question

paraphilia

answer

beyond typical love, abnormal love, unusual sexual interest that does not require treatment

question

paraphilic disorder

answer

unusual sexual interest that is personally distressing to the individual or involves victimization of others

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fetishism

answer

a nonhuman object, body part, or bodily secretion, multisensory sexual outlet

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transvetism

answer

dressing up as a member of the other sex or seeing oneself as a member of the other sex for sexual arousal

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masochism

answer

receiving pain

question

sadism

answer

giving pain to others

question

voyeurism

answer

spying on unsuspecting others who are undressing or having sex

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exhibitionism

answer

exposing one's genitals to unsuspecting others

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Telephone scatologia

answer

placing obscene telephone calls

question

pedophilia

answer

prepubescent children

question

necrophilia

answer

corpses or human bones

question

zoophilia

answer

nonhuman animals

question

orgasmic reconditioning

answer

client is instructed to masturbate to a paraphilic fantasy until the brink of orgasm, then instructed to think about more socially appropriate fantasy

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aversive conditioning

answer

psychologically pair the paraphilic desire with something unpleasant or punishing

question

covert sensitization

answer

paraphilic desires are paired with unpleasant thoughts

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masturbatory satiation

answer

instructed to masturbate to orgasm while thinking of socially appropriate stimulus, upon climaxing, client instructed to start thinking about paraphilic desire, continued masturbation is likely to be unpleasant

question

sexual assault

answer

any event in which a person is touched in a sexual way against person's will or made to perform a nonconsensual sex act by one or more people

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statutory rape

answer

used to describe sexual assault against a minor

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rohypnol

answer

roofies, sedative used for sexual abuse

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child sexual abuse

answer

describes any instance in which a child is sexually victimized by an adult

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incest

answer

CSA by someone related to the child

question

pedophilia

answer

if abuse stems from sexual attraction to children

question

child molestation

answer

broader term used to describe any type of sexual abuse against child by nonrelative

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sexual harassment

answer

unwanted verbal or physical sexual advances that occur in the workplace or in an academic environment

question

Direct influences on attraction

answer

experiencing positive leads us to evaluate others positively → we like people who make us feel good

question

negging

answer

pointing out something negative about another person as a way of catching that person's attention → not usually a good way of trying to attract another person

question

indirect influences on attraction

answer

we indirectly transfer our existing emotional state onto new people we meet

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Propinquity effect

answer

the closer 2 people are physically, the greater the odds that they will meet and an attraction will develop between them → people are more likely to start relationships with others who are geographically near

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mere exposure effect

answer

the more familiar we become with a given stimulus (that starts off as neutral), the more we tend to like it - Repeated exposure might also cause us to believe that another person has similar interests and our comfort with that person may increase

question

assortative mating

answer

the tendency for people to match with partners who are similar to them on a variety of dimensions

question

social comparison theory

answer

we are driven to obtain accurate evaluations of the self, so we constantly compare our attitudes and beliefs to other people in order to see how we stack up, but we are biased to view ourselves positively, so we try to make comparisons that enhance our self-image, meaning that we actively seek to surround ourselves with people who hold similar beliefs and attitudes because it validates our own worldview and raises our self-esteem

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similarity

answer

a necessary prerequisite for relationship success

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Demographic dissimilarity

answer

The tendency to pair with demographically dissimilar partners seems to have increased in recent years Interracial marriage has tripled to 9% since the 80s

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scarcity

answer

When a person's availability decreases, their attraction increases Pennebaker (1979): at closing time nears, people's attractiveness ratings increase Jonason and Li (2013): playing hard to get increases one's desirability

question

physiological arousal

answer

Meeting a new person when one is already physiologically aroused increases the likelihood of developing an attraction toward that person Makes sense that gyms are a popular place to meet a partner

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Misattribution of physiological arousal

answer

when the true source of arousal is ambiguous (and there is more than one possible source of arousal), leading the person to incorrectly label the source

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Neurochemical factors

answer

Pheromones Neurotransmitters and hormones may also impact perceptions of attractiveness Your brain chemicals affect your general level of interest in sex at any given moment, which affects whether you are actively looking for partners and how you evaluate new people you meet

question

oxytocin

answer

contributes to initial attraction and may also help sustain attraction over time by promoting reciprocal positive interactions

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physical attractiveness

answer

the degree to which we perceive another person as beautiful/handsome Influenced by multiple factors People weigh different factors differently The relative value individuals ascribe to physical attractiveness overall varies according to personality

question

unrestricted sociosexual orientation

answer

physical attractiveness more important

question

Perceptions of attractiveness

answer

are also subject to social influence (our perception of physical attractiveness is linked with peers' perceptions) and are context-dependent (we evaluate a person's beauty in reference to other nearby people)

question

contrast effect

answer

perceptions of average can be thrown off by the presence of a few outliers

question

attractive people

answer

are stereotyped very positively (more likeable, interesting, competent, and successful)

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physical attractiveness

answer

might be a potential indicator of a person's health and fertility

question

attractiveness

answer

usually most important early in a relationship and declines in importance over time - more important to men than to women (attractiveness is still important to women, just not as important as other factors)

question

Men prefer

answer

younger partners with less earning potential and a lower level of education, while women prefer older partners with higher earning potential and a higher level of education

question

similarities in sexual attraction in homosexuals

answer

Lesbian and heterosexual women and gay and heterosexual men don't differ in importance of physical attractiveness Gay/heterosexual men prefer younger partners

question

Important differences among homosexual

answer

Effect whereby heterosexuals are more attracted to those who are similar to them is not as strong in homosexuals → more interracial, interreligious, differences in education and earning levels Why? Smaller pool of eligibles. Propinquity plays a lesser role in attraction among homosexuals Since a smaller pool and more social stigma, homosexuals are more likely to search online for partners

question

Evolutionary theory

answer

we have tendencies to behave in very specific ways because those actions were adaptive for the survival of our ancestors → humans are thought to have evolved preferences for certain characteristics in our partners that are ultimately designed to enhance reproductive success

question

parental investment

answer

women have a higher investment (effort, time, and resources) in a baby than men do, and so men seek out as many sexual partners/encounters as possible to maximize the possibility of reproductive success, while women try to find a man who will stick around

question

Men are attracted to

answer

women who exhibit signs of sexual maturity and good health → youth, low waist-to-hip ratio, bodily symmetry, and long, shiny hair Men have become attuned to focus on appearance more than anything else because it is the most useful cue for enhancing their reproductive success

question

Women are attracted to men

answer

who are older and have had the opportunity to acquire more resources Physical attractiveness is less important, since most men are almost always fertile But, women show a preference for masculine men when they are near ovulation (sign of a stronger immune system)

question

sociocultural perspective

answer

biological and evolved factors play some role; however, psychological sex differences are largely a response to the social structure → as the social structure changes, so should the magnitude and direction of sex differences In societies with more gender equality, men and women have similar partner preferences, BUT even in the most equal countries, the traditionally observed sex differences still appear to some degree

question

traditional sex differences in attraction and sexual behavior

answer

become much smaller or disappear entirely when social/cultural variables are manipulated

question

Bogus pipeline technique

answer

half of participants connected to a lie detector and those who were exhibited no sex differences

question

limitations of socio structural perspectives

answer

Argues that psychological characteristics are immune to evolutionary pressures → dualism of body and mind There is lots of evidence that some sex differences have a biological basis

question

need to belong

answer

a near-universal human desire to develop and maintain social ties, which drives intimate relationships Family, friends, etc. are important to this driver of physical and psychological well being But sexual/romantic relationships are as or more central to meeting our deep-seated needs and desires for social connection

question

having high quality romantic relationship

answer

enhances personal health and longevity

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The drive to pursue intimate relationships is ubiquitous

answer

but the number and nature of relationships necessary to fulfill one's belongingness needs varies across people

question

singlism

answer

prejudice against singles, perpetuated by a generally negative view of singles and various stereotypes (ugly, immature, and lonely) Generally an accepted prejudice (dissimilar to biases based on race, gender, etc.)

question

sexuality among singles

answer

Singles run the gamut of sexual activity, from celibacy to frequent sexual contact with multiple partners Singles do not necessarily have to be sexually active in order to be happy and they can potentially meet their belongingness needs through nonsexual relationships

question

hookups

answer

one-time sexual encounters among people who do not know each other on a deep level Tend to emerge after a night at the bar or a party Strongly associated with alcohol use No expectation (usually) that any kind of relationship will develop The frequency with which people engage in hook-ups varies from one person to another 78% of college students have hooked up, with the average number of hookups at 10.8 Comprises a wide range of sexual activities Men are more likely to enjoy them than women, while women are more likely to regret hookups

question

Friends with benefits

answer

people who have a rather typical friendship, aside from the fact that they occasionally have sex As many as 7 distinct types, ranging from true friends, to just sex, to network opportunism, to transition in (successful, unsuccessful, or unintentional), to transition out Half of college students, but also amongst adults Tends to occur with alcohol Most common reason: regular access to sex (men) or emotional connection (women) Men tend to want to remain FWB for as long as possible, whereas women hoped their relationship would ultimately revert back to friendship or evolve into romance 20% of college students currently in relationships were FWB first They were less satisfied with their relationships, but no more likely to break up over time than romantic partners without prior FWB experience Tend to be less satisfied and have lower levels of sexual communication than people involved in committed romantic relationships

question

serial monogamist

answer

people who pursue a pattern of entering and exiting sexually exclusive relationships

question

sex lives of singles

answer

are highly variable and may combine one or more of the activities Singles tend to be less sexually satisfied than people who are married or involved in more committed relationships Lower frequency of sexual activity Lower levels of sexual satisfaction Women are less likely to reach orgasm Why? Sexual activities that increase the odds of female orgasm (ex: cunninlingus) are more likely to occur in committed relationships, and long-term partners learn how to please each other better

question

Some of singles' sexual behaviors pose important health risks

answer

Lower condom use More sexual partners STI's Combo of alcohol isn't great

question

Love

answer

a special set of emotions, cognitions, and behaviors observed in an intimate relationship → influences how we think, act, and feel toward another person

