sternberg's 7 Types of Love The three components of love interact in a systemic manner. The presence of one component or a combination of two or more components creates seven kinds of love experiences. 1.Friendship Components: Liking This type of love is when the intimacy or liking component is present, but feelings of passion or commitment in the romantic sense are missing. Friendship love can be the root of other forms of love. 2.Infatuation Components: Passion Infatuation is characterized by feelings of lust and physical passion without liking and commitment. There has not been enough time for a deeper sense of intimacy, romantic love, or consummate love to develop. 3.Empty Love Components: Commitment Empty love is characterized by commitment without passion or intimacy. At times, a strong love deteriorates into empty love. The reverse may occur as well. 4.Romantic Love Components: Intimacy and Passion Romantic love bonds people emotionally through intimacy and physical passion. Partners in this type of relationship have deep conversations that help them know intimate details about each other. They enjoy sexual passion and affection. These couples may be at the point where long- term commitment or future plans are still undecided. 5.Companionate Love Components: Liking and Intimacy Companionate love is an intimate, but non-passionate sort of love. It includes the intimacy or liking component and the commitment component of the triangle. It is stronger than friendship because there is a long-term commitment, but there is minimal or no sexual desire. 6.Fatuous Love Components: Commitment and Passion In this type of love, commitment and passion are present while intimacy or liking is absent. Fatuous love is typified by a whirlwind courtship in which passion motivates a commitment without the stabilizing influence of intimacy. Often, witnessing this leaves others confused about how the couple could be so impulsive. 7.Consummate Love Components: Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment Consummate love is made up of all three components and is the total form of love. It represents an ideal relationship. Couples who experience this kind of love have great sex several years into their relationship. They cannot imagine themselves with anyone else.  SEXUAL ORIENTATION Sexual orientation refers to a person's attraction to others based on gender, including: 1. Heterosexuality – Attraction to the opposite sex. 2. Homosexuality – Attraction to the same sex, including lesbian (women attracted to women) and gay (men attracted to men). 3. Bisexuality – Attraction to both men and women. 4. Transsexuality – People whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex and may seek medical assistance to transition. THANK YOU!!!