Module 6d Transcript - Sex and Physical Intimacy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the importance, functions, and motivations of sex, consensual non-monogamy, and the impacts of pornography and coercion.

Sexual Satisfaction

A factor that shows a significant correlation with relationship satisfaction, where it may cause relationship satisfaction, be caused by it, or both may be caused by a third variable like communication skills.

Physical motives (for sex)

Reasons for engaging in sex that involve seeking pleasure, stress reduction, physical desire for another person, or seeking new experiences.

Emotional motives (for sex)

Reasons for engaging in sex driven by the desire to express or experience love, commitment, or gratitude.

Goal attainment motives (for sex)

Reasons for engaging in sex related to achieving a specific end, such as seeking revenge, gaining resources, or increasing social status.

Insecurity motives (for sex)

Reasons for engaging in sex to feel attractive and wanted, or to engage in mate guarding to avoid losing a partner.

Approach motivation

Engaging in sexual behavior to achieve a positive outcome, such as physical pleasure, pleasing a partner, or promoting intimacy.

Avoidance motivation

Engaging in sexual behavior to prevent a negative outcome, such as avoiding conflict, not upsetting a partner, or preventing a partner from leaving.

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM)

An umbrella term for partners who agree they can both have other sexual or romantic partners.

Open relationship

A type of consensual non-monogamy where partners agree they can have sexual relations with other people outside the primary relationship.

Polyamory

A form of consensual non-monogamy where the expectation is that partners will have romantic relationships with others that go beyond just sex.

Swinging

A practice where couples engage in sexual activity with other couples, usually as a social event rather than a long-term arrangement.

Selection effect (in CNM)

The idea that people who enter consensual non-monogamous relationships may naturally be less prone to jealousy, rather than the lifestyle itself reducing jealousy.

Contrast effect

Prior research showing that after viewing pornography, individuals may rate their own partners less favorably due to the unrealistic physical standards of actors.

Sexual coercion

Pressuring a partner into sexual activity through verbal, physical, or manipulative means, which often leads to decreased relationship satisfaction.

Direct communication

A recommended approach for rejecting sexual advances that involves positive reassurance to maintain intimacy and well-being even when not interested in sex.