Test 1 (Chapters 1-5) Flashcards
What are the main perceptions of human sexuality? (5)
Source of great pleasure and satisfaction
Means of reproduction
Source of guilt and confusion, anger and disappointment Pathway to infection
Means of exploitation and aggression
How do the Mangaia view sexuality, and what rituals do they perform?
Matriarchal society, views sex as more important to girls
Boys:
-Superincision ritual
-Instruction to please partners (kissing, cunnilingus, breast fondling,
etc.)
-Instructional intercourse with an older experienced woman
Girls are instructed by older women to be orgasmic, how to move to have multiple orgasms
Expected to have multiple partners before marriage
Women may leave men if they fail to satisfy
Rapid decline in sexual activity following adolescence
How do the Dani in New Guinea view sexuality? What are some of their sexual habits?
Sex is unimportant:
- Female orgasm is apparently unknown
- Intercourse is quick, and ends at male ejaculation
- Extrarelational sex is rare
- Both sexes abstain from intercourse for 5 years following a birth
What gendered view during the Victorian Age shaped modern-day sexuality?
women don’t have sexual desire, only reproductive desire (exceptions were called Nymphomaniacs)
men are driven by dangerous, animalistic lust
What was invented in 1941 that made curing STIs possible?
Penicillin
What changed during the Sexual Revolution, and when was it?
Between the 1960s and the mid-1970s
- Individual self expression and autonomy
- Women’s rights
- Relationship status (free love)
- Birth control pills for married couples in 1960s
- Birth control pills for all, Joy of Sex 1970s
- Sexual orientation (broader acceptance of homosexuality)
- Homosexuality removed from the DSM in 1973
- 1980: First case of AIDS in US
- Sexuality Education (SIECUS)
Where was homosexuality historically encouraged?
Greece (same sex relationships b/w older men and younger man), Sambia (homo in youth, bi in adolescence, hetero in adulthood)
What is transgenderism (formerly Transsexuality)?
Assigned gender and gender identity don’t
match; also called Two-Spirit by native american tribes
What are the Zuni’s (new mexico) views on gender?
3rd gender – assigned male, live as
woman; mediators, instructors in crafts, lack of transphobia
What is the Indonesian group Bugis view of gender?
5 genders in Indonesia among Bugis (cis- and
trans- men and women, Bissu (intersex priests who embody all genders)
What is the difference between Sex and Gender?
sex is biological, gender is socially determined
How did AIDS affect the LGBT+ Community?
the fear of aids led to a resurgence of homophobia in the 1980s
What is ‘normal sexual behavior?’
behavior that conforms to a group’s average or median patterns of life; therefore there is no one normal sexual behavior
What is Subjectively normal sexual behavior?
behavior similar to mine
What is statistically normal sexual behavior?
common behavior
what is Idealistically normal sexual behavior?
how religion shapes your sexuality
what is culturally normal sexual behavior?
the most common sexual behavior within your culture
what is clinically normal sexual behavior?
using data, the most common sexual behavior over a large sample
What is the one shared ‘normal’ activity across all cultures?
reproduction
What is sexual variation?
sexual variety and diversity in terms of orientation, attitudes, behaviors, desires, fantasies, etc; sexual activity not statistically typical of ‘usual’ sexual behavior
what are some examples of harmful sexual behaviors?
- Masturbatory asphyxia
- Rape
- Child molestation
- Obscene phone calls
i.e. anything that causes harm (physical, emotional, mental) to oneself or others
What are the psychological standards for determining the harmfulness of sexual behaviors?
- Issues of coercion
- Potential harm (physical, emotional, mental) to oneself or others
- Personal distress
Who are three ‘pop’ psychologists when it comes to sexuality?
Rowan Pelling, Dr. Ruth, Dan Savage
What is pop psychology?
the sex information/advice genre
What is the problem with how newspapers portray research findings?
the media frequently quote or describe social science research, but they may do so in an oversimplified or distorted manner
Media report the results of a study that are contradicted by subsequent research
Changes in current knowledge through behavioral research
Distorted representation of sex-related research
What is objectivity?
the observation of things as they exist in reality (difficult to achieve in sexual research)
What are value judgments?
