MIDTERM STUDY

Sexual Orientation

sexual attractions one has to others

Sexual Orientation is ____.

is multidimensional and Typically labeled based on the sex or gender identity of person/people one is attracted to

What are the 4 broad categories for sexual orientation?

homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual and asexual

Alfred Kinsey 7 point scale suggested

it is necessary to consider a variety of activities in assessing an individuals on the continuum

Alfred Kinsey 7 point scale excluded

asexual or pansexual

Homosexual/Gay/Lesbian

Individuals attracted to the same sex

Bisexuality

people who are physically attracted to more than one sex

Bi-erasure

the invalidation or denial of bisexual identity or experiences

Performative bisexuality

a concept where individuals identify as bisexual primarily for social acceptance or attention rather than genuine attraction to multiple sexes

More women identify as bisexual than men

True

Asexuality

A sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to others and challenges assumption that individuals

defined by some type of sexual attraction

Pansexual/ polysexual/ omnisexual

sexual attraction, romantic love or emotional attraction toward people of any sex or gender identity

Queer

A broad term for gender and sexual diversity

Sexual fluidity

variability in same sex and other sex attraction and

involvement at different times & in different situations

Sexual fluidity is especially common among whom

women and younger individuals

What determines Sexual Orientation?

no single causal theory of sexual orientation that is widely accepted in the scientific community but biological influences play a larger role in determining sexual orientation

Bad heterosexual experiences cause a person to become gay

False

individuals become homosexual because seduced by or influenced by older homosexual person

False

Cross-culturally robust finding that adult homosexuality is

strongly related to childhood _______ .

gender nonconformity

Children who grow up to be non-heterosexual are

substantially more gender nonconforming on average than

those who grow up to be heterosexual.

What Determines Sexual Orientation?

childhood gender nonconformity, Moderate genetic influences, Cross-culturally robust fraternal-birth-order effect on male sexual orientation

Homosexual men tend to have a greater number of

of older brothers compared with heterosexual men, heterosexual

women and homosexual women

Conversion therapy is banned in

19 states

Heterosexism

belief that heterosexuality is somehow better than LGBTQ identities

Hate Crimes Prevention Act 2009

federal legislation aimed at preventing crimes motivated by bias against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Causes of Homophobia & Hate CRIMES

include societal norms, fear of difference, and misinformation

Passionate Love

characterized by intense emotional and physical attraction, often accompanied by a desire for emotional closeness and physical intimacy usually early in a relationship

Companionate Love

Characterized by friendly affection and deep attachment based on

extensive familiarity with the loved one

2 WIDELY RECOGNIZED TYPES OF LOVE

Passionate and Companionate

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

Passion, intimacy, commitment

Lee’s Styles of Loving

Romantic, Game Playing Possessive, Companionate, Altruistic, Pragmatic

Chapman’s Five Love Languages

receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service

(devotion), physical touch

Romantic Love

intimacy and passion

Infatuation

passion alone

companionate love

intimacy and commitment

empty love

commitment

consummate love

intimacy, passion, and commitment

Passion

Rapid increase, then decline

Intimacy & Commitment

Slowly increase

ROMANTIC LOVER

Emphasize physical beauty, Affectionate and communicative

GAME-PLAYING LOVER

Sexual “conquests”, Little/no commitment, Love is for fun, Enjoys the art of seduction

COMPANIONATE LOVER

Starts with friendship, Slow to develop, Peaceful and enduring

ALTRUISTIC LOVER

Selfless and caring, Not demanding and jealous

PRAGMATIC LOVER

Use practical criteria and Shared interests

WITH WHOM DO WE

FALL IN LOVE?

PROXIMITY, SIMILARITY, RECIPROCITY, PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS

MAINTAINING

RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION

evolves overtime,

Common ingredients in lasting love

relationships

Self acceptance, Acceptance by one’s partner, Appreciation of one another, Commitment, Good Communication, Realistic expectations, Shared interests, Equality in decision making, Ability to face conflict effectively

Neurotransmitters

chemical signals between neurons and other cells

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

excitement and giddiness with new love, increased Norepinephrine and Dopamine

Norepinephrine

euphoria, giddiness, elation

Dopamine

euphoria, giddiness, elation; dopamine-

rich brain regions lights up with photos of lovers

Endorphins

Associated with long-term relationships; produce a sense of euphoria, security, tranquility & peace

Serotonin

affects mood, obsession, sex, & sleep

Oxytocin

uterine contractions, love, and bonding; decreases cortisol levels (stress)

Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Chemically like amphetamine

drugs

Attraction phase of love releases

Dopamine and Norepinephrine

high of new love releases

Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Phenylethylamine or PEA (“love drug”) is during

infatuation & excitement

Phenylethylamine or PEA can rise during what part of sex

orgasm

what lowers PEA

breakups

Levels PEA decrease within

18 months -3 years

Passionate love highs do not last because

body develops tolerance to PEA & related neurotransmitters like amphetamines, providing plausible an explanation for why

passionate or romantic love is transitory

Progression from infatuation to deep attachment of

long-term loving relationships results in part from

increased production of set of neurotransmitters

called

endorphins

Endorphins

Morphine-like, pain-blunting chemicals help

produce a sense of euphoria, security, tranquility, and

peace

dopamine and oxytocin

brain chemicals that contribute to sexual arousal and feelings of being in love

Vasopressin

Affects pair bonding, social behavior, &

memory formation

Serotonin affects

mood, obsession, sex, and sleep.

Serotonin Levels go back up

12-18 months later supporting the idea that passionate love generally lasts 12-18 months

Depression & OCD associated with

low levels of serotonin