question

passionate love

answer

an all-consuming psychological and physiological state characterized by an almost obsessive preoccupation with the other person, as well as an overly idealized view of one's partner in which one fails to recognize and acknowledge that person's flaws; an intense sexual attraction, as well as frequent feelings of excitement and ecstasy and excitement in the partner's presence, but when separated possibly intense feelings of sadness; elevated heart rate, sweating, "butterflies" in the stomach, blushing, and other signs of heightened physical arousal Usually develops before one knows their partner well Intensity of the feeling decreases over time Some amount of disillusionment inevitably sets in as passion begins to subside, which forces couples to shift the foundation of their relationship to something more stable

question

companionate love

answer

much deeper and not as intense as passionate love, characterized by a strong emotional attachment and commitment to another person based on the full knowledge and appreciation of the other person's character; desire to make the relationship work despite any difficulties that may arise, as well as a willingness to sacrifice self-interest for the betterment of the relationship Not overlooking one's partner's faults, but acknowledging them, recognizing that they are imperfect, and learning to tolerate those shortcomings Maybe not as much sex, but higher levels of trust and mutual concern for one another's needs could improve sexual communication and satisfaction and allow partners to explore their sexual fantasies Develops gradually (often from passionate love) and can be much more enduring

question

Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory:

answer

love consists of 3 distinct components which exist to varying degrees in a given relationship (romantic or not), forming 8 different types of love passion, intimacy, commitment

question

passion

answer

the motivational dimension, which encompasses physical attraction and sexual desire and is what distinguishes romantic love from platonic/familial love Builds quickly, peaks, and then gradually declines, at which point intimacy and commitment come in in order for a relationship to survive

question

intimacy

answer

the emotional dimension, which refers to our sense of bondedness and emotional connection with another person (not physical connection, but emotional)

question

commitment

answer

the cognitive dimension, which refers to our conscious decision to maintain a relationship over time, for better or for worse

question

consummate love

answer

the ideal form of romantic love in which passion, intimacy, and commitment are present simultaneously Difficult to achieve and maintain

question

Each person's triangle for each relationship is the amount of each type of love they have in the relationship

answer

the closer 2 triangles are matched, the more satisfied they are likely to be together

question

John Lee's Styles of Loving (1977)

answer

there are 6 love styles romantic altruistic pragmatic game-playing companionate possessive

question

Romantic

answer

hopeless romantic, great pleasure in partner's physical appearance, often fall in love at first sight

question

altruistic

answer

selflessness and unconditional love

question

pragmatic

answer

rational and practical style, looking for people who are compatible → less emphasis on passion, more on life partner

question

game-playing

answer

casual and uncommitted approach to love

question

companionate

answer

begins in friendship and eventually transitions into peaceful, affectionate, and enduring love

question

posessive

answer

intense, obsessive love relationships with many emotional highs and lows

question

sex differences in styles of loving

answer

College-age men more likely to be game-playing or romantic Women more likely to be pragmatic, possessive, or companionate Could be evidence that men more interested in looks and casual relationships, while women more interested in finding long-term, reliable partner

question

commitment

answer

an individual's conscious decision to stick with a given partner over time; can be separate from love strengthens a relationship by encouraging pro-relationship behavior

question

Rusbult's Investment Model (1980):

answer

commitment is measures as one's intention to persist in a given relationship over time Product of 3 factors: 1) overall ratio of good to bad thing compared to some comparison level Downward social comparison makes us happier Biggest predictor of commitment 2) quality of alternatives 3) investment size

question

Quality of alternatives

answer

an individual's perception of how desirable all the other people in their dating pool are

question

investment size

answer

everything individuals put into their relationship over time that would be lost/decrease in value were their current relationship to end (can be tangible or intangible)

question

varieties of loving and committed relationships hetero vs homo

answer

Acceptance of same-sex relationships varies widely across cultures Same-sex couples typically do not adopt strict roles of husband and wife, instead establish equality and power-sharing Heterosexual and same-sex relationships tend to be more similar than different Equal levels of satisfaction and commitment But, same-sex couples may break up more often, perhaps due to a lack of options for legal marriage

question

monogamous vs. nonmonogamous

answer

In Western world, monogamous relationships are the norm, surrounded by a halo effect 4% of participants say they practice consensual nonmonogamy Many forms of consensual nonmonagomy

question

open relationships

answer

relational home-base, but can pursue other intimate relationships at the same time

question

swinging

answer

married couples switch partners for an afternoon/night

question

polygamy

answer

multiple spouses Permissible on 84% of cultures, but practiced by few

question

polyamory

answer

having multiple sexual/romantic partners simultaneously Can be married or not More emphasis on intimate relationships (not just sex) than open relationship or swinging Type of relationship or relationship orientation?

question

monogamy

answer

often assumed to be safer, but due to cheating and other factors, it is not necessarily

question

married vs. cohabiting

answer

Marriage exists in most societies and serves purposes ranging from practical to romantic Worldwide rate of marriage has recently declined, and cohabiting/other forms of relationship definition has increased Due to high divorce rate, marriage no longer viewed as permanent Sometimes cohabiting as a trial period Good or bad? More equality in cohabiting relationships Easier to end cohabiting relationship Cohabiting offers fewer legal rights and protections Couples who cohabit before marriage report lower marital equality Enhanced health for both (over being single) Greater effects for men than women: women tend to have many sources of social/emotional support outside their primary romantic relationship while men often do not

question

arranged marriage

answer

common in some Eastern cultures, tend to be marriage for pragmatic reasons

question

stonewalling

answer

appearing indifferent or showing no emotional response to one's (usually female) partner's concerns; bad for relationship

question

healthy sexuality

answer

Sexual communication Frequency that both partners are happy with (tends to reduce stress, but only for couples satisfied with the relationship) Sexual communal strength - a willingness to satisfy one's partner's sexual needs, even when they do not necessarily align with one's own personal desires

question

self-expansion theory

answer

humans have a fundamental need to expand or grow the self over time Accomplished by continually engaging in activities that are exciting and novel, as well as developing new relationships Being in a relationship automatically makes this happen, because over time we start to incorporate certain characteristics of the partner But to meet needs in long-run, couples need to regularly share self-expanding experiences

question

social disapproval

answer

makes people less committed and more likely to break up, as well as worse health outcomes

question

attachment style

answer

one's pattern of approaching and developing relationships with others Develop out of early relationships with caregivers Relatively stable over time, but can change with new experiences 3 types:

question

securely attached

answer

tend to have no trouble getting close to others, or fear of abandonment; trusting and confident that their partner will be there for them when it counts

question

anxiously attached

answer

worry that partners don't want to get as close as they do, fear partner leaving and get jealous

question

avoidant attachment

answer

are not overly comfortable with intimacy and don't wish to become dependent on others; recognize that partner will eventually leave, but don't worry because they see love/relationships as temporary

question

jealousy in men and women

answer

Men more jealous about physical infidelity (due to paternity uncertainty), while women more jealous about emotional (worry about father abandoning them and their kids) Gay men and women tend to be more concerned about emotional infidelity But unclear whether this is clearly true

question

cheating

answer

one of most common causes of relationship turmoil and breakup Most common reason for divorce No universal definition Definition depends on sex and attachment style Anxiously attached more likely to label casual interactions as cheating So prevalence estimates range from 1.2% to 85.5% In college students, around 1 in every 2 or 3 In married couples, 1 in every 4 or 5 Significant cross-cultural variability Men cheat more than women Due to prevalence and how much it hurts people/relationships, question of whether monogamy is good/natural

question

coping with breakup

answer

After a breakup, it is common to feel depressed, have lower self-esteem, have difficulty concentrating, and have a range of other negative emotions/cognitions Active coping strategies, or attempts to confront the problem, tend to be better Also good to see breakup as an opportunity for personal growth: learning about oneself, navigating relationships in the future, and a renewed focus on other aspects of life

question

sexual health

answer

a state of physical, emotional, mentalk, and social well-being in relation to sexuality Not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity REquires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence To be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected, and fulfilled

question

sexual dysfunction

answer

a case in which a specific sexual issue persistently emerges and creates distress at either the level of the individual, or the relationship But its absence does not necessarily mean that someone is sexually healthy and satisfied

question

biological causes of sex difficulties

answer

nature of aging chronic illnesses physical disabilities STI's Drugs

question

natural aging process

answer

our bodies and hormone levels change, and the more likely we are to develop chronic illnesses

question

chronic illnesses

answer

especially diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems Diabetes Multiple sclerosis Cancers or cancer treatment

question

physical disabilities

answer

spinal cord injuries Can still have sexual desire/a satisfying sex life by redefining what sex is and/or creating secondary erogenous zones

question

STI's

answer

some, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, making intercourse uncomfortable and orgasm difficult for women

question

drugs

answer

Antidepressants, especially SSRI's delay orgasm because they keep serotonin in the brain longer Psychiatric medicines like antipsychotics and tranquilizers can impair ability to reach orgasm Blood pressure and allergy medications can have negative sexual effects as well Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can create episodic sexual problems and long-term use can generate chronic sexual dysfunction

question

psychological causes of sexual difficulties

answer

distraction, previous learning experience, beliefs about sexual difficulties, body image, and mental illness

question

spectatoring

answer

over-thinking and over-analyzing one's own sexual performance while having sex, creating anxiety that reduces arousal and the likelihood of orgasm

question

previous learning experiences

answer

learning about sex growing up, traumatic sexual events

question

beliefs about sexual dysfunction

answer

may lead to monitoring oneself for sexual problems, or produce anxiety

question

poor body image

answer

and a lack of knowledge regarding one's own body can cause distress/anxiety that ultimately leads to limited or no sex Reduce sexual spontaneity and frequency

question

mental illness

answer

egardless of whether one is receiving treatment, can be linked (in different ways) to sexual dysfunction Affective disorders are associated with low libido or hypersexuality Certain mental disabilities are linked to sexual difficulties, but not much is known, since sex for this population is typically ignored

