all compiled notes for PSCY 350 FINAL

Misinformation in Media

Three key sources are Religion/culture, Media, and the Internet.

Ethnocentrism in Sexual Messaging

The issue of Western disregard for diversity in viewing only their own vantage point as normal.

Two Spirit

A term used to reclaim an identity stolen through colonization, encompassing sacredness of all life.

The Indian Act

An effort aimed at enforcing heterosexuality in Indigenous communities.

Heterosexual Frameworks

Assumes heterosexuality as a compulsory norm in societies.

Cook Islands Sexual Culture

In this culture, girls are encouraged to explore sexuality, and boys prioritize female pleasure.

India’s Sexual Festivals

Celebrations exist that embrace the positive aspects of sex, contrasting Western views.

Sambia Tribe

Young boys undergo rituals involving fellatio as part of their strength-building process.

Islamic Sexual Practices

Promotes sex within marriage and emphasizes mutual pleasure and foreplay.

Judaism and Sexuality

More positive views on sex as part of God's creation, with some restrictions.

Religion's Impact on Sexual Messaging

Influences how individuals perceive their sexual activity and worth based on doctrines.

Kinsey Scale

A measure created by Kinsey to document sexual behaviors and attractions along a continuum.

Social Learning Theory

Behavior is learned through observing others and the outcomes of their actions.

Operant Conditioning in Sexuality

Behavior changes based on reinforcement (rewards) or punishment.

Cognitive Theories

Focus on understanding how thoughts influence sexual behaviors and emotions.

Dyspareunia

Genital or pelvic pain during or after penetration.

Sexual Health Importance

Tied to physical and mental health as well as healthy relationships.

Descriptive Sex Research Design

Includes methods like interviews to capture self-reported data.

Correlational Research Design

Associates relationships between variables without establishing causation.

Experimental Research Design

Involves manipulation of variables to observe effects.

Biopsychosocial Model

A comprehensive framework for understanding sexual health and dysfunction.

Masters and Johnson

Pioneered sexual response cycle study including phases of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Vasocongestion

Increased blood flow to genital tissues during sexual arousal.

Myotonia

Muscle tension during sexual arousal.

Kaplan's Triphasic Model

Includes three stages of sexual response: desire, excitement, and orgasm.

Basson’s Circular Model

Emphasizes that sexual arousal can originate from various motivations, not linear.

Perceived Partner Responsiveness

The crucial element predicting relationship satisfaction based on feeling valued.

Sexual Consent

Involves clear understanding, freedom to consent, and ability to withdraw consent.

Reassuring Rejection

A positive and warm method for declining sexual advances.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors.

Social Scripts

Culturally defined sequences of expected behaviors in sexual situations.

Sociological Theory of Sexuality

Links sexuality to societal structures of power and cultural norms.

Queer Theory

Challenges fixed notions of sexuality and gender by emphasizing fluidity.

Paraphilia

Intense interest in atypical stimuli, which can lead to distress or impairment.

Voyeurism

Sexual arousal from observing unsuspecting individuals in intimate situations.

Exhibitionism

Arousal gained from exposing oneself to non-consenting individuals.

Frotteurism

Arousal created by touching or rubbing against a non-consenting person.

Fetish

A non-living object or specific body part that is required for sexual arousal.

Transvestism

Arousal associated with cross-dressing for sexual purposes.

Cognitive Distortions

Rationalizations that individuals use to justify inappropriate behaviors.

Flibanserin

Medication aimed for low desire in women, with limited effectiveness.

Psychosocial Factors

Influences of culture, upbringing, and social norms on sexual behavior.

Sex Drive

A biological drive that can influence sexual interest and behaviors.

Communication in Relationships

Verbal and non-verbal exchanges that impact relationship and sexual satisfaction.

Sexual Strategies Theory

Describes evolved mating strategies influenced by parental investment.

Intrapsychic Factors

Internal psychological influences affecting sexual behaviors and feelings.

Cultural Scripts

Normative expectations and practices regarding sexuality in a specific culture.

Aftercare in BDSM

Support provided after BDSM scenes to meet emotional and physical needs.

Sense of Agency

The capacity to make choices and influence outcomes in one's sexual life.

Erogenous Zones

Areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation.

Couples Therapy

A therapeutic setting where partners work on their relational and sexual issues.

Reparative Therapy

Attempts to change sexual orientation, found to be ineffective and harmful.

Premature Ejaculation

A sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation occurring with minimal stimulation.

Sexual Dissent

Discrepancy between sexual desire and actual sexual activity.

Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder

Disorder characterized by pain during intercourse related to muscle tension.

Sexual Self-Efficacy

The belief in one’s ability to engage in sexual activity competently.

Orgasm Gap

Discrepancy in reported orgasms between men and women.

Entangled Sexual Health Concerns

Overlapping issues affecting sexual function and satisfaction.

Empirical Research

Data-driven research that emphasizes observation and experimentation.

Sensate Focus

An approach used in sex therapy focused on exploring sensations without performance pressure.

Delayed Ejaculation

Inability to ejaculate despite adequate stimulation.

Sexual Orientation Fluidity

Variability in sexual attraction and behavior across the lifespan.

Biodiversity of Sexual Functions

Variability in sexual preferences and behaviors across different individuals.

Triadic Relationships

Sexual or romantic involvement of three people.

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Abilities to effectively convey wants and needs in relationships.

Sexual Myth Busting

Challenging inaccurate societal beliefs regarding sex.

Attachment Style

A psychological model that affects how individuals relate in relationships.

Research Design Types

Descriptive, correlational, and experimental methods for studying sexuality.

Conditioned Arousal

A sexual response learned through pairing stimuli.

Relationship Satisfaction

Level of contentment within a romantic or sexual partnership.

Sexual Schema

Mental frameworks that shape individuals' perceptions and expectations of sex.

Psychosexual Development

The evolution of sexual identity and preferences over a lifespan.

Behavioral Reinforcement in Sexual Activity

Use of consequences to promote or lessen certain sexual behaviors.

Sexual Diversity Advocacy

Support for a wide range of sexual orientations and identities.

Age-Related Sexual Changes

Alterations in sexual function and desire due to aging.

Polyamory

Engagement in multiple romantic or sexual relationships with consent.

Erotic Fantasies

Imagined scenarios that enhance arousal and sexual desire.

Neurological Influences on Sexual Behavior

Impacts of brain chemistry and structure on sexual attraction and response.

Transgender Identity Development

Process of understanding and expressing one's gender identity beyond traditional binaries.