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PSYC 474 > Lecture 15: Sexuality Part ll > Flashcards

Lecture 15: Sexuality Part ll Flashcards

1
Q

frequency of sex and happiness correlational research

A
  • Couples who have sex more frequently are more satisfied with their relationships and are happier with their lives overall
  • Sex is rated as the daily activity associated with the most positive affect
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2
Q

frequency of sex and happiness study (Loewenstein et al., 2015)

A
  • Correlational research cannot establish directionality or rule out the factors
  • Experimental manipulation: asked half of the participants to double their sexual intercourse frequency
  • Increasing sexual frequency did not increase happiness
    Instead, led to less desire for and enjoyment of sex
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3
Q

frequency of sex and happiness study (Muise et al., 2015)

A
  • 30,645 participants
  • Sexual frequency only matters for the well-being of people in relationships
  • Found a curvilinear effect of sexual frequency on life satisfaction
  • It increases up until once a week, then peters off
  • The effect of sexual frequency on well-being is mediated by relationship satisfaction
  • Part of the pleasure of sex derives from strengthening the intimate bond, and that does not rely on daily sexual activity
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4
Q

The financial value of the happiness boost resulting from increasing the frequency of sexual intercourse from once a month to once a week

A

~ $100,000 CAD today

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5
Q

increasing frequency of sex past once/week

A
  • For people in romantic relationships, sexual frequency is no longer associated with well-being at a frequency greater than once a week
  • In the Loewenstein study, couples were already having sex about once a week at baseline
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6
Q

sexual afterglow daily diary study

A
  • Following sex, couples experience a lingering boost in sexual satisfaction that lasts ~48 hours
  • Higher levels of sexual afterglow predict relationship satisfaction over time
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7
Q

evolutionary explanation for the sexual afterglow

A
  • From an evolutionary perspective, too-frequent sex may be suboptimal
  • Depletes resources required for other life-sustaining activities
  • Sperm concentration decreases with successive ejaculations
  • Risk of displacing one’s own sperm
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8
Q

neurochemical explanation for the sexual afterglow

A

Possible that “feel good” neurochemicals released during sexual activity to keep us bonded to our partners take a while to dissipate

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9
Q

self-determination theory

A

we are happiest when engaging in activities that meet our needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence

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10
Q

relatedness

A

feeling close to others

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11
Q

competence

A

feeling confident & capable

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12
Q

autonomy

A

feel that we can choose & control our own actions

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13
Q

self-determination theory and sexual satisfaction

A

Fulfillment of all three needs uniquely predicts sexual & relationship satisfaction

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14
Q

autonomous vs. controlled motivations

A
  • SDT makes a distinction between autonomous and controlled motivation
  • When behaving autonomously, we are doing something we genuinely want to do, not something we are pressured to do
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15
Q

applying SDT to sex

A
  • Sex is more enjoyable when pursued for autonomous reasons in contrast to controlled reasons
  • I.e. Because it feels good and we enjoy the intimacy it brings rather than because it would be embarrassing to refuse
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16
Q

impact of having sex for approach vs. avoidance reasons

A
  • Having sex for approach reasons is linked with more positive emotional and relationship outcomes for both the self and the partner
  • Having sex for avoidance reasons is linked with more negative emotional and relationship outcomes for the self and the partner
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17
Q

having sex for approach vs. avoidance goals study

A

half of the participants received information about the benefits of approach goals and were instructed to focus on approach goals over the next week. One week later, they reported having more satisfying sexual experiences and greater relationship satisfaction

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18
Q

sexual growth beliefs

A

Sexual satisfaction requires effort and work

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19
Q

sexual destiny beliefs

A
  • Natural compatibility between partners is key to sexual satisfaction
  • Struggles in a sexual relationship are a sure sign the relationship will fail
  • A couple is destined to have satisfying sex or they are not
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20
Q

sexual destiny vs. growth beliefs and relationship satisfaction

A
  • Sexual growth beliefs are associated with higher levels of sexual & relationship satisfaction for both the self and the partner
  • True even when undergoing a major transition like parenthood
  • The impact of sexual destiny beliefs on relationship quality depends on the degree of sexual disagreements in relationships
  • Lower relationship quality when experiencing disagreements about the sexual relationship
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21
Q

sexual beliefs over time

A

Sexual beliefs are malleable

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22
Q

perceiving sexual interest for men

A

Men tend to exhibit sexual overperception bias

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23
Q

Sexual overperception bias

A
  • Perceiving greater sexual interest in women’s behaviour compared to women’s self-reported intent & outsider observe woman ratings
  • They ascribe more sexual motives to flirting behaviour
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24
Q

interpreting sexual interest in women vs. men

A
  • Men rate women’s flirtatious behaviour as signalling more positively than women
  • No difference for a laugh, smile, touch, and a coy smile
  • Men rate women’s rejection behaviours as signalling less negativity
  • No difference for a negative head shake & frown
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25
Q