question

social causes of sexual difficulties

answer

Ineffective communication about sex both in and out of the bedroom is correlated with lower sexual satisfaction Relationship problems, such as unresolved conflict and anger, often reduce desire for partnered sexual activity, which can lead to further issues How the partners in a relationship view sex can affect performance and satisfaction Cultural and religious factors may dictate certain prohibitions when it comes to seeking out/experiencing pleasure from sex East Asian cultures have more conservative attitudes, as well as lower sexual desire and functioning than those in European cultures

question

dual control model

answer

underlying sexual arousal and behavior there are 2 important brain mechanisms, both of which are influenced by biopsychosocial factors excitatory system and inhibitory system When one system becomes disproportionately active, sexual difficulties are likely

question

excitatory system

answer

activation promotes sexual arousal and activity Ensures reproduction

question

inhibitory system

answer

activation suppresses sexual arousal and activity Helps maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships by suppressing the impulse to have sex with our friends' romantic partners

question

2 ways to classify problems

answer

Primary vs. Secondary situational vs. global

question

primary dysfunction

answer

issues people have had their whole lives

question

secondary dysfunction

answer

issues that appeared out of the blue one day after a period of healthy sexual functioning

question

situational

answer

occur only with one partner or during one type of sexual activity

question

gloabl

answer

occur with all partners and sexual acts

question

Female sexual interest/arousal disorder (SIAD) and male hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)

answer

are characterized by absent/reduced sexual fantasies and thoughts, a lack of desire for sexual activity, and personal distress resulting from these symptoms The most common difficulties relating to sexual desire SIAD is broader and includes reduced/absent excitement during sexual activity, reduced genital sensations during sex, and a lack of responsive desire (sets in after sexual activity has begun Low desire is the most common form of female sexual dysfunction Occurs more often in women than in men Not always pathological (asexuals) and it is normal for sexually active people to experience fluctuations in desire throughout their lives (decreased desire in times of stress) Only considered a disorder if it is persistent and personally distressing

question

sexual desire discrepancy

answer

cases when one partner has less sexual desire than the other, generating relationship difficulties Couple-level, not individual, problem

question

sexual aversion disorder

answer

an aversion to any type of partnered sexual activity Can take many forms, ranging from fear to disgust Very rare, dropped in DSM-5

question

hypersexuality.compulsive sexual behavior

answer

when people have excessive sexual desire and engage in very high amounts of sexual behavior Lack of research, so not clear how much is too much

question

2 categories of problems with arousal

answer

Problems becoming/staying aroused Problems with persistent/uncontrollable arousal

question

persistent genital arousal disorder

answer

uncontrollable sexual arousal that occurs spontaneously, without being preceded by sexual desire/activity, in women Relatively new and rare Can last for days with orgasms presenting only temporary relief Physically uncomfortable and singificantly impairs concentration

question

Erectile disorder

answer

difficulty becoming aroused in men → persistent inability to develop/maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance One of most common sexual dysfunctions in men, especially as they get older Can have physical or psychological causes

question

priapism

answer

uncontrollable arousal in men → an erection that won't go away on its own (longer than 4 hours) Medical emergency b/c if left untreated can severely damage penile tissue and eventually cause ED

question

men more likely to

answer

reach orgasm too soon, while women are more likely to have the problem of never reaching orgasm

question

premature orgasm

answer

occurs when an individual consistently reaches orgasm before it is desired, rapidly and often prior to penetration Can happen in women, but usually in men Can have physical and psychological roots Some researchers think it may reflect adaptive advantage in men Alternatively, may be because some boys may condition themselves to ejaculate rapidly during adolescence to reduce the risk of being caught

question

orgasmic disorder

answer

women who either have an inability to orgasm or a greatly delayed orgasm during sexual activity, or reduced orgasmic intensity Common Can be lifelong pattern or situational Can have physical or psychological roots Heterosexual women who cannot reach orgasm as a result of vaginal intercourse alone but can reach orgasm in other ways are not considered to have a dysfunction

question

delayed ejaculation

answer

orgasmic disorder in men Uncommon Usually involves a man whose ability to ejaculate is either significantly delayed or frequently absent during intercourse, but functions normally during masturbation and other activities Often psychological explanation where men prefer one type of sexual activity over others

question

orgasmic difficulties

answer

faced by post-operative transsexuals (more for MTF than FTM)

question

2 main forms of pain in men

answer

phimosis and peyronie's disease

question

phimosis

answer

a condition in which an uncircumcised man's foreskin is too tight and makes erections painful

question

Peyronie's disease

answer

a condition in which a build-up of scar tissue around the cavernous bodies results in severe curvature of the penis and makes intercourse difficult and painful

question

STI's, smegma, and urinary infections

answer

can also lead men to experience physical pain during sex

question

painful sex more common for

answer

women and has many possible causes

question

Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPD)

answer

when women experience pain in anticipation of or during vaginal intercourse, or when vaginal penetration is difficult

question

dysapareunia

answer

any type of pelvic or genital pain that occurred during sexual arousal/activity Can be due to STI's, infections of the Bartholin's glands, yeast infections, smegma accumulation under the clitoral hood, and vaginal scars and tears OR inadequate lubrication, irritation from spermicides, and allergies to latex condoms Psychological factors can also play a role in developing and maintaining painful sex

question

vaginismus

answer

a situation in which the lower third of the vagina exhibits sudden and severe contractions during any attempt at vaginal penetration, making intercourse difficult and painful May coincide with first attempt at vaginal penetration, or occur later in life Involuntary and not only inhibit intercourse, but also gynecological exams and tampon insertion Usually conditioned response, often stemming from a chronic history of painful sex, chronic relationship problems, or past experiences with sexual coercion/assault

question

behavioral therapy

answer

sexual dysfunction can often be explained by basic principles of psychological learning theory (punishment and reinforcement) Master and Johnson (1970) Goal was to change the way people approach sex and recondition the client to feel pleasure rather than stress in sexual situations → relax Start by temporarily stopping having sex and slowly working back up to it through a series of sensate focus techniques, a gradual reconditioning process in which individuals ultimately come to associate sexual arousal/activity with relaxation and pleasure instead of anxiety Based on the notion that both touch and communication are vital aspects of healthy sexuality

question

PLISSIT model of sex therapy

answer

combines sensate focus techniques with sex education Jack Annon (1976) Stands for permission, limited information, specific suggestions, and intensive therapy Idea is that most people experiencing sexual dysfunction do not need major therapy, instead just a little reassurance (permission), an anatomy lesson (limited info), or some new sexual strategies or advice, such as sensate focus (specific suggestions) Final step is usually not required

question

cognitive-behavioral sex therapy

answer

combines behavioral approach with cognitive component → looks at thoughts and feelings underlying behaviors Goal is to reshape thought patterns to make them more positive

question

sex surrogacy

answer

cases where a therapist provides clients with substitute/practice partners in order to reach desired therapeutic outcomes Highly controversial

question

pharamacotherapy

answer

treatment of sexual difficulties with medicinal drugs Only psychiatrists can practice the full range The number of medications with a demonstrated therapeutic effect on sexual dysfunction is rapidly growing Hormonal therapy, viagra, SSRI's, and botox Growing use in treating sexual difficulties Controversial Does it ignore biopsychosocial nature of sexual difficulties? Should they be the 1st line of defense (because more convenient)? We may be fundamentally altering the nature of sex therapy away from an emphasis on the couple and toward the individuals Success rates of each vary depending on definition of success, etc. Controversies Growing use of pharmacotherapy to treat sexual difficulties How to define a sexual disorder/dysfunction

question

treating desire problems

answer

tends to be difficult and has low success rate Multiple treatment options and may take more than one attempt Behavioral therapy and CBST if linked to relationship problems Psychopharmacology → testosterone therapy

question

treating arousal problems in women

answer

CBST if due to psychological/relationship problems Hormone therapy if physical Estrogen in postmenopausal women can increase lubrication Artificial lubricants EROS clitroal therapy device - draws blood into the clitoris with vacuum power, increasing genital sensation and sensitivity

question

EROS clitroal therapy device

answer

draws blood into the clitoris with vacuum power, increasing genital sensation and sensitivity

question

treating arousal problems in men

answer

Priapism treated by drawing blood out of penile tissues ED treated with drugs, pumps, or surgery First, need to determine is psychological or physical → erections in sleep? Viagra dilates blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow into penis Most effective when combined with couple's sex therapy focused on improving communication and intimacy Potential side effect is priapism Penile implant is most extreme and last option Destroys cavernous bodies → natural erection no longer possible Men tend to be satisfied

question

treating orgasm problems

answer

Resolution of inhibited/delayed orgasm requires determination of if physical or psychological Psychological → behavioral therapy or CBST Kegel exercises enhance genital sensitivity and may enhance likelihood of orgasm

question

treating premature ejaculation

answer

stop-start technique squeeze technique

question

stop-start technique

answer

involves continuing sexual activity to the point where orgasm is about to happen, then stopping everything until the feeling goes away

question

squeeze technique

answer

involves continuing sex until the point of impending orgasm, but then squeezing the head/base of the penis to prevent ejaculation Also numbing cream/condoms, kegel exercises, or small dose of SSRI

question

treating phimosis

answer

with circumcision or superincision/dorsal slit, or application of topical steroids

question

treating Peyronie's disease

answer

with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery

question

GPD treatment

answer

depending on cause

question

vaginismus treatment

answer

with dilators (cylinders of various sizes inserted into vagina) → gradually desensitize the vaginal muscles to different degrees of penetration Also botox to paralyze vaginal muscles

question

tips for avoiding sexual difficulties

answer

Communicate verbally and novverbally during sex Tell what you like Be specific Using slang is positively correlated with satisfaction in women Don't look at sex as an activity in which you should achieve something Failure to launch will happen to everyone at least once → best thing is not to dwell on it Take care of yourself physically and psychologically

question

casual sex

answer

• Sex outside of a committed, romantic relationship • Can take many forms • Media narrative is that casual sex is increasingly common among college students and its effects are largely negative

question

• Study by Monto and Carey

answer

- compared college students from 1988-1996 to students from 2002-2010, found that students today

question

committed relationship

answer

: more likelihood of oral sex for women

question

casual relationships

answer

can fulfill people's needs and they're not always one time things, but the sex isn't quite as good as it is in a romance

question

how quickly do we form impressions

answer

I. In a fraction of a second! II. Willis and Todorov (2006) - viewed male and female faces for varying amounts of time III. Looked at brief exposures versus unlimited exposure b. Strong correlation between brief exposures and unlimited exposure condition (.7) and above c. Speed-dating might be relevant I. Those judgments are very highly correlated in the unlimited exposure condition. Looking at a photo longer did not change anything. II. Confidence in judgments increased with longer exposures, but the nature of those judgments did not change. These impressions can be created in as little as 1/10th of a second. We can infer a wide variety of characteristics from a person.

