Psych Sex Final

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from Chapter 13 on sexual problems and dysfunctions.

What is the definition of sexual dysfunction?

A persistent sexual issue (≥6 months) that occurs 75-100% of the time and causes significant distress.

What is the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing sexual dysfunction?

Must last 6+ months, occur 75%+ of the time, and cause significant distress (unless due to medications or substances).

What are the four DSM-5 categories of sexual dysfunction?

Desire Disorders, Arousal Disorders, Orgasmic Disorders, Sexual Pain Disorders.

What hormonal imbalances can contribute to sexual dysfunction?

Low testosterone in men, low androgens in women, and thyroid dysfunction.

What are some psychosocial factors that can contribute to sexual dysfunction?

Cultural repression, psychosexual trauma, depression, anxiety, performance anxiety, poor sex education.

What does the PLISSIT Model stand for?

Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy.

What are PDE-5 inhibitors used for?

Used to enhance blood flow for erectile dysfunction.

What is genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder?

A sexual pain disorder involving fear-based muscle tension and pain during penetration.

What is the most common sexual issue reported by women?

Low sexual interest.

What is the most common sexual dysfunction reported by men?

Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.

What is the difference between sexual dysfunction and a sexual problem?

A sexual problem is temporary and does not necessarily cause distress, while sexual dysfunction is persistent and causes significant distress.

What causes trichomoniasis and what’s its hallmark symptom?

Trichomonas vaginalis (parasite); foamy, greenish, smelly discharge.

What causes Bacterial Vaginosis and what’s a classic symptom?

Overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis; thin, foul-smelling discharge.

What are the three main types of vaginitis?

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Candidiasis (yeast), Trichomoniasis.

What HPV types cause genital warts? What types cause cancer?

Types 6 & 11 = warts; Types 16 & 18 = cancers.

How is HPV primarily spread?

Skin-to-skin genital contact – penetration not required.

What are prodromal symptoms of a herpes outbreak?

Tingling, itching, pain before sores appear.

What virus causes genital herpes?

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

What are the four stages of syphilis?

Primary, Secondary, Latent, Tertiary.

What is the standard treatment for gonorrhea?

Dual antibiotics: cephalosporin (e.g., ceftriaxone) + azithromycin.

What co-infection is common with both gonorrhea and chlamydia?

Each other – they often co-occur.

What makes gonorrhea highly contagious in women?

A 50% chance of transmission after one exposure.

What bacterium causes gonorrhea?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

What serious condition can untreated chlamydia cause?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) → infertility.

What percent of chlamydia cases are asymptomatic?

90% in men, 70% in women.

What are common symptoms of chlamydia in men?

Thin white discharge, burning urination, testicular heaviness.

What bacterium causes chlamydia?

Chlamydia trachomatis.

What are some psychological risk factors for STI transmission?

Low perceived risk, shame, substance use, fear of testing, poor communication.

What biological factor makes women more vulnerable to STIs?

Their anatomy (warm, moist internal environment).

What are the most reported STIs in Canada by case count (as of 2015–2016)?

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.

What trend has been observed in STI rates for Canadians aged 40–59?

They are increasing faster than in youth.

Why are STIs underreported?

Many infections are asymptomatic or undiagnosed, and stigma prevents testing.

What is a key emotional impact of STIs often overlooked?

Emotional distress from diagnosis often outweighs physical symptoms.

Which demographic has seen a 122% rise in chlamydia rates from 1997 to 2015?

Women aged 20–24.

What is the most common reportable STI in Canada?

Chlamydia.

What are the two most common STIs in Canada that are not nationally reportable?

A: HPV and herpes (HSV).

What does STI stand for and how are they commonly transmitted?

Sexually Transmitted Infection; passed through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some (e.g., HIV) can also spread via needles, pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

What is pediculosis and how is it treated?

Pubic lice (crabs); treated with medicated shampoos and washing fabrics.

What are scabies and how do they spread?

Mites that burrow into the skin; spread by sex or close contact/fabric sharing.

What does ART do for HIV-positive individuals?

Antiretroviral Therapy suppresses the virus, prevents AIDS, and extends life.

What biological factor is often higher in people with paraphilias?

Higher-than-average sex drive, shorter refractory periods, and more frequent fantasies.

How does EEG brain activity differ in people with paraphilias?

Paraphilic stimuli activate the left frontal brain, while “normal” stimuli activate the right brain.

What does lower pain sensitivity in masochists suggest?

Possible brain overlap in pain and pleasure circuitry; may be inborn or due to habituation.

What does family clustering of paraphilias suggest?

Possible genetic influence, though no conclusive studies yet.

Why doesn’t high sex drive alone explain paraphilias?

It doesn’t explain why specific atypical interests form.

According to Freud, what causes paraphilias?

Defense mechanisms against unconscious conflicts, especially castration anxiety.

How does transvestism symbolically deny castration fears?

By “hiding” the penis under women’s clothes, it suggests women have penises too.

What does masochism represent in psychoanalysis?

A way to punish oneself for repressed guilt or shame.

What is a key limitation of the psychoanalytic perspective?

It relies on case studies and interpretation, not experimental data.

What is the Oedipus complex’s role in this theory?

It’s believed to underlie many paraphilic conflicts and anxieties.

