Lesson-2-of-2-DIMENSIONS-OF-SEXUALITY.pdf

DIMENSIONS OF SEXUALITY Ma. Angelica A. Beza LSS Department What is Sexuality? Sexuality refers to the way people experience and express themselves as sexual beings It encompasses a broad range of elements, including biological, emotional, social, and cultural factors....

DIMENSIONS OF SEXUALITY Ma. Angelica A. Beza LSS Department What is Sexuality? Sexuality refers to the way people experience and express themselves as sexual beings It encompasses a broad range of elements, including biological, emotional, social, and cultural factors. Sexuality is not just about sexual acts but also about how individuals understand their sexual desires, preferences, attractions, and identities. It involves how people interact with others, form relationships, and experience intimacy and pleasure. Three Dimensions of Sexuality Biological Socio-cultural Psychological Biological Dimension of Sexuality The biological dimension of sexuality refers to the physical and physiological aspects of human sexuality. It encompasses the body's anatomy, reproductive system, sexual development, and the role of hormones and genetics in shaping sexual characteristics and behavior. This dimension is fundamental because it provides the biological foundation for sexual function, reproduction, and the experience of sexual pleasure.  KEY COMPONENTS OF THE BIOLOGICAL DIMENSION OF SEXUALITY: 1. REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY: Male Anatomy: Includes structures such as the penis, testes, and prostate, which are involved in producing sperm and delivering it for reproduction. Female Anatomy: Includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, which are involved in egg production, fertilization, and childbirth. Intersex Anatomy: Some individuals may have biological characteristics of both male and female sexes, a condition known as intersex, where variations in chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy may exist.  2. GENETIC AND CHROMOSOMAL INFLUENCE: Humans typically have 46 chromosomes, with two of them being the sex chromosomes: XX for females and XY for males. These determine biological sex. Some individuals may have atypical chromosomal patterns (e.g., XXY in Klinefelter syndrome), which can influence sexual development and gender characteristics.  3. HORMONAL REGULATION: Hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone play a crucial role in sexual development, desire, and behavior. During puberty, an increase in sex hormones leads to the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair, breast development, voice changes, and increased muscle mass. Hormones also influence sexual desire (libido) and reproductive functions, such as ovulation in females and sperm production in males.  4. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AND PUBERTY: Puberty is a stage of biological development in which individuals undergo physical changes that make them capable of reproduction. For males, puberty involves the development of testes, an increase in testosterone, and the onset of sperm production. For females, puberty involves the development of ovaries, the production of eggs, the start of menstruation, and breast development.  6. EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE: From an evolutionary standpoint, sexuality is linked to the survival of species. Reproductive behaviors are biologically driven to ensure the continuation of the species through procreation.  5. REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION AND SEXUAL RESPONSE: The biological dimension includes the sexual response cycle, which has four stages: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. These stages involve physiological changes such as increased heart rate, blood flow to the genital area, and muscle contractions. Fertility and reproduction are central to the biological dimension, with the body's reproductive system designed for the production and union of sperm and egg cells.  Socio-cultural Dimension of Sexuality The socio-cultural dimension of sexuality refers to how social norms, cultural beliefs, values, and institutions influence an individual's sexual attitudes, behaviors, and identity. This dimension shapes how sexuality is understood, expressed, and regulated within different societies. It encompasses the roles that families, peers, media, religion, and legal systems play in influencing what is considered acceptable or taboo in terms of sexual behavior.  1. CULTURAL NORMS AND VALUES: Different cultures have specific norms and values that dictate acceptable sexual behavior. These can vary widely across societies and influence ideas about modesty, sexual expression, gender roles, marriage, and sexual orientation. For example, in some cultures, premarital sex is taboo, while in others, it may be accepted or even encouraged as part of courtship.  2. GENDER ROLES: Societies often prescribe different roles and expectations for men and women in terms of sexual behavior, known as gender roles. These roles influence how people are expected to behave sexually, with concepts of masculinity and femininity shaping those expectations. For instance, in many cultures, men may be encouraged to be more assertive and dominant in sexual relationships, while women may be expected to be more passive or nurturing.  3. RELIGION AND MORALITY: Religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping sexual attitudes and behaviors. Many religious doctrines provide guidelines about appropriate sexual behavior, including teachings about marriage, sexual orientation, contraception, and premarital sex. For example, certain religions may prohibit homosexuality or consider premarital sex as immoral, while others may take a more liberal stance on these issues.  