Psychology of Sexuality Lectures

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes.

How has US culture shifted regarding sexuality?

Moving in a less restrictive direction.

Approximately how many hours a day are youths exposed to media?

7.5 hours/day.

What are some aspects of sexuality that the media often doesn't show?

Condom use, masturbation, older adult sexuality, and same-sex relationships (until recently).

Describe the culture of Inis Beag regarding sexuality.

Very sexually conservative with no formal sex education, intercourse was viewed as a duty, and there was a large amount of sexual anxiety/repression.

Describe the culture of Mangaia regarding sexuality.

Very sex-positive, encouraged girls to have sex with multiple partners before marriage, and emphasized pleasure of both partners.

What did the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s stress?

Individual/women’s rights with emphasis on individual autonomy, sexual orientation (acceptance), sex education (accessibility), birth control (the pill), and explicit media representation.

How was same-sex attraction viewed in Ancient Greece?

It was promoted, particularly between men, and older men would mentor young boys in exchange for sexual favors.

What are common sources of sexual information?

TV, magazines, advice columns, talk shows, and podcasts.

What principles should be used when evaluating pop psychology?

Be skeptical, search for biases/stereotypes/lack of objectivity, look for moralizing, go to the original source, determine expert credibility, and seek more information.

What are things to be aware of in sex research?

Media downplays study limitations, averages don't represent the range of responses, correlation does not equal causation, and attitudes are not the same as behavior.

Define value judgments, objective statements, opinions, and biases.

Value judgments are evaluations based on moral/subjective standards, objective statements are based on fact, opinions are unsubstantiated beliefs, and biases are personal leanings.

What are some sexual stereotypes?

Men are more sexually adventurous, men should be dominant and women submissive, and men and women have different relationship desires.

What are the strengths and limitations of clinical research methods?

Strengths: in-depth examination of individuals. Limitations: focus on pathology, may not be generalizable/representative.

What are the strengths and limitations of survey research methods?

Strengths: gather information via questionnaires/interviews. Limitations: lack in-depth response, people are poor reporters, interviewer bias.

What are the strengths and limitations of observational research methods?

Strengths: researchers observe behaviors without manipulation. Limitations: cannot establish causal relationships, confounding variables, inability to control exposure.

What are the strengths and limitations of experimental research methods?

Strengths: can determine cause through systematic manipulation. Limitations: potential for artificial environments.

What are some ethical issues in sex research pertaining to human participants?

Informed consent, protection from harm, confidentiality, use of deception.

What points are stressed in feminism as a research perspective?

Gender is significant in all aspects of life, the female experience of sex is devalued, empirical research must be combined with quality research, and ethnic diversity must be discussed.

What are some facts about the clitoris and vagina?

The clitoris is 4 inches long with erectile tissue and a hood, and the vagina is about 3-4 inches long with nerve endings in its inner ⅓.

What is the relationship between vaginal acidity, lubrication, and conception?

Vaginas are acidic which can kill sperm; natural vaginal lubrication can increase the chances of conception by reducing acidity.

How safe is anal sex, and what are the specific dangers?

More dangerous than vaginal sex; the anus is more prone to tearing and injury.

What is the relationship between breast size, sex, and milk production?

Breast size does not correlate to sexual responsiveness or breast milk production.

What is hymenoplasty, and why is it used?

A procedure to reconstruct/repair the hymen, often done for cultural or religious reasons to 'reconstruct' virginity.

What are the four phases of Master’s and Johnson’s model of sexual response?

Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, and Resolution.

What is the impact of testosterone on sexual arousal?

Sexual arousal can increase levels of testosterone.

Why do women sometimes fake orgasms?

To end unwanted sex, safety, or to avoid making their partner feel inadequate.

What is the relationship between penis size and hereditary factors?

Penis size is not correlated with race or body size but is linked to genetics.

What is the relationship between circumcision and STI transmission?

An uncircumcised penis does not impose increased health risks if cleaned properly.

Can pre-ejaculation fluid cause pregnancy?

Yes, because sperm can linger in the fluid from previous ejaculations.

What are the differences between 'semen' and 'sperm'?

Sperm occupies only 1% of semen content; semen is a mix of sperm and other bodily fluids.

What is the relationship between orgasm and ejaculation?

It is possible to orgasm without ejaculating, and vice versa.

What causes gynecomastia?

Hormonal imbalances.

What are sexual stereotypes of men and women?