question

affective moods

answer

increase attraction I. If we already feel good and we meet someone new, we have a tendency to like someone more because you already feel good. 2. If you prime people with positive associations, they usually start feeling better about strangers too.

question

propinquity effect

answer

I. Greater physical proximity increases chances of attraction II. Works through repeated exposure (mere exposure effect) 1. More frequent contact with a stimulus will have more positive attraction - the more familiar with someone, the more you are to have a positive association with it. 2. The more you see the same person, the more comfortable you feel with them. The more you see them in shared environments, you think that you have more in common with them → similar interests. III. If your initial reaction to someone is negative, very little will change. Your initial reaction to the person needs to be neutral or positive. Your idea of someone will not easily change. 1. Same sex couples (44%) meet online

question

similarity

answer

we tend to like people who are similar to us - age, appearance, etc I. By and large, opposites do not attract as much as people who are similar II. Same-sex relationships are more likely to be interracial and interreligious maybe because they have a smaller pool of people to choose from III. Similarity may facilitate attraction, but it doesn't guarantee relationship success.

question

level of physiological arousal

answer

I. Greater arousal leads to greater attraction

question

Shaky Bridge study

answer

attractive female researcher approached men who were walking across a shaky suspension bridge - anxiety inducing bridge versus a lower, stable bridge. III. Dependent variable - did the men call the woman? Shaky bridge men were more likely to call the female research assistant. Physiologically aroused were more likely to report arousal. 1. Why does this work? a. Misattribution of arousal - misattribute this to the individual rather than other characteristics that are there. b. You should do something that is physiologically arousing for a date.

question

neurochemical influences: pheromones

answer

linked to increased sexual activity 1. Men who lack a sense of smell - lacking a sense of smell leads to fewer sexual partners

question

levels of dopamine and serotonin

answer

these plan a role in sexual arousal happening

question

physical attractiveness

answer

I. Determined by multiple factors - height, weight, etc II. There is research on beer goggles - when people are inebriated they rate individuals as more attractive. Judgments of attractiveness are not just about who is around you - based on substances around you etc. III. We tend to like attractive people because we stereotype them as more likeable and more socially skilled, etc. 1. People tend to seek out attractive people as friends, lovers, etc. 2. This is also seen as an indicator as health and fertility status (evolutionary theory). 3. The longer a relationship goes on, attractiveness is less important. Men tend to value physical attractiveness more than women.

question

evolutionary explanation for gender difference in long-term mating

answer

Women make a larger parental investment than men do → hence they have developed greater mating strategies. Men are thus promiscuous in order to spread their seed. Women should generally avoid being promiscuous and should choose men who will provide shelter, food, etc.

question

sex differences in partner selection

answer

a. Men sex healthy and fertile women - they pay attention to signs of health: i. Age (younger) ii. Waist-to-hip ratio (smaller waist than hip) iii. Hair (long and shiny) b. Women seek reliable men i. Focus on men who are older, have more resources ii. Less focus on youth/beauty because sperm are still usable later on

question

evidence of different sexual strategies

answer

a. Clark and Hatfield 1989 i. Had male and female RAs - would ask three questions: date tonight, apartment tonight, sex with me tonight? ii. These encounters occurred on week days b. Buss&Schmitt - probability of consenting to sex for women depends on how long they know them as opposed to men who will consent to sex.

question

friends with benefits are

answer

less sexually satisfied & communicate less about sex than romantic partners

question

heterosexual women

answer

have fewer orgasms in hookups than in romances

question

why the orgasm gap?

answer

different sexual activities learning sexual scripts

question

quality of casual sex

answer

Perhaps not surprisingly, heterosexual men (84%) report enjoying their hookups more than heterosexual women (54%)

question

nature of casual relationships

answer

Differ based upon frequency of contact, type of contact, personal disclosure, discussion of relationship, & friendship • One-night stands ("hit it and quit it"), booty calls, **** buddies, friends with benefits

question

nature of FWB relationships

answer

N=246 individuals with current FWBs • 181 women, 65 men; Average age: 29 (range 18-65); 71% White; 88% Heterosexual 60% were sexually exclusive, 23% had other FWBs, 14% had romantic partners • However, only about half (48%) were friends first • 21% were romantic partners, 25% were sex partners, 7% were something else

question

7 different types of FWB

answer

True friends • Just sex • Network opportunism • Successful transition in • Unintentional transition in • Failed transition in • Transition out

question

why do people begin FWBs?

answer

desire for sex 56% women, 72% men desire for emotional connection 37% women, 25% men desire for change more women than men desire to stay the same more men than women

question

do FWBs ever become lovers?

answer

N=764 college students in exclusive dating relationships § 601 women, 163 men; Average age: 19 (range 17-25); 71% White § 1/5 of student participants said current romantic partner was a FWB first! § FWB-first group had lower relationship satisfaction, but were no more likely to break up

question

is romance the most likely outcome in FWBs?

answer

1-year study of about 150 FWBs • After 1 year, 29% were still FWBs, 29% were "just friends," 15% were romantic partners, & 27% had no relationship of any kind • Those who maintained some type of relationship set up rules & boundaries and did more than just talk about safe sex • Of those who were hoping for roman

question

Pros of FWBs

answer

no commitment access to sex trust staying single becoming closer

question

CONS of FWBs

answer

develop feelings hurt friendship negative emotions lack of commitment negative sex outcomes

question

investment model of commitment

answer

1) satisfaction 2) alternatives 3) investments

question

satisfaction

answer

• Your subjective evaluation of the relationship You compare your good/bad ratio to some comparison level Favorable comparisons = greater commitment

question

alternatives

answer

The perceived desirability of the rest of your dating pool Based on comparison level for alternatives Worse alternatives = greater commitment

question

investments

answer

Anything you have "put into" your relationship; would be lost if relationship ended Combination of factors determines commitment Strong commitment increases likelihood of accommodation Accommodation reduces likelihood of breakup Commitment can be based on different factors in different relationships • Rusbult & Martz (1995) This model has been validated experimentally (Agnew, Hoffman, Lehmiller, & Duncan, 2007) & applies in same-sex and heterosexual relationships

question

cohabitation

answer

living together in a sexual relationship, but unmarried Increasingly common & accepted • Copen et al. (2012) Compared to married couples, cohabiting couples tend to have more relationship equality Advantages: informal, easier and cheaper break-ups Disadvantages: more infidelity, fewer legal protections

question

marriage

answer

Found in virtually every society; however, "universal" nature of marriage is often overstated Marriage serves both social and personal functions Marriage is typically linked to better health (especially among men); however, it is not necessarily better than cohabitation • Musick and Bumpass (2012)

question

variations on marriage

answer

• In Western society, marriage is most commonly a heterosexual, monogamous union; usually carries both religious & legal connotations • However, marriage assumes different forms cross-culturally

question

collectivist cultures

answer

arranged marriages may occur

question

same-sex marriage

answer

• Increasing prevalence, but controversial

question

consensual nonmonogamy

answer

• Estimated at 4% of population

question

swinging

answer

exchange of partners • Bergstrand & Blevins Williams (2000): Swingers report being happier & say lives are more "exciting"

question

open relationship

answer

"home base," but sex with other partners permitted

question

polygyny

answer

man has multiple wives

question

polyandry

answer

woman has multiple husbands

question

polyamory

answer

• Multiple romantic/sexual partners at once, regardless of whether marriage is involved • Seen as a relationship orientation

question

what makes for a good marriage?

answer

• Videotaped married couples discussing a relationship problem • Factors that predicted divorce: • Ratio of positive to negative comments • Negative facial expressions, elevated heart rate, & defensive behaviors

question

maintaining a good relationship

answer

• We are constantly seeking personal growth and progress, and one of the ways we accomplish this is through close relationships (Aron & Aron, 1996) • We "expand" the self to include our partner

question

positive sexual communication is vital

answer

• Babin (2013): couples who communicate more about sex are more satisfied 1. Have mutual trust and respect 2. Know how to start a conversation about sex 3. Know how to express yourself during a sexual conversation

question

make sure to listen

answer

- use active listening - paraphrase - express unconditional positive regard

question

jealousy

answer

Think of a serious romantic relationship that you have had in the past, that you currently have, or that you would like to have. Imagine discovering that the person with whom you've been seriously involved became interested in someone else. What would upset you more? A: Imagining your partner falling in love with and/or forming a deep emotional attachment to that person B: Imagining your partner enjoying passionate sexual intercourse with that other person From the evolutionary perspective, male concern w/ sexual infidelity due to paternity uncertainty Female concern w/ emotional infidelity due to they need male investment in offspring

question

cheating 2

answer

Sexual interaction with someone other than one's primary partner Reasons vary Nonconsensual non-monogamy ("affairs") à partner does not know Prevalence is difficult to determine because people define "cheating" differently • Luo, Cartun, & Snider (2010) meta-analysis: rates ranged from 1.2-85.5%! So Is Monogamy A Realistic Expectation? • Some scholars argue that humans are "meant" to be monogamous, others say we are "meant" to be non-monogamous

question

dyspareunia

answer

recurrent and persistent genital pain before, during, or after intercourse female: genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder

question

vaginismus

answer

involuntary spasm of muscles in outer third of vagina, usually a conditioned, involuntary response

question

phimosis

answer

foreskin is too tight, may require circumcision

question

Peyronie's disease

answer

extreme curvature of penis, make sex difficult, may require surgery

question

Benign coital Cephalgia

answer

severe headaches just before or after orgasm

question

Sex therapy

answer

• Historically viewed through heterosexist lens, most therapies originally designed to improve pv intercourse • Most suggestions and techniques have shown comparable success rates in gay and lesbians couples • Continuing controversy are we medicalizing sexual disorders? • Are we creating biological cures for psychological problems?

