Sexual Dysfunctions Gender Dysphoria and Paraphilic Disorders

Sexual Dysfunctions, Gender Dysphoria, and Paraphilic Disorders

Overview of the Course

  • Institution: Vanguard University

  • Topics Covered: Sexual dysfunctions, gender dysphoria, paraphilic disorders.

Learning Goals

  • Describe the human sexual response cycle and determine what constitutes "normal" behavior.

  • Recognize clinical features of sexual dysfunctions in men and women.

  • Understand experiences related to gender dysphoria and identify as transgender or intersex.

  • Integrate spiritual dimensions into discussions on gender dysphoria.

  • Recognize clinical features of four paraphilic disorders.

  • Describe three primary types of sexual abuse.

Human Sexual Response Cycle

Masters and Johnson's Model

  • Stages: Desire, Arousal, Orgasm, Resolution.

    • Desire (Excitement): Involves sexual fantasies and drive for sexual activity.

    • Arousal (Plateau):

      • Vasocongestion causing engorgement of genitalia.

      • Increased muscular tension, heart rate, respiration.

    • Orgasm:

      • Sudden release of tension, distinct from earlier arousal stages.

    • Resolution:

      • Body returns to resting state; may involve a refractory period in men.

Normality in Sexual Behavior

  • Research helps establish norms based on large population samples.

  • Findings:

    • Orgasm Reports: 29% of women and 75% of men always orgasm with partners; strong emotions can influence sexual satisfaction despite these figures.

Biblical Teachings on Sexual Identity

Vanguard University's Stance

  • Authority of Scripture: Guides community behavior and beliefs regarding sexual identity.

  • Creation Beliefs: God created male and female (Genesis 1:27); sexuality as a divine gift.

  • Sexual Relations: Designed for marriage between man and woman, any deviation is seen as contrary to divine will.

  • Community Standards: Students are expected to uphold scriptural teachings on sexuality.

Sociocultural Influences on Sexual Norms

  • Example: Change in classification of homosexuality from a disorder in DSM-I (1952) to removal in DSM-III (1973).

  • Encourages reflection on personal beliefs and scriptural foundations regarding sex and gender.

DSM-5 Sexual Dysfunctions

Criteria

  • Symptoms must persist for at least 6 months.

  • Cause significant distress in individuals.

Types of Disorders

  • Male Sexual Dysfunctions:

    • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Lack of sexual interest.

    • Erectile Disorder: Difficulty achieving/maintaining an erection.

    • Premature Ejaculation: Inability to delay ejaculation.

    • Delayed Ejaculation: Marked delay in ejaculation.

  • Female Sexual Dysfunctions:

    • Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder: Inhibition of desire/arousal.

    • Orgasmic Disorder: Difficulty reaching orgasm.

    • Genito-pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Pain during intercourse.

Gender Dysphoria

Definition and Prevalence

  • Gender Identity: Person's internal sense of being male or female.

  • Gender Dysphoria: Distress over mismatch between assigned gender at birth and gender identity.

  • Statistics: 16-26% of children continue experiencing gender dysphoria into adulthood.

Transgender and Intersex

  • Transgender: Individuals whose gender identity doesn’t align with their birth sex.

  • Intersex: Individuals with sex characteristics not fitting typical binary definitions; can be born with traits visible at birth or develop them during puberty.

Paraphilic Disorders

Definition

  • Atypical sexual arousal focuses on nonhuman objects, suffering, or nonconsenting individuals.

DSM-5 Criteria

  • Arousal patterns must last at least 6 months and cause significant distress or impairment.

Types of Paraphilic Disorders

  • Voyeuristic: Observing unsuspecting individuals for sexual pleasure.

  • Exhibitionistic: Exposure of genitals to unsuspecting strangers.

  • Sexual Masochism: Seeking humiliation or suffering for sexual arousal.

  • Sexual Sadism: Deriving pleasure from inflicting suffering on others.

  • Frotteuristic: Gaining arousal from touching or rubbing against nonconsenting individuals.

  • Fetishistic: Involves sexual arousal from nonliving objects.

  • Transvestic Disorder: Cross-dressing for sexual arousal.

Sexual Abuse

Types

  • Categories: Pedophilia, incest, rape.

  • Healing Considerations: Understanding personal meaning behind experiences of abuse.

Pedophilic Disorder

  • DSM-5 Diagnosis requires recurrent sexual urges directed toward prepubescent children.

Incest

  • Involves sexual activity among close relatives, commonly brother-sister interactions.

Rape and Sexual Assault

  • Definition of rape involves nonconsensual penetration; sexual assault includes unwanted sexual contact.

Rape Culture

  • Societal norms that perpetuate sexual violence and victim-blaming.

Current Movements

  • Responses to culture: #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements, encouraging reflection on systemic issues.