Chapter 9

Question 1

Describe how sociocultural influences strongly define what is considered “normal” sexual practices.

Answer 1

What may be considered normal in one culture may be considered abnormal in another. The range of sexual expression must be considered in diagnosing the presence of a disorder .

Question 2

Describe the stages of the human sexual response cycle.

Answer 2

• Desire Phase – sexual urges occur in response to sexual cues or fantasies
• Arousal Phase – physiological signs of sexual arousal – increase blood to penis (men) and pelvis (women)
• Plateau Phase – brief period occurs before orgasm
• Orgasm Phase – ejaculation in men and contractions of the vagina for women.
• Resolution Phase – decrease in arousal occurs after orgasm

Question 3

Discuss the elimination of “gender identity disorder” from the upcoming DSM-V and its replacement with “gender dysphoria.”

Answer 3

The DSM V

Question 4

• Describe the types of sexual dysfunctions; distinguish those that are gender specific.

Answer 4

Sexual Desire disorders – no interest in sexual activity
Sexual Arousal Disorder – Male erectile disorder, female sexual arousal disorder
Orgasmic Disorders – inhibited orgasm (common in women), premature ejaculation
Sexual Pain disorders

Question 5

Describe the psychosocial and medical treatments for each of the sexual dysfunctions.

Answer 5

Psychosocial: education, sensate focus and non-demand pleasuring – not having sex but exploring each other’s’ bodies. Premature ejaculation – squeeze technique. Female orgasmic disorder maybe treated with training in masturbatory procedures. Sexual pain disorders – using a dilator.
Medical: Viagra, Cialis, Levitra (men’s erectile disorder), injection of vasoactive substances, surgery, and vacuum device therapy.

Question 6

Define paraphilia; list examples stated in the textbook.

Answer 6

Paraphilia – sexual disorder or deviation in which sexual arousal occurs almost exclusively in the context of inappropriate objects or individuals.

* Fetishism: arousal from nonliving objects
* Voyeurism : observing unsuspecting person naked or undressing order to become aroused
* Exhibitionism - achieving arousal by exposing one's genitals to unsuspecting strangers
* Transvestic Fetishism: sexual arousal associated with cross-dressing
* Sexual sadism: sexual arousal associated with inflicting pain or humiliation
* Sexual masochism: sexual arousal associate with experiencing pain or humiliation
* Pedophilia: Strong sexual attraction toward children
* Incest: Sexual attraction directed toward family member

Question 7

Describe the interventions used to treat paraphilias.

Answer 7

• Covert sensitization: learn to associate inappropriate arousal with negative consequences through visualization
• Orgasmic reconditioning: strengthen appropriate patterns of arousal
• Relapse prevention: recognize signs of temptation, use self-control procedures, social support