4. MEDIA AND POPULAR CULTURE: Media, such as television, movies, music, and the internet, often shape sexual attitudes by portraying certain behaviors, relationships, and gender roles. This can lead to the normalization of certain sexual practices or challenge traditional views of sexuality. For instance, modern media can promote body ideals or sexual behaviors that influence people's perceptions of attractiveness, self-worth, and sexual expectations.  5. FAMILY AND PEER INFLUENCE: Families and peer groups are critical in shaping sexual attitudes from a young age. Parents may communicate values about sex, relationships, and gender roles through direct instruction or modeling behavior. Peers can also influence sexual behaviors, especially during adolescence, when peer pressure to conform to certain behaviors, like dating or sexual activity, may be strong.  6. LEGAL AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS: Laws and government policies regulate aspects of sexuality, such as marriage, sexual consent, abortion, and rights related to gender identity and sexual orientation. These laws reflect societal values and can either protect or restrict individuals' sexual rights. For instance, some countries have legalized same-sex marriage, while others have laws that criminalize homosexuality.  PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSION OF SEXUALITY The psychological dimension of sexuality refers to the mental and emotional aspects that shape an individual’s sexual experiences, thoughts, behaviors, and identity. It involves how individuals perceive, process, and express their sexual feelings, attractions, desires, and relationships. This dimension plays a significant role in how people form emotional bonds, experience sexual pleasure, and develop a sense of sexual identity and self-esteem.  1. SEXUAL DESIRE AND ATTRACTION: Psychological factors such as sexual desire (libido) and attraction are influenced by a variety of internal and external stimuli. These can include past experiences, emotional states, fantasies, and mental associations. For example, someone may feel sexual desire based on physical attraction to another person or be influenced by memories, mood, or stress levels. Attraction itself can be emotional, intellectual, or physical.  2. SEXUAL IDENTITY AND SELF-PERCEPTION: Psychological sexuality also involves how individuals view themselves as sexual beings. This includes one's sexual orientation (e.g., heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual) and gender identity (e.g., male, female, non- binary), which shape how people think about their sexuality. Developing a healthy sense of sexual identity contributes to overall psychological well-being. Confusion or conflict about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity can lead to stress or mental health challenges.  3. EMOTIONAL INTIMACY AND CONNECTION: Sexuality is deeply connected to emotional intimacy, which involves forming close, loving, and meaningful bonds with others. Emotional connection can enhance sexual experiences, as feelings of trust, affection, and closeness often lead to deeper physical and emotional satisfaction. The psychological dimension of sexuality is closely tied to how individuals navigate romantic relationships, including how they communicate feelings, set boundaries, and express love and affection.  4. BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM: A person’s psychological relationship with their own body (body image) significantly impacts their sexual experiences and satisfaction. Positive body image can lead to more confidence in sexual encounters, while negative body image or self- esteem issues can cause anxiety, inhibiting sexual expression or enjoyment. For example, someone who feels self-conscious about their body may struggle with intimacy or avoid sexual situations due to insecurity.  5. SEXUAL FANTASIES AND COGNITION: The mind plays a vital role in sexual arousal, through sexual fantasies, daydreams, and desires. Fantasies are a normal part of sexual psychology, often providing a mental outlet for exploring desires, preferences, or imagined situations. People may mentally rehearse or imagine scenarios that excite them, which can influence their real-life sexual preferences and behaviors.  6. PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH: Psychological health, including issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress, can significantly impact an individual’s sexual function and experience. Mental health challenges may affect libido, sexual satisfaction, or the ability to form healthy relationships. For example, someone suffering from depression may experience low sexual desire, while someone with anxiety may feel tense or uncomfortable during sexual activity.  7. ATTACHMENT STYLES AND EARLY EXPERIENCES: Psychological theories, such as attachment theory, suggest that early experiences with caregivers influence how individuals form relationships, including romantic and sexual ones. People with secure attachment styles often feel more comfortable with emotional and physical intimacy, while those with insecure attachment styles may experience difficulties in trusting others or maintaining relationships. Early life experiences, including how sex was discussed or modeled by parents, peers, or culture, can affect later sexual attitudes and behaviors.  8. Cognitive and Emotional Response to Sexuality: Cognitive aspects of sexuality involve how individuals think about their sexual desires, experiences, and relationships. Emotional responses, such as guilt, shame, pride, or pleasure, are also key to how individuals approach their sexuality. For instance, a person may feel conflicted or guilty about their sexual desires due to cultural or religious beliefs, which can create internal psychological tension. THANK YOU!