question

behavioral therapy

answer

- learning theory can help us understand basis of sex difficulties - reconditioning approach: goal is to get client to feel pleasure instead of anxiety

question

sensate focus

answer

recommended as part of most therapy: touch partner's body for exploration, not arousal or pleasure, enhances communication and intimacy - 20% failure rate, Masters and Johnson

question

PLISSIT model

answer

combines behavioral therapy with sexual education - 1st level: permission - client given permission to follow desires - 2nd level: Limited information - information about specific concerns provided - 3rd: specific suggestions: suggestions offered, homework given - 4th: intensive therapy (if 3 stages unsuccessful) - psychosexual therapy: consider role of childhood influences • Systems therapy: consider dysfunction in context of relationship • Sex surrogate Therapy: a substitute sex partner known as surrogate, intentionally engages in sexual activities with client to teach techniques, originally recommended by Masters and Johnson - surrogate is not the therapist - very controversial: should it be legal? Is it a form of prostitution? - most psychologists consider in unethical

question

pharmacotherapy

answer

- treating sex difficulties with medicines/drugs. Eg. Testosterone, Viagra, SSRIs - rapidly increasing in popularity, displacing traditional focus of therapy, focusing on the individual instead of the couple

question

Eros Clitoral Therapy device

answer

equivalent of penis pump for women, goes over clitoris and creates suction to pull more blood into the clitoris to make it more sensitive it seems to work, but this device is available only by subscription and costs a lot

question

anorgasmia

answer

- effective treatment requires figuring out the cause • Eg. Anxiety, relationship conflict, medication side effect, kegel exercises recommended, genital sensitivity and likelihood of orgasm

question

for vaginismus

answer

begin with relaxation and exploration exercises - use of dilators may be recommended, dilators vary in size, get vaginal walls accustomed to relazation, eventually partner participates and work up to penetration - newest treatment: botox paralyzes muscles makes involuntary contraction impossible

question

for delayed ejaculation

answer

- begin with sensate focus - then self stimulation with partner present, goal is to psycholoigally connect partner with pleasure, conditioning - partner provides oral or manual stimulation, work to penetration

question

for premature ejaculation

answer

- ejaculate more freuqnetly or come again with partner - change positions, having partner with PE be on bottom - consider sexual alternatives - communicate

question

• Professional treatment: cognitive behavioral therapy

answer

- reduce fear and anxiety and learn helpful techniques

question

squeezing technique

answer

man stimulated to point of impending orgasm, then partner squeezes glans or base of penis → repeat • High success rate, other interventions include medications, desensitizing agents, SSRIs may be administered to delay orgasm

question

for erectile disorder

answer

- cognitive behavioral approach: for psychologically induced erectile dysfunction, begin with sensate focus and work up to genital stimulation, a modified stop=start technique is recommended. When erection appears, stop stimulation and wait until it subsides, then restart • Medical treatments: Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra - in about 80% of men, these drugs create capacity for erection, but stimulation is required for erection to occur - effects amplified if combined with couple's therapy • Other treatments - korena red ginseng - vasoactive penile injenctions: self administered injection to create erection, relaxes penile tissues and increases blood flows - medicated urethral system for erections: similar mechanism to injections

question

penile implants

answer

- only used in extreme cases when nothing else works - destroys penile tissue , makes natural erection impossible a. semiridgid rods b. inflatable device - cold glans syndrome, implants can create mechanism for erection - do not restore lost sensation or ejaculation

question

learning theory

answer

can help us understand basis of sex difficulties

question

Reconditioning approach

answer

goal is to get client to feel pleasure instead of anxiety

question

female sexual arousal disorder treatment

answer

• "Talk therapy" for psychological causes • Testosterone replacement • Eros Clitoral Therapy Device

question

anorgasmia treatment

answer

• Effective treatment requires figuring out the cause • Kegal exercises sometimes recommended

question

genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder treatment

answer

• For vaginismus, begin with relaxation & exploration exercises • Use of dilators may be recommended • Eventually, partner participates—work up to penetration • Newest treatment: Botox

question

delayed ejaculation treatment

answer

• Begin with sensate focus • Then, self-stimulation with partner present • Partner provides oral or manual stimulation; work up to intercourse

question

premature ejaculation treatment

answer

a.) Self-help strategies for men • Ejaculate more frequently alone or "come again" with partner • Change positions • Communicate • Consider sexual alternatives to intercourse

question

treating low sexual desire

answer

• Difficult to treat; requires intense therapy • Cognitive-behavioral approach aimed at modifying erotic impulses • May or may not involve partner • Medical treatments often used to enhance desire

question

avoiding sexual difficulties

answer

A. Maintain good sexual communication B. Avoid spectatoring C. Recognize and understand that "failure" will sometimes occur & that you are not "supposed" to achieve something during sex D. Maintain good physical and psychological health

question

facts about sex

answer

(1) Most teenagers have sex - and some are doig it at very young ages (2) The U.S. has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world - 750,000 15-19 year olds become pregnant each year (3) Young adults have the highest rates of STIs

question

why are teen pregnancy and STI rates so high?

answer

• Misuse/underuse of contraceptives and barriers • Many other contributing factors - lack of knowledge and myths - fear, guilt, embarrassment about sex - less stable relationships

question

how do we address these problems?

answer

(1) We could provide free or low-cost teen contraceptive services • But is this an endorsement of teenage sex? - research suggests not (2) We could improve sex education • But how far should it go?

question

sex education

answer

A majority of Americans support sex education in schools (NPR, 2004) Support for the "abstinence only" approach is relatively low - surveys put it around 15% - but 30% of schools are teaching it Most adults support comprehensive or "abstinence plus" education - abstinence is best, but just in case... - advocates of those programs have been very good at directing money towards those programs even though those programs contain a lot of inaccuracies - 97% of respondents think that school based sexual education should want students to ask their parents about it, how babies are made, some think students should be a little older, how to get tested

question

does abstinence only education work?

answer

Kohler, Manhart, & Lafferty (2008) • Abstinence only education did not reduce sex, teen pregnancy, or STD rates compared to comprehensive sex education - teens with comprehensive education had lowest rates of pregnancy Stanger-Hall & Hall (2011) • States with abstinence only education have higher teen pregnancy rates Problems with abstinence only approach • Ignores certain groups - what about sexually active teens and GLBT youth? • Teaches misconceptions and falsehoods

question

contraception

answer

Any actions, devices, or medications used in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth - some, but not all forms also provide STI protection

question

history of contraception

answer

• Illegal throughout many parts of the United States until recently • Landmark case: Griswold vs. Connecticut (1965) • Estelle Griswold, challenged law • Supreme Court ruling changed everything - ruling: there is a constitutional right to privacy that extends to contraception • Since Griswold, contraception has become more widespread; attitudes more favorable - but still controversial, eg Plan B

question

behavioral methods

answer

By doing or not doing a particular behavior, a heterosexual couple tries to reduce risk of pregnancy Advantages for a couple's wallet & health - free in terms of financial cost and side effects Disadvantage: difficult to implement perfectly - require lots of self-control

question

abstinence

answer

• Strict definition: no genital contact • Effectiveness: 100%

question

outercourse

answer

• Everything except penetrative intercourse - include oral sex, mutual masturbation, etc • Nearly 100% effective

question

natural family planning and fertility awareness method

answer

• Couple abstains from sex during perceived fertile times (NFP) or uses barrier (FAM) • Variety of methods to chart menstrual cycle - certvical mucus consistency - basal body temperature • Effectiveness: • Typical use: 76% • Perfect use: 95% - 99%

question

withdrawal

answer

• Goal: withdraw penis from partner's body before ejaculation • Effectiveness: • Typical use: 78% • Perfect use: 96%

question

barrier methods

answer

Creates a physical or chemical barrier so sperm doesn't reach woman's uterus Good for people who have infrequent sex

question

spermicides

answer

• Chemicals inserted into vagina to kill or inactivate sperm - must be applied every time • Effectiveness: • Typical use: 72% • Perfect use: 82%

question

male condoms

answer

• Sheath that covers penis • Effectiveness: • Typical use: 82% • Perfect use: 98%

question

condom concerns

answer

• People make a lot of condom use errors • Dubois, Emerson, & Mustanski (2012) study of MSM condom use - 95% made condom use errors • Sanders et al. (2012) review of 50 condom use studies - people don't put condoms on soon enough and often do it incorrectly

question

female condom

answer

• Polyurethane pouch that lines vagina and catches ejaculate • Effectiveness: • Typical use: 79% • Perfect use: 95%

question

diaphragms

answer

• Shallow latex cup placed over the cervix, usually covered with spermicide - must be comfortable with body • Effectiveness: • 88% - 94% diaphragm

question

hormonal methods

answer

Hormones introduced into woman's body that reduce fertility for given amount of time 3 potential methods of action - prevent ovulation - thicken cervical mucus - alter uterine lining to make implantation less likely Major advantages: Nothing to do before/during sex, menstrual regulation, high effectiveness - protection begins quickly can be less than a week - Major disadvantages: Hormonal side effects, medication interactions

question

major disadvantages

answer

Pills, patches, and vaginal rings - different methods of hormone delivery - pill offered in dozens of formulations Required "maintenance" varies Effectiveness: • Typical use: 91% • Perfect use: 99.7%

question

progestin-only hormone methods (estrogen and progestin)

answer

For women who can't use estrogen or smoke heavily 1. Progestin-only pill 2. Hormone injection (Depo Provera) • Very long-lasting - but once stopped, fertility takes a long time to resume • Effectiveness: • Typical use: 94% • Perfect use: 99.8%

question

Hormonal Intrauterine Device

answer

• Small plastic "T" inserted into uterus that secretes progestin - good for up to 5 years

question

implanon

answer

The Implant) • Small plastic rod inserted into arm that secretes progestin - good for up to 3 years • IUD & Implant Effectiveness: • Typical & perfect use: > 99%

question

psychological effects of hormonal contraceptives

answer

Hormonal contraceptives may alter they type of men heterosexual women are attracted to During ovulation, women's grooming habits & clothing changes • Haselton et al. (2007) - ovulating women wear nicer and more fashionable outfits • Durante et al. (2011) - ovulating women pick out sexier clothes when shopping • Ovulating women are attracted to more masculine men (Gangestad et al., 2005) • Hormonal contraceptives wipe out these ovulatory shifts • Women on the pill may pick more reliable men • Roberts et al. (2012) • Compared women on the pill to "naturally cycling" women - women on the pill had longer lasting relationships, but slightly less satisfying sex - no difference in likelihood of orgasm

question

sterilization

answer

Leading form of birth control in U.S. and world A. Tubal ligation • Blocks tubes to prevent sperm from reaching egg B. Vasectomy • Blocks tubes that carry sperm outside body • Both > 99.5% effective

question

STIs

answer

infections transmitted via sexual contact - broader, more inclusive infection with or without symptoms

question

STD

answer

infection with symptoms

question

how common are STIs and who gets them?

