Chapter 9: Sexuality Flashcards
Sexual Preferences and Dilemma
- Chapter begins with scenarios on solitary orgasms, shared sexual experiences, and emotional impact of sexual enhancement drugs.
- Recognizes subjective nature of individual responses to these scenarios.
Changing Attitudes Towards Casual Sex
- Describes evolving societal views on nonmarital sex over the last fifty years.
- Introduces “permissiveness with affection” standard, emphasizing committed relationships.
Hookup Culture Ambivalence
- Examines positive and negative feelings associated with hookups.
- Majority expresses a preference for dating over casual encounters.
Sex Differences in Attitudes
- Discusses average sex differences in sexual values.
- Explores regret disparities in the context of casual sex.
Sexual Double Standard
- Explores historical sexual double standard, noting persistence in some aspects.
- Highlights societal disapproval of women accepting casual sex offers.
Attitudes Towards Same-Sex Sexuality
- Highlights changing attitudes towards same-sex relationships.
- Attributes shift to increased visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals and understanding of sexual orientation.
Cultural Variances in Sexual Attitudes
- Compares sexual attitudes across countries.
- Acknowledges within-country variations based on demographics.
Influence of Societal Factors
- Recognizes shaping of sexual attitudes by historical, religious, political, and societal influences.
- Notes distinctions between demographic groups in views on same-sex marriage.
Sexual Behaviour Overview
- Differentiates between thoughts and actions regarding sex.
- Acknowledges variability in experiences and challenges assumptions.
Sex for the First Time
- Highlights cultural shift with increased responsibility among American teens.
- Despite precautions, concerns persist, leading to unintended pregnancies and STIs.
First Sexual Experience
- Describes commonality of first sexual experiences within steady relationships.
- Notes overall positive experience for most teens.
Time of Sexual Intimacy in Relationships
- Advises taking time before becoming sexually intimate in new relationships.
- Questions association of sex on the first date with lower relationship satisfaction.
Motives for Choosing to Have Sex
- Explores various reasons behind choosing to engage in sexual intercourse.
- Recognizes diversity of motives from altruistic to vengeful.
Sex Education and Misinformation
- Criticizes abstinence-only programs for ineffectiveness.
- Advocates for comprehensive sex education to make responsible choices.
Factors Influencing Sexual Frequency
- Examines factors affecting frequency of sexual activity.
- Notes physical changes associated with aging and potential decline in passion.
Sexual Partnerships and Reporting Discrepancies
- Highlights discrepancies in self-reported sexual behavior between men and women.
- Attributes differences to procedural issues, definitions of “sex,” and social desirability biases.
Sexual Preferences and Relationship Satisfaction
- Couples who cohabit have more frequent sex than married couples.
- Acknowledges variations in sexual frequency based on age and sexual orientation.
Future Desires and Promiscuity Perception
- Survey data indicates most people aspire to have few sexual partners.
- Challenges stereotype that men universally seek more partners than women.
Infidelity
- Global disapproval of infidelity, yet studies reveal significant rates.
- 21% of women and 32% of men engage in infidelity in compiled investigations.
Prevalence of Infidelity
- About one in five wives and one in three husbands engage in extradyadic sex after marriage.
- Higher rates of infidelity in dating or cohabiting couples.
Gender Differences
- Men more likely to cheat than women, linked to attitudes towards casual sex.
- Pronounced differences in same-sex relationships.
Sociosexual Orientations
- Individuals vary in sociosexual orientations influencing attitudes towards sex.
- Unrestricted orientations associated with more extradyadic sex.
Associations with Sociosexuality
- Unrestricted individuals are dynamic and flirtatious.
- Sociosexuality linked to likelihood of having extradyadic sex over a lifetime.
Facial Features and Sociosexuality
- Observers can distinguish sociosexual orientations based on facial features.
- Unrestricted women may have more masculine features but considered less desirable for long-term relationships.
Evolutionary Perspective
- Men’s lower parental investment historically favored casual sex.
- “Good genes” hypothesis suggests women seek genetically superior mates.
Current Behaviours Supporting Evolutionary Hypotheses
- Women show increased attraction to extradyadic mates during fertility periods.
- Modern studies indicate a small percentage of children may be raised by unknowing fathers.
Sperm Competition and Evolutionary Adaptations
- Men’s anatomy adapted for sperm competition, favoring deep thrusts.
- Evolutionary perspective on sexual behaviors.
Relationship Quality Perspective
- Infidelity influenced by dissatisfaction with the current partner and availability of alternatives.
- Traits associated with individuals more likely to cheat.
Sexual Desire and Gender Differences
- Men, on average, have higher sex drives than women.
- Men generally desire sex more frequently and sooner in relationships.
Implications of Sexual Desire Differences
- Mismatched sexual desire in heterosexual couples may lead to frustration.
- Power dynamics in sexual interactions may create adversarial dynamics.
Casual Sex and Safe Practices
- Three-fourths of college students engage in hookups.
- Condom use during hookups varies, especially with alcohol involvement.
Cybersex and Online Sexual Activities
- Online interactions offer accessibility, affordability, and anonymity.
- Adverse effects of porn and potential outcomes of emotional involvement online.
Unsafe Sex
- Despite precautions, many individuals engage in unsafe sex.
- Reasons for unsafe sex include underestimates of risk and faulty decision-making.
Encouraging Safe Sex
- Education counteracts misunderstandings about risk.
- Treating condoms as part of sexy foreplay is suggested.
Facotrs Influencing Sexual Satisfaction
- Highlights factors like partnership, monogamy, frequency of sexual activity, and media influence.
- Discusses improving sexual satisfaction through autonomy, challenging gender roles, and positive motivations.
How to Improve Sexual Satisfaction
- Emphasizes autonomy, competence, relatedness, and challenging traditional gender roles.
- Motivations for sex and mindsets about sexual satisfaction contribute to fulfilling experiences.
Sexual Communication
- Clear communication about sexual likes and dislikes associated with greater sexual satisfaction.
- Open communication about sexual preferences leads to more rewarding sexual experiences.
Sexual Satisfaction and Relationship Satisfaction
- Both are interconnected; dissatisfaction in one area leads to dissatisfaction in the other.
- Similarity in sexual desire and shared sexual histories contribute to satisfaction.
Attachment and Sexuality
- Attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, secure) influence sexual behavior.
- Secure attachment associated with greater sexual self-confidence and satisfaction.
Conclusion
- Sexual satisfaction is a complex interplay of various factors.
- Open communication, challenging traditional norms, and valuing partners’ autonomy contribute to a fulfilling sexual experience.