CEP 260 1nd Edition Lecture 7 Outline of Last Lecture I. Marriage and RelationshipsOutline of Current Lecture II. Becoming a Sexual PersonIII. Interaction in Sexual RelationshipsIV. Sexuality TodayCurrent LectureBecoming a Sexual Person• Key aspects of sexual identity– Sexual identity: the complex personal qualities, self-perceptions, attitudes, valuesand preferences that guide one’s sexual behaviora. Sexual orientation– Heterosexuals: seek emotional-sexual relationships with members of the other gender– Homosexuals: seek emotional-sexual relationships with members of samegender– Bisexuals: seek emotional-sexual relationships with members of both gendersb. Body imagec. Sexual values and ethicsd. Erotic preferences• Physiological influences– Hormones and sexual differentiationThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.• During pregnancy, levels of androgens (the male hormone, testosterone) cause differentiation of the genitals in the fetus.– High levels result in male genitals, and low levels result in female genitals.• At puberty, hormones (estrogens in females, androgens in males) trigger maturation of sexual traits and organs. – Hormones and sexual behavior• Hormone levels affect sex drive in many animals.• In humans, for both men and women, androgens affect sexual motivation.• Higher levels of testosterone in women are also linked with higher rates of sexual activity.- Psychosocial influences– Families• Parents who punish innocent sexual exploration can socialize children who associate guilt and shame with sex.• Children benefit from having positive and open conversations about sex with their parents. They have sex at a later age, less often, and have fewerpartners.– Peers• Peers are often the primary source of information for teens regarding sex.• Unfortunately, they can be a highly misleading source of information and often promote unhealthy sexual values.– School• 90% of schools offer some form of sex education.• Most offer abstinence only education, which does not seem to deter teens from having sex.• Comprehensive programs are associated with increased use of contraception, reduced pregnancies, and reduced high-risk behaviors.– Religion• Religious teachings can dictate what is seen as sexually natural• Data from three national surveys show the main message teens get is “Don’t have sex until marriage”.• Data also show that virginity pledges are largely ineffective. – The media• TV, films, books, magazines, and the Internet are all media sources that contain a large volume of sexual material – some extremely explicit.• Gender differences in sexual socialization– Five key differences1. Men have more interest in sex.2. The connection between sex and intimacy is more important for women.3. Aggression is more often linked to sexuality for men.4. Women’s sexuality is more easily shaped by culture and situational factors.5. Men more often take the lead, while women act as “gate keepers”.• Socialization may affect these differences by: – Encouraging males to experiment sexually, to initiate sex, and to enjoy sex without emotional connection.– Teaching girls to view sex in the context of a loving relationship.– Emphasizing negative associations girls have with sex: pain; guilt and shame; fearof pregnancy.• Sexual orientation– Key considerations• Most people view heterosexuality and homosexuality as two distinct categories, but it is more accurate to view them as endpoints on a seven-point scale.• Approximately 5-8% of the population reports being homosexual. – Many gay men and women trace homosexual leanings to early childhood.– Many theorists propose that sexual orientation is more likely caused by biologicalfactors.• Attitudes toward homosexuality– Although much of the public is opposed to legalizing gay marriage, most are more accepting of other aspects of homosexuality – Some people do display homophobia: the intense fear and intolerance of homosexuals. This type of sexual prejudice is associated with:• Being older.• Being male.• Lower education level.• Living in the South or Midwest, and in rural areas.• Having conservative religious and political beliefs.• Disclosing one’s sexual orientation– Sexual identify development involves acknowledging, recognizing, and labeling one’s sexual orientation.– Recent generations are becoming aware of and are disclosing gay, lesbian, and bisexual identities earlier in life.• In deciding to disclose, one must weigh the psychological benefits:– Being honest.– Social support.• Against the potential costs.– Losing friends.– Being fired.– Falling victim to hate crimes.– Losing custody of children.• Adjustment– Gays and straights do not differ on overall measures of psychological adjustment,and being gay is not associated with psychopathology.– Homosexuals are more likely to be exposed to sexual prejudice and discrimination and are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts.Interaction in Sexual Relationships• Motives for engaging in sex– Pursuing one’s own sexual pleasure.– Feeling good about oneself.– Pleasuring one’s partner.– Promoting intimacy in the relationship.– Expressing love for one’s partner.• Avoidance motives: some have sex to avoid other problems:– Avoiding relationship conflict.– Avoiding hurting a partner’s feelings.– Preventing a partner’s anger.– Preventing a partner from losing interest.• Communicating about sex– Although it is important, people are often reluctant to talk about sex because1. They are afraid of appearing ignorant.2. They are concerned about their partner’s response.3. They have conflicting attitudes about sex.4. They had early, negative, sexual experiences.Sexuality today– The “sexual revolution” has created more positive, liberal attitudes toward sex.– It has also been accompanied by an increase in STDs and teen pregnancies.• Sex outside of a committed relationship– Hooking up: two strangers or briefly acquainted people having a single sexual encounter1. The majority of college students have experienced this at least once.2. Men are more comfortable with it than women,– Friends-with-benefits: friends who have sex, but are not romantically involved.• Sex