answer

• 1 in 4 treated for STD by age 21 • 19 million new cases/year (U.S.) • About half contracted by 15-24 year-olds

question

chlamydia

answer

• Most prevalent bacterial STI • 1.4 million cases/year (U.S.) - teenagers and women have highest infection rates • Transmission via sexual contact, touching • Effects on women: • Urethritis or cervicitis - few or no symptoms • If untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can develop - symptoms can be mild or severe • Effects on men: • Epididymitis or nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) - men are more likely to experience symptoms than women, about half experience symptoms (urethral discharge, some pain) • Serious consequences if left untreated - infertility, sterility, trachoma, premature birth • Treatment: antibiotics (usually treated for gonorrhea as well)

question

gonorrhea

answer

• Not as common as Chlamydia • 320,000 cases/year - young adults have highest rates • Transmission via sexual contact - may get infection in genitals, rectum or throat • Effects on women include cervicitis and PID - most women asymptomatic, have a higher risk of complications • Effects on men include urethritis - most men show symptoms, which prompts treatment • Symptoms appear earlier in men • Serious consequences if untreated - infertility, sterility, infant blindness, others • Treatment: antibiotics. However, antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease have developed recently

question

syphilis

answer

• Less common • 14,000 cases/year (US) - but more common and increasing among MSM • Transmission via sexual contact • Advances through 4 stages in both men & women • Primary Syphilis - chancre (painless sore) develops on genital region • Secondary Syphilis - rash (palms of hands or soles of feet) • Latent Syphilis - no symptoms • Tertiary syphilis - most severe symptoms, blindness, heart failure, etc, the longer syphilis goes untreated, the worse the health outcomes are • Treatment: penicillin

question

Herpes (viral)

answer

• Type 1 (oral) • Type 2 (genital) - both can cause sores in either area • VERY prevalent • Some estimates put it at 100 million oral, 50 million genital • Millions of new cases/year • Transmission: sexual contact • Virus never goes away - can be spread with or without sores present • Men—no major complications • Women—uncommon, but serious potential complications - cervical cancer, newborn infection • No cure • Treatment: Retroviral drugs (e.g., Valtrex) - can suppress outbreaks, lessen symptoms

question

Human papillomavirus HPV

answer

• Also extremely common • 40 million cases (U.S.) • 6 million new cases/year • Transmission: any skin to skin contact - can be transmitted even when using condoms • Most don't develop symptoms • Genital warts may occur in some • Complications: increased cancer risk, newborn respiratory infections - linked to cervical, anal and throat cancers • No cure • Treatments: wart removal; cancer treatments • Gardasil is an FDA approved vaccine for both women & men - may protect against developing cancers - recommended for adolescents, politically controversial

question

Human immunodeficiency virus HIV

answer

is a retrovirus that targets & destroys helper T-4 cells (CD4 lymphocytes) • HIV becomes AIDS when 2 conditions are met 1) HIV is present and 2) T-4 count is less than 200 cells per microliter of blood • Incidence • U.S.: 1.1 million currently infected with HIV - mostly men in US but sex ratio is even worldwide • Approximately 50,000 new cases/year in U.S. • Infection depends on Two Factors • Viral load highest in new and advanced infections - more virus present in bloodstream • Body secretions vary in amount of virus - blood, semen, maternal milk,are highest for transmission risk • After a few weeks flu-like symptoms may develop • After 3-6 months, antibodies appear - HIV is typitcally diagnosed based on presence of antibodies • Later symptoms vary • After 10 years on average, immune system becomes seriously compromised - opportunistic infections, cancers

question

HIV treatments

answer

• No cure currently exists • Highly active antiretroviral therapies • "Cocktail" of reverse transcriptase inhibitors & a protease inhibitor - can reduce viral load to undetectable level • Very expensive • Problems with nonadherence, toxicity, & treatment failure • MTCT reduced by 2/3rds in recent years - risk is lowest when mother takes Zidovudine AZT and does not breastfeed • Scientists have been working on a "vaccine" • Grant et al. (2010) study of Truvada - infection risk reduced by 70+% in MSM • 2014: Thousands in the U.S. now using Truvada for HIV prevention (PreP)

question

factors that increase spread of STIs

answer

- biopsychosocial

question

biological factors

answer

• Lack of disease symptoms • Having one STD increases chances of contracting & spreading others eg. Herpes, syphilis (open sores allow easier transmission) • Some animal research suggests that certain STIs may alter host's sexual behavior to increase spread of infection!

question

psychological factors

answer

• Use of oral contraceptives (Williams et al., 1992) - may create false sense of security - alone, provide no STI protection • Testing stigma • Stall et al. (1996) - 59% of men never tested for HIV say it's because they feared social consequences • Personality - erotophilia and sensation seeking linked to unprotected sex • Perceived invincibility ("it can't/won't happen to me") - health psychology: unrealistic optimism • Being committed to a sexual partner reduces sense that partner is a health risk (Gerrard, Gibbons, & Bushman, 1996) - commitment may undermine condom use • When partner is very physically attractive, safe-sex intentions are lower (Agocha & Cooper, 1999) -

question

social factors

answer

• Alcohol and drug use - often linked to low likelihood of taking precautions, but effects are complicated • Social norms: Is it "taboo" to ask about sexual history? • Doctor-patient relationships • Tao et al. (2000): only 28% reported being asked about STDs during routine checkups • Many people have limited access to health care - less likely to be tested and treated

question

psychological impact of STIs

answer

Infection is often accompanied by negative changes in self-image and self-esteem - feelings of victimization - fear of being alone Effects even more severe for HIV infection - increased mortality salience, fear of becoming dependent upon others These effects are compounded by the social stigma (Sayles et al., 2007) • Pervasive lack of knowledge & widespread fear about many infections eg. Myths about trasnmission • Infected persons are often seen as being personally responsible

question

Impact of HIV

answer

• Intense stress may lead to substance use as a coping mechanism - exacerbates mental health issues • Anger and denial are common reactions to HIV infection and may lead some to intentionally infect others - intentional or reckless infection is a crime • There are rare cases where some individuals want to be infected with HIV ("Bug Chasers"; Mokowitz & Roloff, 2010) - subculture of gay men who voluntarily seek infection

question

effects on relationships and sexuality of HIV

answer

• Benefits of seeking a seroconcordant partner • Frost et al. (2008) - reduced risk of transmission, greater sexual intimacy • But the drawback of seroconcordance is a much smaller dating pool • Dating someone of unknown or serodiscordant HIV status is complicated • How and when do you discuss disease status? • How do you manage infection risk? • How do you cope with stigma?

question

STIs and relationships

answer

Many people assume an STI is the end of dating and relationships, but it doesn't have to be - some online dating websites cater exclusively to "positives" Can relationships between infection discordant couples work? • Yes, but only if the couple: • Uses consistent protection - condoms and dental dams • Has excellent communication - partner with herpes may limit intimacy when they feel an outbreak coming on

question

the evolution of sex laws

answer

o The rise of the sex-for-procreation view laid the foundation for modern regulation of sexual activity o Many sexual activities we take for granted today were illegal in the Western world until recently - contraception, same sex activity, cohabitation

question

many restrictions on sex have been loosened

answer

• Griswold vs. Connecticut (1965) - legalized contraception • Lawrence vs. Texas (2004) - legalized same-sex activity

question

most cultures regulate

answer

sexual victimization, prostitution, and pornography, but nature of laws varies dramatically - porn is illegal to sell in most of Australia

question

sexual assault

answer

Any event in which a person is touched in a sexual way against their will or made to perform a non-consensual sex act - applies to persons of all genders and sexualities as well as all sex acts • Laws vary across countries & U.S. states - eg spousal rape only exists in certain parts of the world

question

prevalence of sexual assault

answer

o U.S.: 668 sexual assaults per day (Truman & Planty, 2012) - most go unreported o Most assaults involve male perpetrator and female victim - most assailants known to victim

question

types of sexual assault

answer

o Stranger (unknown assaliant) o Acquaintance/Date - rohypnol (roofies) and alcohol often used to facilitate o Statutory - age of consent varies across states and countries o "Corrective" rape - goal is tu cure woman of homosexuality

question

motivations for sexual assault

answer

o Is it all about power and control? o Research suggests that sexual motives contribute in some cases (e.g., Mann & Hollin, 2007) o Probably best to think of a typology of rapists that vary based upon motive (Beech, Ward, & Fisher, 2006) - anger resentment, hostility toward women, women as objects, feeling entitled, uncontrollable sex drive

question

psychological effects of sexual assault

answer

o Negative emotions and cognitions - depression, shame, guilt o Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Cloitre et al., 1997): prolonged emotional reaction, reliving experience o Sexual effects - vaginismus, erectile dysfunction

question

child sexual abuse (CSA)

