04 Affective

Affective Psychology

• Focuses on understanding human emotions and motivations, particularly in relation to sexuality.

Motive of Sex

• Primary motivational system for race preservation.

• Quote: "Because we made love, not war, we have been successful." (Ornstein, 1985)

• Required readings: Smith et al. pp. 378-393; Reeve pp. 96-104.

Regulation of Sexuality: Multidimensional Perspective

Biological Regulation

• Hormonal influences are significant in sexual development but become less important over evolutionary time.

• Central Nervous System plays a crucial role in regulating sexual behavior.

Cognitive Regulation

• Humans exhibit complex cognitive regulation, such as sex fantasies that enhance sexual arousal.

Learning and Experience

• Previous experiences can shape sexual motivation, e.g., Harlow's experiments.

Cultural Factors

• Cultural influences significantly impact human sexuality.

Sexuality in Intimate Relationships

• Research by Cain et al. (2003) indicates:

  • 90% of women cite love as the primary motivation for sex.

  • 80% mention pleasure.

  • 70% engage for their partner's request.

  • 60-70% use it to reduce tension/stress.

  • Only 1-2% indicate procreation as the main motive.

• Essential for the formation and maintenance of pair-bonding.

Determinants of Sexual Identity

1. Genes

2. Hormones

3. Environment

Early Sexual Development

• Genes determine sex at conception (XX = female, XY = male).

• Genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome (X0), can impact sexual development.

Adult Sexuality: Hormones

Male and Female Sex Hormones

• Testosterone (major male sex hormone): 20-40 times higher in males.

  • Produced in testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands.

• Estrogen (major female sex hormone): produced in ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.

• Oxytocin: involved in emotional and erotic attachment, produced by the hypothalamus.

Hormonal Influences on Sexual Behavior

Testosterone in Males

• Linked to sexual desire (libido); lower testosterone levels can still allow for full sexual function.

• Evidence from castration studies indicates a drop in sexual desire.

• Antiandrogens can reduce sexual activity.

• Hypogonadism leads to testosterone deficiency impacting sexual desire.

Testosterone in Females

• Also linked to libido; therapy can enhance sexual desire in post-menopausal women.

• Normal levels correlated with sexual responsiveness.

Estrogens in Males and Females

• The role of estrogens in males is unclear, but they potentially influence sexual function.

• In females, estrogens contribute to mood regulation and sexual function but effects on libido are mixed.

Oxytocin in Sexual Behavior

• Facilitates bonding; released during intimacy and physical touch.

• High levels during and post-orgasm contribute to emotional bonding.

Sexual Arousal and the Brain

• Arousal can occur through thoughts alone, influenced by cultural context.

Brain Regions Involved

1. Cerebral Cortex: Thinking center.

2. Limbic System: Emotion, motivation, and pleasure.

• Damage to hypothalamus can reduce sexual behavior in various species.

Neurotransmitters in Sexual Arousal

• Dopamine: Promotes arousal; correlated with testosterone.

• Serotonin: Inhibitory effect on sexual activity; linked with decreased libido.

Role of Senses in Sexual Arousal

Touch

• Primary erogenous zones: diverse areas such as genitals and breasts.

Vision

• Males often more sensitive to visual stimuli; social influences affect women's responses.

Smell

• Influenced by sexual history; pheromones debated in humans.

Hearing

• Varies among individuals; can affect sexual engagement.

Taste

• Plays a minor role in arousal.

Aphrodisiacs and Anaphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiacs

• Substances thought to enhance sexual desire, with most lacking scientific backing.

• Common myths include food and drugs that supposedly boost libido.

Anaphrodisiacs

• Substances that reduce sexual desire including opioids, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.

Masters & Johnson's Sexual Response Cycle

• Four-Stage Model: Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, Resolution.

• Not all individuals experience these stages uniformly.

Sexual Response Cycle Phases

Major Physiological Changes

• Increased heart rate, blood pressure; genital changes during various phases.

• Differences noted between male and female physiological responses during the cycle.

Differences Between Male and Female Sexual Response

• More variability in female sexual response, potential for multiple orgasms, and unique physiological patterns.

Sexual Attraction

Metrics for Attraction

• General preferences in female waist-to-hip ratio (WPH): ideal is around 0.7.

Cultural Perspectives on Beauty

• Campaigns challenge traditional beauty standards, showcasing average women.

Useful Links

• Online resources for further study on human sexuality.