Assertive women are unfeminine, women are natural nurturers, men are poor breadwinners if they spend time with family, etc.

What is the sexual double standard, and how does it impact men and women?

Men are seen as sexual animals while women gatekeep their sexuality; affects reputations, communication, and fulfillment.

According to Anne Peplau, what differences exist in men and women's sexuality?

Men desire sex more, women emphasize committed relationships, aggression is linked to male sexuality more strongly, and women’s sexuality is more fluid.

What does evolutionary psychology say about gender differences in sexuality?

Men mate to maximize reproduction probability, women prioritize long-term relationships for resource provision.

What are examples of female and male 'sexual scripts'?

Women’s roles include being desired but not desiring sex and preferring relational sex; men's include performance, wanting to be in charge, sex always being wanted, etc.

What are Turner Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome?

Turner Syndrome is an XO pattern (female appearance, no ovaries); Klinefelter is XXY configuration (sterile, developmental disability, male genitalia, feminized body).

What are Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, and 5-Alpha Reductase Deficiency?

CAH is fetus exposed to surplus androgens (affects female fetuses more). AIS: body doesn't respond to testosterone (female appearance, undescended testes). 5-Alpha Reductase Deficiency: XY males don't develop typical genitalia prenatally (look female at birth).

Difference between Storms model vs. Kinsey model of same-sex attraction?

Kinsey: 0-6 scale of homosexuality. Storms: x, y axis model.

What are some dynamics in same-sex sexual relationships?

Gay male relationships include top/bottom/vers roles, drug/hookup culture, and health management (PrEP antivirals). Lesbian relationships have intense emotional/sexual bonds and stereotypes about femme/butch.

List examples of Non-binary gender identities.

bi-gender, agender, and androgynous, gender fluid, gender queer, demisexual, and transexual

What are concerns in trans and non-binary identity?

Risky surgeries, fears of rejection when dating, physiological processes are different, non-binary individuals should not be conflated with preparing to transition.

What is the solution proposed in The Girl Effect video ?

Provide opportunities for education, better healthcare

What 'causes' same-sex attraction?

Genetics, males with older brothers, language and emotional expression, hormonal influence and correlation with left-handedness Sex

What are common sexual behaviors within marraige?

Increase in oral sex

What are typical facts about cohabitiation?

Sex usually declines after the first year of marriage due to habituation, or children, or changes associated with aging

equity theory?

People are concerned about whether they are getting out what they put in, When people feel their relationships are inequitable, cheating can be more likely

Behavior of the widowed and divorced?

More likely to have frequent sex than never-married people, wanting to keep their sexual activity constant

How does society views sexuality in elderly people?

Feeling of indecency bias, toward “beauty” of youth, incest taboo, sex as reproduction

How does love differs from friendship?

Love is more vulnerable and might be more temporary so we are bit more insecure about it and relies more on fascination and exclusivity.

What predicts more and less sex?

countries higher in gender equality had: More casual sex, sex partners per capita

What are the attraction patterns?

We like the familiar, we like people similar in social status, we like those with similar attitudes and opinions, we like attractive others

What is the Halo Effect?

Everything a person does is better because they are attractive

Pressures on gay men?

Less likelihood of children

Languages of love concept

Gary Chapman concept

What the four styles of love?

Eros – Romantic, passionate, Manic – possessive, dependent, chaotic, anxious, Ludus – game playing love, Pragma – Shopping list love, Storge – friendship love, Agape – selfless love

Attachment Theory subtypes

Secure attachment – happiness when the other is present, sharing, communication, safety, and security, Anxious/ambivalent attachment – fear of abandonment, feelings of obsession, high sexual attraction, jealousy, Avoidant – fear of intimacy, fear of dependency, distrust

Sternberg's triangular theory of love?

Most important factors are intimacy, passion, and commitment

Gottman's 'Four Horseman' of negative communication in couples

Criticism, defensiveness, contempt, stonewalling

What is important to men vs. women in a mate?

Men: Trust, respect, appreciation, acceptance, women: Communication, emotional intimacy, support, security

behaviors comprise autoeroticism?

Masturbation, Sexual fantasies and dream. Fantasy during masturbations,Fantasy during sex with another

Variaty of partnered sexual behaviors?

kissing, cunnilingus/fellatio, intercourse, anal play

Paraphilia

Sexual interests or behaviors that involve atypical objects, situations, or individuals. Some paraphilias are not harmful or problematic, but others can involve non-consensual acts or behaviors that could harm others