answer

• Any instance in which a child is sexually victimized by an adult • Two categories: 1. CSA perpetrated by a relative - incest 2. CSA perpetrated by non-relative - pedophilia (if stemming from attraction to children) - child molestation ( any child abuse, regardless of motive)

question

characteristics and prevalence of CSA

answer

o Most acts perpetrated by men against female victims (Murray, 2000) - most assailants known to victims o Most perpetrators were victims of CSA themselves • Blanchard et al. (2007) - however research suggests biological or biosocial basis for pedophilia o Meta-analysis puts prevalence of CSA at 7.9% among men, 19.7% among women (Pereda et al., 2009)

question

psychological effects of CSA

answer

o Similar emotional disturbances to adult sexual assault o CSA victimization linked to risky sexual & other behaviors, as well as relationship difficulties - potential intimacy and sexual performance problems

question

sexual harassment

answer

• Unwanted verbal and/or physical sexual advances in workplace or academic environment • Like other forms of sexual victimization, most cases involve male perpetrators & female victims - however reasons for harassment vary

question

EEOC guidelines of sexual harassment

answer

o Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: Submission to such conduct was made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, • Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual was used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

question

quid pro quo

answer

• Sexual favors requested in return for (1) securing job/academic benefit, or (2) for desirable treatment - this for that • Power differential necessarily exists

question

hostile environment

answer

• Persistent, inappropriate behavior that makes environment hostile, abusive, or unbearable • No power differential necessary - harasser can be equal or lower status to victim • Less clear cut; may be ambiguous to outside perceivers - legal standard what would a "reasonable person" find hostile? • Key is whether victim feels offended/uncomfortable

question

prevalence and effects of harassment

answer

o Estimates vary depending upon how "harassment" defined • e.g., "Have you ever been harassed?" vs. select from a checklist of potentially harassing behaviors • Ilies et al. (2003) - 24% of women say they've been harassed, but 58% pick behaviors off checklist o Men less likely to be victims & less likely to report it o Can lead to emotional disturbances & PTSD - also, potential to quit job or school or have worse performance

question

prostitution

answer

o Most common definition: Exchange of money for sexual service • But this concept gets tricky... - more precisely defined as explicit agreement to trade money for sex, usually offered indiscriminately o Largely legal in US through early 1900s - one reason for change was maintaining a functional military

question

types of prostitues

answer

o Persons of any sexual and gender identity can be prostitutes, but most are female-identified o Two classes of prostitutes • Those who literally walk the streets: most visibility & danger, lowest $ rates - streetwalkers (female) and hustlers (male) - peer delinquent prostitutes (male) prostitution for robbery • Those who work as "escorts": regular clients, more safety, higher $ rates - call girls (female) and gigolos (male) o Other variety: the brothel worker - where legal, safeguards in effect (eg. STI testing, condom requirements) o Would legalized brothels provide more safety for sex workers and clients?

question

motivations and effects of prostitution

answer

o Some find it exciting, but most women enter the profession because they feel little other choice (Kramer, 2004) - but also drug habits, coercion, etc o Most female streetwalkers & escorts report work as emotionally unpleasant (Kramer, 2004) • Farley (2004) - many meet criteria for PTSD o Drug use/abuse common, but is it a cause or consequence? o Heightened risk of STIs - compounded by $ incentive to not use condoms

question

clients of prostitutes

answer

o Most customers are men; not social deviants (Monto, 2002) - educated, employed, half are married o Motivations vary - uncomplicated sex, excitement, no partner

question

pornography

answer

• Another legally regulated area—we will consider in detail separately later • Laws address both production and distribution of porn - production: condom and age requirements - distribution: type available for sale and where sold

question

paraphilias

answer

uncommon forms of sexual expression - beyond usual or typical love • The traditional DSM definition • "Recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors generally involving 1) nonhuman objects, 2) the suffering or humiliation of oneself or one's partner, or 3) children or other nonconsenting persons that occur over a period of at least 6 months."

question

characteristics of paraphilias

answer

A. Distinction between "having a paraphilia" and "having a paraphilic disorder" - you can have an unusual interest without having a disorder B. Occur to varying degrees across persons - these behaviors occur to varying degrees among people, these are not done on a daily basis, potentially once a day, - for it to be paraphilia it has to be repeated C. Typically occur in clusters - many people have multiple paraphilias" sexual fetish for underwear might be into BDSM D. Sex difference: Men > Women • May be due to women's greater erotic plasticity - women are turned on by wider range of stimuli, may have an easier time changing socially undesirable interests E. May or many not involve others (coercive vs. non-coercive)

question

biopsychosocial roots of paraphilia

answer

associated with hormones and neurotransmitters, past learning, and social skills • How do we determine what is "normal" and "deviant" sexual behavior? • Cultural and societal standards - pedaresty in ancient Greece was once an accepted practice

question

fetishism

answer

• Receiving sexual arousal from body part or inanimate object - must be focused on object to exclusion of everything else • May substitute fetish for relationship • Development: Classical conditioning • (Rachman, 1966) - conditioned boot fetish in male participants • Rarely harmful to others - except potential burglery

question

transvetism

answer

• Cross-dressing for the purpose of sexual arousal • NOT transsexualism! - no desire to change one's sex • Is it always a fetish? • Range of behaviors • Who is a typical transvestite? • Docter & Prince (1997) - most are heterosexual, married men, exceedingly rare among women - some wives are accepting • Conditioning is a frequent cause

question

sadism and masochism

answer

• Association between sexual pleasure and pain • Sadism - sexual arousal from giving physical or psychological pain • Masochism - sexual arousal from receiving pain • Amount of pain required varies - symbolic to intense • Mild S&M is somewhat common • Richters et al. (2008): 1.8% had engaged in BDSM • Defined in this study as "bondage and discipline, sadomasochism, or dominance and submission" • Gross (2006) - when you ask about specific behaviors such as spankings, love bites, mild S&M is common • Masochism more common than sadism - masochism only paraphilia common among women • May arise from conditioning or other factors - sensation seeking personality - Baumeister: escape from self-awareness

question

autoerotic asphyxia

answer

pressure-induced oxygen deprivation - one of the most dangerous paraphilias

question

klismaphilia

answer

giving or receiving enemas - flushing out anus with liquid

question

coprophilia

answer

contact with feces - watching someone defecate, defecating on someone, having someone defecate on you

question

urophilia

answer

contact with urine - watersports, golden showers

question

coercive paraphilias

answer

• Involves an unwilling participant - potentially harmful and illegal, victim may be traumatized

question

non-coercive paraphilias

answer

• May be a solo activity or include participation by a consenting adult - generally considered harmless behaviors - fetishism - transvetism - s and m

question

exhibitionism

answer

• Exposing genitals to UNWILLING others, usually in easily escapable setting - arousal derived from shocked reaction • Typical "flasher": young, shy man • Several reasons for exhibitionism - fear of rejection - affirmation of manhood - social skills deficit • Men with history of exhibitionism sometimes progress to sexual assault • Suggested response: calmly ignore it and leave immediately

question

obscene phone calls

answer

• Viewed as a subtype of exhibitionism - arousal from shocked response • Profile: Usually shy, insecure male - • Suggested response: hang up and screen calls

question

voyeurism

answer

• Observing others undressing or engaging in sex without their consent • Some degree of voyeurism appears natural • Rye & Meaney (2007) • True voyeurism requires an ongoing pattern of behavior • Offenders are typically young men with poor social skills • New technologies have given voyeurs more opportunities • Videovoyeurism: filming/photographing without consent

question

pedophilia 2

answer

• Sexual attraction to prepubescent children; diagnosed when individual "acts upon" urge or is distressed by urges • Most are heterosexual, married men (de Silva, 1999) - 4% of population • Increasingly thought to have a biosocial basis (Blanchard et al., 2007) - from past sexual experiences of child victimization, - genetic predisposition brought out by environment, more likely to be left handed or ambidextrous, below average IQs - many report past child abuse/sexual abuse

question

frotteurism

answer

rubbing against an unsuspecting person in a crowd - behavior appears inadvertent, may not be noticed

question

necrophilia

answer

sexual arousal from viewing or violating a corpse • Rosman & Resnick (1989) - most common reason: desire for partner who won't resist • Zoophilia (beastiality): desire for sex with animals - zoophiles care about animals' pleasure, bestialists care only about own pleasure

question

treatment of paraphilias

answer

• Treatment appropriate & important when it meets "disorder" criteria - but offenders usually aren't interested - psychotherapy - behavior therapy - orgasmic reconditioning - satiation therapy = arousal inhibiting drugs - social skills training

question

psychotherapy for paraphilias

answer

- Generally not effective by itself

question

behavior therapy for paraphilias

answer

- aversive conditioning - orgasmic reconditioning - satiation therapy

question

aversive conditioning based on learning theory

answer

paraphilia paired with unpleasant stimulus

question

Orgasmic reconditioning

answer

associate orgasm with acceptable behavior/imagery

question

Satiation therapy

answer

imagine paraphilia after orgasm, pair with low arousal, discomfort

question

Arousal-inhibiting drugs

answer

- Depo-Provera - lowers testosterone, chemical castration - Prozac - increases serotonin

question

Social skills training

answer

teach skills to develop socially acceptable relationships

question

treatment outcomes for paraphilias

answer

• Success rates vary; reoffending is common • Schmucker & Losel (2008) meta-analysis • Programs reduced recidivism by 37% - cognitive-behavioral and hormone therapy most effective - works better for volunteers • Best outcomes for those treated early & who are motivated to change

question

pornography

answer

Sexually explicit material that has the intent of producing arousal in those who consume it Differs from erotica Sexual depictions that evoke themes of mutual attraction and typically have an emotional component

question

history of pornography

answer

As old as civilization But modern concept of pornography stems from Victorian era Arose from discovery of Roman 'obscenities' during Pompeii excavations Obscene Publications Act of 1857 - first law criminalizing pornography Beginnings of Mass Circulation 16th Century: Erotic literature "The Ways" (1524)—book of sexual positions 17th & 18th Centuries: Erotic fiction John Cleland's "Fanny Hill" (1748) - first erotic fiction, depicted woman free with her sexuality 19th Century: Nude photography Technological advances allowed faster & cheaper photo production Nude photography prohibited unless it had "artistic" or "scientific" purposes Most nude photos at the time consisted of solitary woman exposing breasts 19th & 20th Centuries: Magazines Mostly nude and semi-nude photos of women Focus of camera changed over time: 1940s featured legs, 1950s featured breasts First issue of Playboy Magazine in 1953 Magazines have become more explicit over time → eventual shift to genitals 20th Century: Pornographic Films Earliest films date back to 1908 Secretly produced and distributed Reached peak in US in 1970s with mainstream success "Deep Throat" (1972) Launched modern porn industry Today: The Internet Caters to all sexual proclivities; frequently utilized as a sexual aide A source of social and legal controversy

question

profile of a porn star

answer

Money is the most common incentive (Griffith et al., 2012) Similar to prostituion in this way, but very few people coerced into porn Public perception is that porn stars are "damaged goods" However, research suggests that porn actresses show comparable psychological well-being to a matched sample in many ways (Griffith et al., 2012) No difference in past history of CSA; porn actresses had slightly higher self-esteem But, porn actresses have higher levels of substance abuse

question

who uses porn?

