Lesson 6: Sexual Attraction, Relationships, and Identity Formation

Biological processes shape how we think, feel, and respond to others, including sexual attraction and emotional bonding, through hormones, chemical signals, and brain structures.

What is the role of biological processes in sexual attraction?

Testosterone and estrogen.

Which hormones influence sexual attraction?

During puberty, a teenage boy’s rising testosterone deepens his voice and increases attraction to classmates.

Example of testosterone in sexual attraction?

During puberty, a teenage girl experiences body changes and mood shifts due to rising estrogen, affecting attraction.

Example of estrogen in sexual attraction?

Chemical signals released by the body that may subtly influence attraction.

What are pheromones?

A student feels drawn to someone at a school event without speaking; pheromones might contribute.

Example of pheromone influence?

Hypothalamus and amygdala.

Which brain structures process sexual stimuli and emotional bonding?

Receiving a sweet message from someone triggers amygdala processing for excitement and hypothalamus-driven physical reactions (racing heart, blushing).

Example of brain involvement in attraction?

Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, adrenaline, and norepinephrine.

Which neurochemicals affect attraction and bonding?
CLUE:DOP-OX-SERO-AD-NOR

Fuels excitement and motivation during romantic interactions.

What is the role of dopamine?

A student feels energized after chatting with a crush on Discord.

Example of dopamine?

Promotes bonding and trust, especially through physical touch.

What is the role of oxytocin?

After a comforting hug from a friend, a student feels more connected and secure.

Example of oxytocin?

Helps regulate mood and emotional stability.

What is the role of serotonin?

A student in a healthy relationship remains calm and focused during exams.

Example of serotonin?

Cause physical signs of attraction, like a racing heart or sweaty palms.

What is the role of adrenaline and norepinephrine?

Seeing someone admired at a campus event causes nervous excitement.

Example of adrenaline/norepinephrine?

Patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, including attachment style, self-concept, identity, values, expectations, and communication skills.

What psychological processes affect attraction and relationships?

Patterns that influence how individuals build trust and handle closeness: secure, anxious, or avoidant.

What are attachment styles?

A student trusts their partner, communicates openly, and focuses on coding projects without worry.

Example of secure attachment?

A student overthinks when their partner doesn’t reply during group coding, seeking constant reassurance.

Example of anxious attachment?

A student prefers casual relationships and struggles with deeper emotional connections.

Example of avoidant attachment?

Personal experiences, cultural norms, and social interactions shape sexual orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual) and gender identity (male, female, nonbinary).

What is self-concept and identity in relationships?

Values, expectations, and communication skills influence satisfaction, conflict resolution, and closeness.

How do cognitive factors affect relationships?

What are STDs?

Infections primarily spread through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Chlamydia

• Bacterial

• Painful urination, discharge, often asymptomatic

Chlamydia

• Bacterial

• Burning urination, discharge

Syphilis

• Bacterial

• Sores, rash, fever, severe complications if untreated

Herpes (HSV)

• Viral

• Painful blisters or sores, itching

HPV

• Viral

• Genital warts, can lead to cervical cancer

HIV/AIDS

• Viral

• Flu-like symptoms, immune system damage

Trichomoniasis

• Parasitic

• Itching, discharge, discomfort during intercourse

Abstinence (100% effective)

What is the most effective method to prevent STDs?

Acts as a barrier preventing exchange of bodily fluids; effective against most STDs if used correctly.

How does condom use prevent STDs?

Detects asymptomatic infections early and prevents spreading to partners.

Why is regular testing important?

HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines.

Which vaccines prevent certain STDs?

Being in a committed, uninfected partnership lowers exposure to infections.

How does mutual monogamy reduce STD risk?

What is contraception?

Methods used to prevent pregnancy and sometimes reduce the risk of STDs.

Barrier, hormonal, natural, permanent.

Types of contraception?

Condoms

Barrier; worn during intercourse to prevent pregnancy and STDs; example: couple uses condoms correctly every time.

Birth control pills

Hormonal; taken daily to prevent ovulation; example: woman takes pill every morning as prescribed.

IUD

Hormonal/Barrier; small device inserted into uterus for 3–10 years; example: woman chooses IUD for long-term protection.

Implants

Hormonal; rod under skin lasting 3–5 years; example: student selects implant for low-maintenance contraception.

Injectables

Hormonal; shots every 1–3 months; example: woman visits clinic quarterly for injections.

Emergency contraception

Hormonal; taken after unprotected sex, effective within 72 hours; example: woman takes emergency pill after condom failure.

Fertility awareness

Natural; tracks ovulation to avoid pregnancy; example: couple charts temperature and cycle to identify safe days.

Sterilization

Permanent; surgical, mostly irreversible; example: married couple chooses tubal ligation and vasectomy to prevent future pregnancies.