Evaluations based on moral or ethical
standards rather than objective ones (How a person ought to behave)
What gets in the way of objectivity?
Opinions – Unsubstantiated beliefs
Biases – Personal learning or inclination
Stereotypes – Simple, rigid, overgeneralized beliefs
What are some common sexual stereotypes?
- Men are always ready for sex
- “Nice” women are not interested in sex
- Women need a reason for sex; men need a place
- Virgins are uptight and asexual
- The relationships of gay men never last
- Lesbian women hate men
- African American men lust after White women
- Latino men are promiscuous
what is a fallacy?
An error in reasoning that affects our understanding
of a subject
what is an egocentric fallacy?
Mistaken beliefs about others behavior based on personal experience and values
what is an ethnocentric fallacy?
Belief that our own ethnic group, nation, or culture is innately superior to others
(Increasingly evident as a reaction to the increased awareness of ethnicity)
what is informed consent in a research study?
Full disclosure to an individual of the purpose, potential
risks, and benefits of participating in a research project
what is a random sample?
A sample collected in an unbiased way, with the selection of each member of the sample based solely on chance
what is a representative sample?
a small group representing the larger group in terms
of age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and so on
what is a biased sample?
Samples that are not representative of the larger group (e.g., college students)
what is survey research? what are it’s pros and cons?
Uses questionnaires or interviews to gather information
- Strength – Quicker and easier to obtain lots of data
- Limitation – People may be poor reporters of their own sexual behavior; response bias
what is clinical research? what is it’s limitation?
In-depth examination of an individual or group; Focuses on atypical, unhealthy behaviors, problems related to sexuality and sexual functional problems
-Limitation - Emphasis on unhealthy or diseased behavior
what is observational research?
using unobtrusive behavior without manipulation to observe a subject
what is experimental research?
Systematic manipulation of individuals or the environment to learn the effects of such manipulation on behavior
what are the three themes of study among modernists?
- They believe that sexual expression is essential to an individual’s well-being
- They seek to broaden the range of legitimate sexual activity, including homosexuality
- They believe that female sexuality is the equal of male sexuality
Richard von Krafft-Ebing
Most influential of the early
researchers
-1886 - Published Psychopathia Sexualis – A collection of case histories of fetishists, sadists, masochists, and homosexuals
-Origin of sexual problems is masturbation
Sigmund Freud
-Attempt to understand neuroses: Psychological
disorders characterized by anxiety or tension
-Described five stages of psychosexual
development (oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital)
-His research is mostly only of historical interest
to modern sex researchers
Havelock Ellis
-Studies in the Psychology of Sex (1897 to
1910)– Consisted of case studies, autobiographies, and personal letters
-First researcher to appeal to studies in
animal behavior, anthropology, and history
-Challenged the view that masturbation was
abnormal
-Documented that women possessed sexual
desires no less intense than those of men
-People are born homosexual; as such, it
cannot be considered a vice
Alfred Kinsey
-Destroyed the belief in American sexual
innocence and virtue
-Published Sexual Behavior in the Human Male
in 1948 and Sexual Behavior in the Human Female in 1953
-Discovered extraordinary diversity in sexual
behaviors
-Reevaluated the role of masturbation in a
person’s sexual adjustment
-Kinsey found that many people had sexual
experiences with persons of both sexes
-Rejected normal/abnormal dichotomy
William Masters & Virginia Johnson
- Published Human Sexual Response in 1966
- Revolutionized sex therapy by treating sexual problems as difficulties that could be treated using behavioral therapy
- Behavioral approach led to an astounding increase in the rate of successful treatment of sexual problems
Evelyn Hooker
Revealed that same-sex sexual relationships were widespread among both men and women; no personality differences
vulva
the term used to describe the external genital
structures of women
Includes Mons pubis, Clitoris, Labia majora, Labia minora
Mons pubis (aka Mons veneris)
A pad of fatty tissue that covers the area of the pubic bone about 6 inches below the navel
Pubic hair
- Trimming or removal of pubic hair has become commonplace, and there are a wide variety of practices.
