Women’s Lives: A Psychological Exploration

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the psychological exploration of women's lives, particularly focusing on sexuality.

Vulva

The external female sexual anatomy.

Clitoris

A sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, crucial for female sexual arousal.

Sexual response cycle

The physiological responses of women and men to sexual stimulation, including excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution phases.

Multiple orgasms

The ability to experience more than one orgasm during a single sexual encounter.

Sexual double standard

Cultural norms that judge men and women differently for the same sexual behaviors.

Inhibited sexual desire

A sexual dysfunction characterized by a lack of sexual desire.

Dyspareunia

Painful sexual intercourse, which can be a type of sexual dysfunction.

Vaginismus

An involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles that makes penetration painful or impossible.

Asexual

A person who is attracted to neither women nor men.

Transgender

A person whose gender identity differs from the one assigned at birth.

Heterosexism

The view that heterosexuality is the norm and that homosexuality is abnormal.

Homophobia

Negative reactions to homosexuality and irrational fear of LGBT individuals.

Sexual orientation

A person's emotional and sexual attraction to others, which can include various identities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, and transgender.

Friends with benefits

Partners who start as friends and engage in sexual activity without being a couple.

Cybersex

Social interaction between persons through electronic means for sexual arousal and satisfaction.

Puberty

The developmental stage during which individuals become capable of sexual reproduction.

Double standard

The social rule that permits different standards for the sexual behavior of boys compared to girls.

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently, often associated with a decline in estrogen production.

Sexual plasticity

The degree to which sexual behavior can be influenced by social, contextual, or situational factors; found to be greater in women than men.

Sexual dysfunction

A problem that prevents an individual from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity.

Sociocultural factors

Social influences that affect a person's sexual problems, including cultural attitudes and societal norms.

Physical factors

Biological changes that can affect sexual behavior, including chronic illness or changes in reproductive systems.

Psychosocial factors

Societal attitudes and interpersonal relationships that can influence sexual behavior and satisfaction.

Sex counseling

Professional guidance aimed at improving sexual relationships and addressing sexual issues.

Sexual agency

The capacity of individuals to make knowledgeable decisions relating to their own sexual desires and behaviors.

Sexual arousal disorder

A sexual dysfunction where an individual has difficulty achieving or maintaining sexual arousal.