How can classical conditioning create a fetish?

Neutral object (e.g., stockings) paired with arousal → becomes a fetish.

How does trauma contribute to some paraphilias?

Early trauma (e.g., abuse) + arousal can link pain/fear with pleasure.

Why might poor social skills increase paraphilic behaviors?

People may avoid rejection by acting out in safer, paraphilic ways.

What role does media play in reinforcing paraphilias?

Reinforces existing interests; doesn’t cause them.

What’s one explanation for masochism using behavioral theory?

Arousal during punishment (e.g., spanking) → links pain with pleasure.

How do subcultures influence paraphilias?

Through shared rituals, norms, and identities (e.g., S&M communities).

According to Weinberg, why is S&M appealing?

It allows for role reversal in power dynamics.

Do gender roles persist in S&M subcultures?

Often yes — men still tend to be dominant, women submissive.

What does this theory say about social context?

Paraphilias are shaped by culture, community, and power dynamics.

What makes sociological perspectives unique?

They look at external influences instead of just internal ones.

What is a “lovemap”?

A mental template of our ideal erotic activities and partners, formed in childhood.

What can vandalize a lovemap?

Early trauma, abuse, neglect, or antisexual environments.

Why don’t all traumatized children develop paraphilias?

Likely due to genetic, hormonal, and environmental interactions.What is the goal of psychoanalytic therapy for paraphilias?

What is the goal of psychoanalytic therapy for paraphilias?

To uncover and resolve unconscious childhood conflicts.

What does “working through” mean in this context?

Gaining insight into past conflicts to reduce their power.

Why is effectiveness hard to prove?

Because of lack of data and many confounding variables (e.g., motivation).

What is the goal of orgasmic reconditioning?

To shift arousal from paraphilic to appropriate stimuli.

How is covert sensitization different from aversion therapy?

It uses imagination instead of physical stimuli.

Why is social skills training important in CBT?

Helps people build confidence and reduce need for paraphilic outlets.

What do antiandrogens like Depo-Provera do?

Lower testosterone, reducing erotic urges, fantasies, and behaviors.

What defines sexual assault under Canadian law?

Any nonconsensual sexual contact or forced sexual activity.

What are the three levels of sexual assault in Canada?

Level 1 – no/low injury (10 years max), Level 2 – weapon/threats/harm (14 years), Level 3 – life-endangering (life sentence).

What is “stealthing” and is it assault under Canadian law?

Removing a condom without consent; yes, it is considered sexual assault.

: What does Canadian law say about non-disclosure of HIV?

It's assault if there's a realistic risk of transmission and it's not disclosed.

Which survey includes unreported cases of sexual assault: UCR or GSS?

GSS (General Social Survey).

What percentage of sexual assaults are Level 1 in the UCR?

98% of police-reported cases.

What are the top three Canadian regions with the highest sexual assault rates?

Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon.

What’s the self-reported rate of sexual assault from the GSS?

22 per 1,000 people (2014 data).

What percentage of GSS respondents reported their assault to police?

Only 5%.

: Why do most people not report sexual assault to the police?

Hassle, lack of evidence, belief that police won’t help or take it seriously.

What percentage of post-secondary women report sexual assault during school?

1 in 5.

What type of sexual assault is most common on campus?

Acquaintance sexual assault.

What group of students faces the highest risk on campus?

First-year students and LGBTQ+ students.

What’s a limitation of many campus prevention programs?

They focus on individual behavior, not systemic culture.

What are the four most common types of sexual assault?

Acquaintance, date rape, intimate partner, and stranger assault.

What’s a key issue with intimate partner sexual assault?

It’s often not labeled as assault or reported due to shame or fear.

Who are the typical perpetrators of male sexual assault?

Heterosexual men, often acquaintances or authority figures.

What are the most common settings for male sexual assault?

: Prison, hazing rituals, gang violence, and institutions.

What are effects on male survivors of sexual assault?

PTSD, depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, suicidal ideation.

What is drug-facilitated sexual assault?

Assaults involving substances (e.g., GHB, Rohypnol) that impair memory or consciousness.

What makes consent legally invalid in Canada?

If the person is intoxicated, unconscious, underage, or coerced.

What’s the difference between “No means No” and “Yes means Yes”?

: “No means No” = refusal-based; “Yes means Yes” = requires clear, affirmative agreement.

What is one common myth about male sexual desire that complicates consent?

The belief that men always want sex.

What’s one reason sexual assault myths are harmful?

They normalize assault and reduce reporting by blaming victims.

What is the “Motivation-Facilitation Model” of sexual offending?

Suggests that risk increases when certain traits (e.g., high sex drive, poor impulse control) are paired with opportunity.

What psychological traits are common in sexually coercive men?

Hostility, low empathy, distorted beliefs, and antisocial traits.

What childhood factors increase risk for coercive behavior?

Sexual abuse, neglect, and early exposure to deviant sexual material.

How does alcohol affect sexual aggression risk?

It reduces inhibition and increases aggression — a common factor in many assaults.

What are common motivations for coercive sexual behavior?

Anger, control, thrill-seeking, peer status, or revenge — not attraction.

What’s the final takeaway about coercion and assault?

Risk factors explain behavior, but do not excuse it — coercion is always a choice and a violation.