- Has become seen as the “norm”, partly influenced by porn
Clitoris
Considered the center of sexual arousal; Cluster
of nerves comprised of a variety of internal and external parts
includes the Glans clitoris, Clitoral hood/prepuce, and Clitoral shaft
Glans clitoris
tip of the shaft, most sensitive to stimulation
Clitoral hood/prepuce
fold of skin covering the clitoris when not aroused
Clitoral shaft
- includes an external and internal part
- External – approx 1 inch long, .25 inches wide
- Internal -Two approx. 3.5 inch branches called branches called crura contain corpora cavernosa (hollow chambers that fill with blood and swell during arousal
Labia Majora
Two folds of spongy flesh extending from the mons pubis and enclosing the labia minora, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal entrance
Labia Minora
smaller folds within the labia majora that meet above the clitoris to form the clitoral hood. -Smooth and hairless, vary widely in size and shape -Rich in nerves, swell during sexual arousal
Vestibule
The area enclosed by the labia minora; from below the clitoris to the bottom of the vaginal opening
Bartholin’s glands
secrete moisture during arousal
what is Labiaplasty?
- Intended to correct hypertrophy of the inner labia
- Now the third fastest growing form of plastic surgery
- often done in an attempt to conform with what is generally seen in porn
- Removes erotically sensitive material; risks include decreased sexual pleasure
What is Female Genital Cutting?
- Ranges from removing the clitoral hood, to removing the entire clitoris (clitoridectomy)
- Often performed with broken glass, or razorblades, poses significant health risks
What is genital infibulation?
- removing clitoris and labia, rubbing sides of the vulva raw, and sewing the two sides together.
- Girls legs are bound together for about a week – tissue grows together, leaving only a small opening
Vagina
A flexible, muscular structure that extends 3–5
inches back and upward from the vaginal opening
Introitus
lower 3rd of vagina; most nerve endings
Hymen
Thin membrane partially covering the intoitus
Grafenberg spot – G-spot
associated with sexual pleasure,
sometimes with female ejaculate
Uterus
womb, thick-walled, pear-shaped, muscular organ
the three layers of the uterine wall
- Perimetrium –Thin external membrane
- Myometrium – Smooth muscle layer, stretches during pregnancy, contracts in labor and orgasm
- Endometrium – Inner lining, rich in blood vessels; thickens in response to hormones
Cervix
small end of the uterus, located at back of vagina
Ovaries
(female gonad) Produce sex cells called gametes
Ova
Female gametes, eggs, oocytes (approx. 500,000 at
birth)
Ovarian follicle
saclike structures containing immature
oocytes
Corpus luteum
after the Ovum matures and the follicle
ruptures, the follicle becomes a corpus luteum, which produces hormones until it degenerates
The fallopian tubes
Uterine tubes or oviducts
Fimbriae
finger-like structures, drape over ovaries, but don’t
touch them
Ampulla
Widened part of tube where fertilization occurs
parts of the mature female breast
- Areola - ring of darkened skin surrounding nipple
- Alveoli – small glands responsible for milk production
- Nipple
Penis
Organ through which both sperm and urine pass
Glans penis
Head of penis, rich in nerves
Corona
Rim at the base of the glans
Frenulum
Underside of penis, attaches foreskin to glans
Foreskin or prepuce
Loose skin that covers the shaft of the
penis and extends to cover the glans penis
Scrotum
A pouch of skin that holds the two testicles
Dartos muscle
causes skin to contract and surface to wrinkle
Cremaster muscle
elevates testes
Testes
Male reproductive glands or gonads
Seminal vesicles
Secrete a fluid that makes up about 60% of
the seminal fluid
Prostate gland
Produces about 30–35% of the seminal fluid
in the ejaculated semen
Cowper’s or bulbourethral gland
Secrete a thick, clear mucus prior to ejaculation
Ejaculation
Process by which semen is forcefully expelled
from the penis
Gynecomastia
Swelling or enlargement of the male breast
- Triggered by a decrease in the amount of testosterone compared with estrogen
- Common in adolescence and 50 to 80 year-olds
Galactorrhea
spontaneous flow of milk from breast, not
