Chapter 2 - Theoretical Approaches Flashcards
Scientific theory
Intellectual framework based on the summary of multiple observations and repeated evidence studies that can help explain a phenomenon
Hypothesis
Prediction about the expected outcomes of a research study
3 main categories surrounding theories of sexuality
Psychological theories, biological theories, social constructionist theories
Psychodynamic theory (Psychological theories)
Developed by Sigmund Freud; viewed sex as a key motivational force in human behaviour; described personality as being divided into Id, Ego, Superego
5 stages of psychosexual development
- Oral stage
- Anal stage
- Phallic stage
- Latency stage
- Genital stage
Problems with psychodynamic theory
Hard to evaluate scientifically; developed from mentally unhealthy individuals; very male-centred; huge importance on sex
Contributions from psychodynamic theory
Looked at childhood experiences on personality; developed a therapy to address psychological problems
Learning theory (psychological theories)
- Classical conditioning (Ivan Pavlov); sexual arousal can be conditioned; could explain how fetishes develop
US = sexual activity
UR = sexual arousal
CS = perfume/cologne (for example)
CR = sexual arousal - Operant conditioning (B.F. Skinner); behaviour that is reinforced is more likely to occur in the future; punished behaviours should decrease in sexuality; sex is considered a primary reinforcer for other behaviours; sex can also be reinforced or punished
Social learning theory (learning theory)
Rotter & Bandura; based on the principals of operant conditioning but people can also learn by observing others (observational learning); involves imitation (may explain gender role development); SLIDE 11
Social exchange theory (learning theory)
Describes how people try to maximize rewards and minimize costs; has nothing to do with motivation; 4 components
1. Balance of costs/rewards
2. Equity/equality
3. Comparison level
4. Comparison level for alternatives
Cognitive theories (learning theory)
Attempts to understand human behaviour by focusing on thought process; thoughts are subject to misconceptions, distortions, false assumptions, and errors in evaluating situations or information (can result in frustration, distress, psychological disorders, as well as inappropriate/harmful behaviours)
Three main biological theories of sexuality
- Genetic theory 2. Sociobiological theory 3. Dual control method
Genetic theory (biological theory)
Genetics can influence sexuality in many ways (hormones, reproductive cycles, sexual orientation, gender identity, conception/pregnancy, genetic disorders)
Sociobiological theory (biological theory)
Applies evolutionary biology to explain social behaviours; similar to evolutionary psych; sexual selection is a part of natural selection; intrasexual competition (two males fight over a female); intersexual selection (female picks best male)
Dual control model (biological theory)
Human sexual responses involve the interaction of two opposing neurobiological impulses, excitement and inhibition; these processes have been adapted in humans in response to evolutionary adaptive pressures; might be useful in explaining the variability of sexual expression across cultures and individuals
6 main theories of social constructionist theory
Sociological, social script, ecological model, feminist, queer, motivation
Sociological theory (social constructionist)
Highlights the importance of social institutions such as religion and family; sex is linked to societal structures of power, kinship, and ideology; these institutions and societal structures determine how sexuality is defined, expressed, and regulated within a certain culture or community
Social script theory (social constructionist)
Scripts imply that behaviour is a result of prior learning; social interactions tend to follow or are heavily influenced by predefined, culturally recognizable sequences of behaviours (ex. The traditional sexual script TSS)
Ecological model (social constructionist theory)
framework used to understand how personal, relationship, and environmental factors interact and influence an individual and each other
– Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) dynamic model with four
levels of influence referred to as a “systems
Feminist theory (social constructionist theory)
No uniform theory; most examine inequalities of men’s/womens relationships and their effects on women’s sexuality; “typical” sexual behaviour is an agenda reflecting male privilege (focus on vaginal intercourse and male pleasure)
Queer theory (social constructionist theory)
Emerged in 90s from feminist theory; challenges all notions of gender, sexual orientation, and sexual behaviour as social constructs; assists in clarifying notons of non-conformity and diversity
Motivation theory (social constructionist theory)
Emerged in early 2000s from the question “why do humans have sex?”; different motivations; Self Determination Theory (SDT) is used to investigate intrinsic and extrinsic sexual motivation (autonomy, consequence, and relatedness; quality of sexual motivation is associated with sexual and relational outcomes)
How do theories inform clinical work with sexual problems?
No one best theory suited to treating sexual issues; all have something to offer; most clinicians draw on a number of theories