answer

Major sex differences in porn use Carroll et al. (2008) study of college students at 6 universities 9 in 10 men and 1 in 3 women 48.4% of men report daily use vs. 3.2% of women Men's relationship status makes no difference in porn use, but women in relationships use it more than single women

question

Why Do Men Use More Porn Than Women?

answer

"Research has shown that men are more visually stimulated, while women are more literary; they're turned on by words or erotic stories." - Dr. Michael Krychman on Fifty Shades of Grey - but is Krychman right? Men do report more subjective arousal to porn than women (Koukounas & McCabe, 1997) But genital arousal tells a different story (Chivers et al., 2004) - perhaps women underreport arousal due to social pressure

question

do men and women look at porn the same way?

answer

Rupp & Wallen (2007) Heterosexual men & women viewed explicit sexual images while attached to eye-tracking device Female faces were statistically the most likely feature to capture men's attention Perhaps men see the face as the biggest indicator of female arousal Results for women depended upon contraceptive use Naturally cycling women: genitals and female body most likely to capture attention Women on the pill: contextual features of situation most likely ot capture attention

question

porn and the law

answer

Laws may regulate production, distribution, and possession of porn—huge cultural variability U.S. federal law: Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act (1988) - no one under 18 allowed to perform U.K. law against "extreme pornography" - "grossly offensive, disgusting, or otherwise of an obscene character"

question

obscenity criteria

answer

established by U.S. Supreme Court Miller vs. California (1973) The dominant theme of work must appeal to "prurient interest in sex" Must be patently offensive for contemporary community standards Must fail the SLAP test: lacking serious scientific, literary, artistic, or political value

question

Commission on Obscenity and Pornography

answer

Appointed by Lyndon B. Johnson to study effects of legalization of pornography in Denmark What happened in Denmark? Sales of porn decreased No increase in sex offenses Research on college students found no long-lasting behavioral changes after exposure to porn

question

Meese Commission

answer

Appointed by Ronald Reagan Utilized unscientific research methods Came to a very different set of conclusions Violent and degrading porn causally associated with sexual violence The Commission also reported that non-violent, non-degrading erotica is destructive to the moral environment of society i.e. promotes sex outside of marriage Recommended vigorous law enforcement and prosecution of porn

question

effects of pornography on rape and sex crimes

answer

Ferguson & Hartley (2009) meta-analysis No evidence that porn causes rape or sexual assault In fact, as porn consumtpion has increase, sex crimes have decreased Stand in stark contrast to Meese Commission findings But does this mean that porn is completely harmless? Hald, Malamuth, & Yuen (2010) meta-analysis Is there a link between porn use & acceptance of violence against women? Positive correlation, particularly for violent pornography and for aggressive men

question

effects of porn on relationships

answer

Men who viewed Playboy centerfolds reported less attraction to and love for their spouses than men who viewed abstract art (Kenrick, Gutierres, & Goldberg, 1989) But no baseline measure of attraction/love was taken and effects were assessed immediately after exposure Causal evidence of harm is lacking—but it is possible that frequent porn consumption could hurt by creating a contrast effect i.e., partner looks at partner in comparison to porn actors Compulsive porn use is linked to reports of relationship problems (Bridges et al., 2003) When porn use becomes a problem in a relationship, it's usually men's (not women's) porn use that's the issue Not surprising because men use it much more! When porn use is compulsory for one partner, it can inhibit both partners' sexual satisfaction

question

Effects on body image and perception of what is "normal"

answer

Porn penises are far from average Lever et al. (2006): estimated that only 2.5% of men have penises longer than 6.9 inches Porn may also contribute to distorted perceptions of what the vulva and breasts are "supposed" to look like As a result, some people may feel that they never "measure up" and/or develop unrealistic expectations for their partners May prompt genital modification surgeries or use of enhancement devices Porn sometimes depicts unsafe activities e.g. "barebacking" (having sex without condoms), ATMs (ass to mouth: taking the penis directly from the anus to the mouth, spreading intestinal diseases) Should there be any regulations?

question

effects of porn in brain

answer

Some research suggests brain atrophy associated with excessive porn consumption (Hilton & Watts, 2011) But, it's correlational and virtually all compulsive porn watchers sampled had other problematic behaviors (e.g. alcohol use) Some in the media have claimed that porn exposure can cause "memory loss" based upon research (Laier et al., 2013) Participants shown sexual or non-sexual images & asked to recall the image that appeared 4 slides ago `Participants were right 77-80% of the time for non-sexual images, and 67% correct for porn However, the effects were only for memory of other porn and memory was still good overall

question

Abstinence only approach

answer

focus is teaching kids to abstain from sex. There is no information provided on obtaining and using contraception/condoms.

question

Abstinence plus approach

answer

kids are taught that abstinence is the best policy but they are also given information on how to obtain and use contraceptives for those who are sexually active.

question

Comprehensive sex education

answer

abstinence is not the primary goal. Students are given a wide range of information and the focus is on responsible decision making skills when it comes to sexual activity.

question

Problems with abstinence only approach

answer

• Ignores certain groups • What about sexually active teens and GLBT youth? • Ignores gender identity and orientation - many of these programs also discuss saving yourself for marriage. • Teaches misconceptions and falsehoods • A study by the US Department of Health and Human Services found that more than 80% of abstinence only programs contained scientific errors and taught false information • These programs may also teach incorrect information such that safe sex and pleasurable sex are at odds with each other. • Some sex education organizations have tried combatting this misconception by re-conceptualizing safe sex in pleasurable terms. School based education should include parents and must go beyond just discussing abstinence.

question

History of Contraception

answer

• 1500s condoms made their debut and were made of animal skin, they were not made of vulcanized rubber until around 1800s. In the 1900s, the latex condom became a thing. • Illegal throughout many parts of the United States until recently - medicine, etc • Landmark case: Griswold vs. Connecticut (1965) - case was argued in front of SCOTUS in which contraception than became legal in the US • Estelle Griswold, challenged law - Director of Planned Parenthood in Connecticut - she was convicted and tried in court - constitutional right to marital privacy - this started off as a narrow ruling for contraceptives. This right to privacy was then expended later on. • Supreme Court ruling changed everything - since Griswold, contraception has become more widespread; attitudes more favorable • But still very controversial - ex: Plan B - legalized for sale without a prescription in 2006, but we still are debating how it should be available and also at what age. Should pharmacists not sell this medication?

question

• Variety of methods to chart menstrual cycle

answer

• Standard days method - plotting the menstrual cycle on a calendar to determine which days are safer to have sex • Symptothermal method - checking for biological indicators of ovulation • Uses cervical mucus consistency and basal body temperature as biological indicators • Basal body temperature - ovulation = .5/1 degree higher than when not ovulation • Cervical mucus - get up in there - mucus more like an egg white - riskier days • Leaves open conception to happen - ok'd by the Catholic Church except for barriers • This uses different techniques to determine days that are more or less risky • Basic way: calendar method - least reliable since women have unpredictable cycles

question

• Reasons for abortion

answer

not being able to afford a child, not being ready for children, not wanting additional children, and being in an unstable relationship o most women who chose to have an abortion were okay with their decision 2 years later, but 20% reported experiencing at least one episode of clinical depression after the procedure o expressing depression prior to the pregnancy was also a strong predictor of experiencing depression after the abortion

question

Dental dams

answer

latex barriers that look like a fruit roll up and are put over the vulva or anus for oral sex

question

Indirect partners

answer

when you have sex with someone, you are indirectly being exposed to every other sex partner that person has had as well

question

• Unrealistic optimism

answer

people think that they are unlikely to encounter health problems and are healthier than they actually are

question

Psychological factors that spread STIs

answer

• Use of oral contraceptives (Williams et al., 1992) • By removing the fear of unwanted pregnancy from the equation, some couples feel protected and therefore stop using condoms • Testing stigma • Stall et al. (1996) • Getting tested can make it awkward between you and your partner - others feel like they will be judged • Among men who had never been tested for HIV, 59% felt like they did not get screened because they feared the potential social consequences. • Personality • People with more erotophilic personalities (strong, positive emotion towards sex) and those who perceive a condom as a barrier to sexual pleasure are more likely to report having unprotected sex • Sensation-seeking personality is also linked to reporting sex without condoms in risky situations, cheating, and contracting more STIs • Also unrestricted socio-sexual orientation - more risky sexual behaviors • Perceived invincibility ("it can't/won't happen to me") • Being committed to a sexual partner reduces sense that partner is a health risk (Gerrard, Gibbons, & Bushman, 1996) • People in monogamous relationships often cheat and when they do, they infrequently use protection AND do not disclose those encounters to their partners • When partner is very physically attractive, safe-sex intentions are lower (Agocha & Cooper, 1999) • This is stupid because they probably have more sex because they are attractive

question

• Expectancy effects

answer

the idea that our beliefs about how something will affect us can ultimately shape our experiences

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