associated with nursing infants
Masters & Johnson - Four-phase model of sexual response
Excitement Plateau Orgasm Resolution
Kaplan -Tri-phasic model of sexual response
Desire Excitement Orgasm
Loulan - Sexual response model
Incorporates both the biological and affective components into a six-stage cycle
Dual control model
Provides a theoretical perspective of sexual response based on Brain function, & Interaction between sexual excitation and sexual inhibition
Desire
Psychological component of sexual arousal, The neural system and sexual stimuli
Hormones involved in desire
Testosterone Oxytocin
Vasocongestion
Concentration of blood in body tissue
Myotonia
Increased muscle tension accompanying the
approach of orgasm
Orgasm
A peak sensation of pleasurable physical sensations and general release of tension, creates an altered state of consciousness
Kegel exercises
Helps in producing intense orgasms and
ejaculations
Erection
Blood vessels expand, increasing the volume of
blood, especially within the corpora cavernosa
Retrograde ejaculation
refers to the entry of semen into the bladder instead of going out through the urethra during ejaculation
Refractory period
Period following orgasm during which
men are not capable of having an ejaculation again
Sex
Refers to whether one is biologically female, male, or intersex
Genetic sex
One’s chromosomal and hormonal sex
characteristics
Anatomical sex
Physical sex
-Gonads, uterus, vulva, vagina, penis, and so on
Gender
The social and cultural characteristics associated
with biological sex
Assigned gender
Gender given by others, usually at birth
typically based on anatomical sex
Gender identity
A person’s internal sense of being male or
female
Gender expression
Gestures, dress, or personality as perceived by others
Transgender
Umbrella term for those who do not conform
to traditional notions of gender expression
Gender role
Attitudes, behaviors, rights, responsibilities
associated with each sex
Stereotypes
Rigid and generalized beliefs about each gender’s behavior
Tend to be misleading
Gender-role attitude
Beliefs a person has about oneself and others regarding personality traits and activities
Gender-role behavior
Actual activities or behaviors a person engages in as a female or a male
Heteronormativity
Negative stereotypes (Heterosexuality is a critical component of masculinity and femininity)
Gender Script
Acts, rules, and expectations associated with
a particular role
Androgyny
Flexibility in gender roles
Genderqueer
Gender experiences that don’t fit in with
binary concepts
Cross-Dresser (replaces transvestite)
Wears clothing of a different sex as a form of gender expression.
Drag-Queen
Often gay, typically men who dress and act with exaggerated femininity, for the purposes of entertainment.
Phalloplasty
Using skin grafts from forearm, leg, or side of chest. Penile implant allows erections.
Glansplasty, scrotalplasty, testicular implant
Colovaginoplasty
part of the colon is used to form the
vagina.
Intersex
Variations in sex characteristics (e.g., chromosones, gonads, or genitals) that are not distinctly female or male
Variations in congenital sex anatomy that are
considered atypical for females or males
Turner syndrome
Genetic condition where a female does not
have the usual pair of two X chromosomes
Klinefelter syndrome
Males have one or more extra X
chromosomes
Mosiacism
Condition in which cells within the same person
have a different genetic makeup
Androgen insensitivity syndrome
When a person is genetically male but is resistant to male hormones or androgens
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
A group of inherited disorders of the adrenal gland
5-Alpha reductase deficiency
A condition whereby a genetic male will not produce enough of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone
Genetically male, Externally female genitals, or ambiguous, or male with
micropenis and hypospadius
Androgen insensitivity syndrome
When a person is genetically male but is resistant to male hormones or androgens; from complete (no development of male body parts) to incomplete; often not diagnosed until failure to menstruate:
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
A group of inherited disorders of the adrenal gland