evolutionary explanation for the sexual overperception bias

A

it’s more costly for men to miss a mating opportunity

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26
Q

perceptual confirmation explanation for the sexual overperception bias

A
  • We may project desires onto prospective partners
  • We see what we want to see
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27
Q

sexual priming and perceiving sexual interest

A
  • Following exposure to a sexual prime, participants perceived potential partners as more attractive and more interested in themselves
  • Heightened romantic interest mediates the relationship between sexual activation and perceiving a partner as interested in oneself
28
Q

perceiving sexual interst for men in long-term relationships

A
  • In long-term, established couples, men underperceive their partner’s sexual desire
  • This is associated with relationship benefits, especially for men
  • Their partners felt more satisfied & committed to the relationship
  • Men might work a little harder to spark their partner’s interest
  • Men might be biased in the direction of underperception to avoid rejection
29
Q

underperception effect and fearing rejection

A

For men and women, there is a stronger underperception bias on days when more motivated to avoid sexual rejection

30
Q

Sexual communication

A

The combination of:
1) Degree of sexual self-disclosure (discussion of sexual preferences, desire to engage in certain activities, sexual attitudes & values)
2) Quality of sexual communication
3) Frequency of sexual communication

31
Q

Sexual communication is associated with

A
  • Improvements in all domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, erection, lubrication, orgasm, and less pain)
  • Greater sexual satisfaction
  • Greater relationship satisfaction
32
Q

sexual communiaction and sexual satisfaction

A

Sexual communication uniquely predicts sexual & relationship satisfaction above greater communication

33
Q

sexual communiaction and sexual satisfaction in LGB couples

A

Better sexual communication in gay & lesbian couples may contribute to more enjoyable sexual experiences

34
Q

navigating sexual disagreements

A
  • > ⅓ of couples in long-term relationships report experiencing sexual issues
  • In the majority of long-term, heterosexual relationships, there is a chronic mismatch in sexual desire between partners
  • Sexual conflicts have a stronger impact on relationship quality than non-sexual conflicts
  • Effective communication is crucial for navigating these disagreements
35
Q

barriers to sexual communication

A
  • Despite the benefits of sexual communication, sexual topics are avoided more than nonsexual topics
  • Partners often have a poor understanding of each other’s likes & dislikes
  • They rely on generalizations and stereotypes instead
36
Q

barriers to sexual communiaction include

A
  • The desire to avoid negative emotion
  • Fears that sexual communication will threaten the relationship
  • Fear of experiencing shame & embarrassment (threat to self)
  • Fear that one might hurt or shame their partner
37
Q

barriers for sexual vs. non-sexual conflict discussions

A
  • Similar barriers for both sexual and non-sexual conflict discussions
  • But, sexual discussions are especially threatening to the self
38
Q

Cognitive reappraisal

A

emotional regulation strategy involving re-evaluating and reframing the meaning or significance of a situation

39
Q

impact of cognitive reappraisals on sexual communication

A

By construing the situation as less aversive, we will be less likely to avoid it

40
Q

responsiveness

A

Since disclosures related to sexual conflicts are particularly likely to increase a sense of personal vulnerability, responsiveness becomes even more important

41
Q

interdependence dilemmas

A

involve deciding whether to act communally (prioritizing the partner’s needs over one’s own) or individualistically

42
Q

transforming motivations through interdependence

A

With increasing interdependence & commitment, we transform motivation from individualistic to communal

43
Q

communal strength

A
  • Individuals high in communal strength are motivated to respond to their partner in ways that will enhance their partner’s well-being without expectation of tit-for-tat reciprocation
  • Focus on compassion rather than fairness: trust that it will balance out in the long run
  • Ex. we experience more positive emotions and feel more relationship satisfaction on days when we sacrifice for the good of the partner or the relationship, which is mediated by feelings of authenticity
44
Q

sexual communal strength

A
  • The same concept applied to navigating sexual interdependence dilemmas
  • Willingness to meet partner’s sexual needs, even when different from one’s preferences
  • Keeping an open mind and trying to understand a partner’s desires
  • If turning down a partner, doing it sensitively
  • Understanding & accepting a partner’s need not to engage in sex
45
Q

impacts of high communal strength

A
  • Individuals higher in sexual communal strength focus less on the negatives of having sex and more on the benefits to the partner
  • As a result, we’re more likely to engage in sex, even on days when we feel less sexual desire than our partner (desire mismatch)
  • Both partners consequently experience more sexual & relationship satisfaction
46
Q

mistmatched sexual desire and comunal strength study

A

Individuals low in sexual communal strength felt lower sexual satisfaction on days they engaged in sex while not really in the mood, people higher in sexual communal strength felt equally satisfied on matched & mismatched desire days

