Module 1: An Introduction to Human Sexuality Flashcards
why do we study human sexuality?
- to gain factual knowledge
- to develop a positive attitude toward sex
- to clarify sexual values and ethics
- to improve communication
- to understand sexual arousal and response
- to understand sexual problems
- to enhance professional practice
- to become comfortable with the subject
what constitutes having sex?
- different ideas for different people
- penetrative sex, oral, vaginal, anal, digital, sex toys, mutual masturbation, etc.
what are some things that sex can refer to?
- anatomic sex of male or female
- anatomic structures
- behaviors
- feelings and desires
what percent of people are intersex
10%
what is the difference between sex and gender
- sex is a biologically determined aspect of someone, it refers to the anatomic reproductive structures that someone is born with
- gender is a personal identification of how one feels about themselves, this can be the same or different from anatomical sex
define human sexuality
our experiences and our expressions of ourselves as sexual beings, which are affected by our culture
define sexual values
moral guidelines for making sexual decisions in relationships
what are the three types of sexual values
- absolutism
- relativism
- hedonism
describe the absolutism sexual value system
- unconditional power and authority of religion, law, or tradition
- choices are based on what is right or wrong (determined by a higher power)
- black and white thinking
what percent of college students are absolutists in their sexual values?
15%
are absolutists more likely male or female and why?
- majority female
- women are generally expected to protect their virginity and they will bear the burden of sex (children)
describe the relativism sexual value system
- emphasizes consideration of the context of a situation when making sexual decisions
- it depends on the situation and certain conditions
what percent of college students are relativists in their sexual values?
70%
are relativists more likely male or female and why?
it is mostly equal between men and women
describe the hedonism sexual value system
- the idea that the pursuit of please and avoidance of pain provide the ultimate motivation for sexual behavior
- sensation seeking
- if it feels good, do it
what percent of college students are hedonists in their sexual values?
14%
are hedonists more likely male or female and why?
- more likely male
- societal standards of it being okay or even encouraged for men to have more sexual partners
list 8 influences on human sexuality
- education
- sexual self-concept
- values and religion
- emotions
- behaviors
- media and technology
- reproduction
- family and peers
define sexual self-concept
how to identify yourself generally, sexually, and in the context of your relationship
which two religions discusses in class generally teach that premarital sex is not okay
- Christianity
- Islam
describe how media and technology influence human sexuality
- make it easier to access information about sex
- some information may be incorrect, leading to confusion
- creates more complexity within human sexuality
- reflects society’s views on sexuality
how often are sexual choices made
- over and over
- every time you encounter something sexual
what are the five factors involved in sexual decisions
- not to decide is to decide
- decisions involve trade-offs
- decisions include selecting a positive or negative view
- decisions can produce ambivalence/uncertainty
- some decisions are revocable, some are not
describe this sexual decision factor: not to decide is to decide
- if you don’t make explicit sexual decisions about what you will and will not do, you are still choosing a course of action
- not deciding with a partner about usage of condoms = not using condoms
describe this sexual decision factor: choices involve trade-offs
- a choice eliminates other options
- a choice can carry risks and benefits
describe this sexual decision factor: decisions include selecting a positive or negative view
- choices are not always negative
- regardless of your circumstances, you can choose to focus on the positive aspects of a difficult situation and to approach it as a problem to be solved
describe this sexual decision factor: decisions produce ambivalence/uncertainty
- ambivalence: conflicting feelings that produce uncertainty or indecisiveness about your course of action
- not knowing what to do or which decision to make
- once you make a decision, you may regret it or you may not
describe this sexual decision factor: some decisions are revocable, some are not
- some choices can be changed and others cannot
- can be changed: using a condom when having sex
- cannot be changed: having a child, terminating a pregnancy
what steps should you take when making sexual choices
- be sure of your values and goals (boundaries)
- identify feelings and emotions
- explore all alternative possible choices
- be fully informed on short- and long-term consequences of your choice
- ask for input and advice from trusted friends if necessary
- implement your choice
what percent of teen females and teen males learn about sexual health from their parents
- teen females: 78%
- teen males: 70%
what percent of teen females and teen males learn about sexual health from their clinician
- teen females: 7%
- teen males: 13%
what percent of adolescents use the internet for sex education
20% to 76.5%
has the percentage of schools teaching sex education increased or decreased across a range of topics
decreased
describe the information taught and not in most sex ed programs
- most programs emphasize biological aspects like puberty education
- few programs deal with “controversial” topics such as sexual orientation, abortion, masturbation, etc.
what does sex education do
- promotes healthy behaviors
- meets parental expectations
- addresses bullying, harassment, and relationship violence
does sex education encourage sexual activity
no
what healthy behaviors does sex education promote
- delays the onset of sexual activity, reduces early sexual debut (under 12y/o) by 2 years
- decreases the number of sexual partners by 1-2
- increases safer sex practices such as condom use
- reduces the frequency of sexual activity
what percent of parents support comprehensive sex education
80-85%
what percent of LGBT students experience harassment in schools
90%
how does harassment in schools affect LGBT students
- lower GPA
- more likely to commit suicide and suffer from self-harm
what percent of teens are physically harmed by their boyfriend or girlfriend each year
10%
