Slide 1Short-Term and Early Dating RelationshipsSex Differences in Short-Term Sex ResearchOther Research TidbitsOther Research Tidbits, Ct’dSex in Marriage & Long-Term RelationshipsSex in Marriage & Long-Term Relationships, Ct’dSlide 8Slide 9Sex Differences in Sexual DesireSexual Attitudes are Influenced byChanging Attitudes about SexThree General Orientations toward SexThe Timing of SexInitiation StrategiesSlide 16What if Ya Don’t Want Any…Sexual Communication Satisfaction (PP. 199-200)Sexual Satisfaction: Common MisconceptionsMisconceptions, Ct’dMisconceptions, Ct’dSexual CoercionMore scary statistics…Sexual HarassmentCommunicating SexuallyThe Closet Physical EncounterShort-Term and Early Dating Relationships0Short-term0When a couple has sex once or more without developing an emotionally intimate relationship0Hook-ups or One-Night StandsSex Differences in Short-Term Sex ResearchMenWomen0Use short-term sex for status and sexual0Ideal Partner is physically attractive, but willing to compromise on intelligence and status0Use short-term to establish a long-term commitment or to enhance their economic status0Ideal partner is physically attractive, older, more experienced, self-confident, and interpersonally responsive—and women are much less likely to compromise on these thingsOther Research Tidbits0Premarital sex generally occurs in dating relationships rather than one-night stands0People seek to experience their partner0attraction0arousal0closeness0Relational Turning Point0Situational Factors0Alcohol/Drug use 0Special Events (Prom night, anniversary)0Sexual Satisfaction is important to both men and womenOther Research Tidbits, Ct’d0If the relationship is satisfying and no one feels coerced/obligated, the first time usually has a very positive effect on the relationship.0Sex doesn’t always make a relationship better, but high-quality sex can contribute to a good relationship.Sex in Marriage & Long-Term Relationships0Touching, Kissing, Intercourse is essential in long-term romantic relationships0Most sex takes place in long-term relationships0Married people report a higher level of sexual satisfaction than dating or cohabiting couples0Ongoing sexual interest promotes0Bonding0Cooperation0Division of labor0Establishment of a stable environment for childrearingSex in Marriage & Long-Term Relationships, Ct’d0Sex is satisfying when0You feel good about yourself0Want to please partner0Want to promote intimacy0Sex is NOT as satisfying when0Prompted by avoidance issues (don’t want someone to be upset)0Avoiding conflict0Used to prevent one’s partner from losing interest0Men’s sexual desire peaks in their twenties.0Women’s sexual desire peaks in their thirties.0The association between relational and sexual satisfaction is high throughout life, even for senior citizens.0Amount of sex declines as we age, but sexual satisfaction does not.0As women age into midlife and senior life, feeling attractive results in0More sexual desire0More enjoyment of sexual encounters0More sex0Ability to reach climax0Desirable Long-Term Partners are different from Short-Term partners0Both men and women want0Interpersonal skill0Emotional Stability0Responsiveness0Family Orientation0Less emphasis is placed on physical attractionSex Differences in Sexual Desire0Women’s sexual desire is more flexible and adaptable; it is influenced by: 0feelings0type of relationship they share with the partner0potential for intimacy and humor0the status and intelligence of the man 0Men’s desire is more consistent; it is influenced by:0physical attraction; men are visually stimulated0sexual pleasure and erotic qualitiesSexual Attitudes are Influenced by0Culture0The Mass Media0Parents0Peers0Past relationshipsChanging Attitudes about Sex0Premarital sex steadily increased from 1965 to 20050A 2004 study found that over 80% of men and women have had premarital sexual intercourse. 0The vast majority of the U.S. population approve of premarital sex between adults who are in serious dating relationships.0Today, around 11% of college men and 13% of college women report that they are virgins.Three General Orientations toward Sex 0Procreational: sex is for making babies 0Recreational: sex is for fun0Relational: sex is an expression of intimacy***People are not always or even usually in just one category.* Serial monogamy is the predominant pattern in the U.S., which reflects a relational orientationThe Timing of Sex0Rapid Involvement (around 7%)0First date or shorty thereafter0Sexual intimacy precedes psychological intimacy0Gradual Involvement (around 31%)0Develops as relationship develops0Delayed Involvement (around 44%)0Wait until they are a committed couple0Low Involvement (around 17%)0Wait until they are engaged or marriedInitiation Strategies0_______________________________________Strategies•sexual innuendo, flirting0Expressions of _________________________________•saying “I love you,” doing special things for one another0Pressure and __________________________•relational threats0_________________________________•sexual harassment, holding a grudge, making the partner jealous0_________________________________•reassurances, arguments about timingWhat if Ya Don’t Want Any…0In long-term relationships, it can be difficult to say “no” w/o feeling like you’re being hurtful0Meta-Communication issues… (what’s this?)0Indirect is better0“I’m a little tired tonight” > “I’m not feeling sexually attracted to you right now.”Sexual Communication Satisfaction (PP. 199-200)1. I tell my partner when I’m sexually satisfied.2. I am satisfied with my partner’s ability to communicate her or his sexual desires to me.3. I let my partner know things that I find pleasing during sex.4. I tell my partner whether or not I am sexually satisfied.5. I am not afraid to show my partner what kind of sexual behavior I like.6. I would not hesitate to show my partner what is a sexual turn-on for me.7. My partner shows me what pleases her or him during sex.8. I am pleased with the manner in which my partner and I communicate with each other about sex.Sexual Satisfaction: Common Misconceptions1. MYTH: Sexual intercourse is necessary for sexual satisfaction.TRUTH: Other touching is equal to or preferable for many people2. MYTH: In heterosexual relationships, women should not initiate sexual interaction because it may undermine the traditional male role and men will see them as “easy” or