47
Q

important caveats of sexual communal strength

A
  • Only beneficial when motivation to meet partner’s needs comes from a place of agency (feels less authentic and autonomously chosen)
  • Individuals high in unmitigated communion experience less sexual and relationship satisfaction
  • Sexual communal strength is associated with approach goals
  • Unmitigated sexual communion may be driven by feelings of insecurity or obligation
48
Q

unmitigated sexual communion

A

those who focus exclusively on a partner’s needs to the exclusion of one’s own

49
Q

sexual and relationship satisifaciton of friends with benefits

A
  • Report fairly high levels of sexual satisfaction, but not as high as people in committed relationships
  • Lower levels of sexual communication
  • Presumably less interdependence -> fewer interdependence dilemmas, but also lower motivation to meet partner’s needs
50
Q

post-sex affection

A
  • The duration of post-sex affection was associated with greater sexual & relationship satisfaction
  • More important than the duration of sex or foreplay
  • Both men and women
  • Especially important for couples with kids
  • Affection touch mediates the relationship between sexual frequency and greater life satisfaction
51
Q

sex and affectionate experiences study

A

having sex predicts more affectionate experiences later that day -> subsequent positive affect

52
Q

anxious attachment and sexual relationships

A
  • Worry about their sexual attractiveness & desirability, mate-poaching
  • Tend to use sex to meet needs for emotional intimacy & reassurance
  • Focus on pleasing partner but seem to be driven more by avoidance motivations
  • However, partners do not necessarily report lower satisfaction
  • Experience less sexual satisfaction
  • Less motivated by a focus on our own physical pleasure & less likely to communicate sexual needs & preferences to partner
  • Also places them at a greater risk of engaging in unsafe sexual practices
  • Stronger link between sexual satisfaction & relationship satisfaction
  • May use sex as a “barometer” of what’s going on in the relationship
53
Q

avoidant attachment and sexual relationships

A
  • Discomfort with closeness may interfere with psychological intimacy in sexual situations
  • Avoidant adolescents are less likely to engage in sexual activity
  • Engage in sex to “lose their virginity”, and experience less positive affect
  • More likely to drink or use drugs prior to having sex
  • As adults, higher on SOI, more promiscuous, have more one-night stands, poach mates for one-night stands
  • Higher promiscuity is not explained by sexual desire
  • Dislike intimate & affectionate aspects of sex
  • May have sex for self-enhancement and self-presentation motives
  • In relationships, they may have sex to avoid negative partner affect
  • More of an exchange perspective when it comes to sex
  • A weaker link between sexual and relationship satisfaction
54
Q

secure attachment and sexual relationships

A
  • Comfortable with closeness & interdependence
  • May be inclined toward long-term sexual relationships because they have learned that relationships are satisfying
  • Positive models of others may facilitate effective communication
  • Positive models of self may facilitate the relaxing of their defences
55
Q

insecure attachment and sexual interactions

A
  • Sexual interactions may buffer against the negative effect of attachment insecurity on relationship satisfaction
  • Attachment avoidance unrelated to marital satisfaction among spouses who had sex more frequently
  • Anxious attachment unrelated to marital satisfaction on days spouses report having more satisfying sex
56
Q

Consensual non-monogamy

A

an umbrella term for various ways couples agree to experience sexual and/or emotional intimacy with multiple people

57
Q

swinging

A

committed couples temporarily exchange partners for sex or include others in their sex life

58
Q

open relationships

A

explicit agreement between committed partners that each may pursue sexual connections with other people

59
Q

polyamory

A

engaging in ongoing emotional and sexual relationships with multiple people, with the knowledge & consent of all parties involved

60
Q

prevalence of CNM

A
  • 20% of Americans & Canadians report experiencing CNM in the past
  • 4% report being in one now
  • 12% consider it to be an ideal form of relationship
  • Women heterosexuals, individuals lower in sociosexual orientation are less likely to be open to CNM
61
Q

Factors predicting interest in CNM

A
  • Short-term sociosexual orientation
  • The belief that love is not a zero-sum
  • Attachment avoidance
  • However, negatively related to actually engaging in NCM
  • Greater perception of the availability of attractive alternatives
  • Commitment is negatively associated with attraction to CNM through lower perceived quality of alternatives
62
Q

interest vs. participation in CNM

A

But interest isn’t the same as participation

63
Q

CNM outcomes

A
  • Generally, negatively perceived by the public
  • Individuals in CNM relationships rate levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction as highly or slightly higher than non-CNM couples
  • “Spillover” effect for men: who were sexually fulfilled in secondary relationships reported greater relationship satisfaction with their primary partner
  • However, women who were more sexually fulfilled with their secondary partner reported lower sexual satisfaction in their primary relationship
  • Most existing research is cross-sectional
  • Survivorship bias: we’re sampling participants who are still in a CNM relationship for whom it’s working
64
Q

prospective study of CNM

A
  • Opening up a relationship did not change personal or relational well-being over a 2-month period
  • But, it’s related to increasing in sexual satisfaction over 2 months
  • The effect is most pronounced among individuals motivated by sexual incompatibility
65
Q

limitations of the prospective study of CNM

A
  • Short-term study
  • Only sampled 1 member of the couple (likely the most enthusiastic one)

PSYC 474 (40 decks)

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