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PED 206 - Personal Health and WellnessChapter 4 and 5 NotesSex-definitions
Anatomy and physiology explain biological basis of human sexuality but it also involves beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and social behaviors. As children we are shaped how we think and behave as far as what is expected of us (girls-pink, dolls) (boys- trucks, blue). This is called the gender role. Children are treated in a manner they adults feel is appropriate for a child of that sex. Soon their self image is incorporated in awareness of being male or female (gender identity). This identity has specific roles and behaviors. Our ways of relating to others is also rooted in childhood. The way we attach ourselves to our primary caregivers is key. If you have a secure relationship with your parents you have a good chance of having intimate relationships, and are able to get close to others. Clinging dependent people may have had an anxious/ambivalent attachment, where a parents responses were inconsistent. They don't know if people love them, and they want to merge completely with others. People who run from relationships had an anxious/avoidant attachment, where children want to escape their influence from parents. It's hard for them to get close to others. The first relationships we form are friendships (page 83 has the characteristics of positive friendships) Attitudes and behaviors that are appropriate for males and females depends on the culture. Our culture is very traditional toward who is the economic provider, the dominant partner, home and child care provider, how each one dresses, looks, and shows emotion. (but it has been changing). There are gender differences in communication. Men will use conversation in a competitive way, hoping to establish dominance in relationships. Women use it in hopes of establishing friendships, by giving and receiving support. Women are more into self disclosure (revealing personal information) than men, and have better listening skills. Good relationships have few communication problems (a man can be a great communicator). In many kinds of adult relationships, love is closely intertwined with sexuality. Biology-Reproductive rolesMales- produce sperm that is deposited in the female during intercourse. (a few other notes on male anatomy: The purpose of the scrotum is to maintain the testes at a temp 5 degrees below that of the rest of the body, 93.6. When the weather is really cold the testes move upward into the body, where they can maintain their 5 degree difference. Although urine and semen share a common passage, they are prevented from mixing together by muscles that control their entry into the urethra. All sperm is not in a rush to see which one will penetrate the egg, a lot of sperm works as protection against what some researchers call anti-sperm, which looks to damage the formation of the zygote. Sex hormones made by the testes are called androgens (the most important is testosterone). The female sex hormones produced by the ovaries are estrogens and progestins (the most important is progesterone). Both of these are regulated by hormones of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Female- produce reproductive capable eggs (ova) and to provide a safe nutrient filled environment in which the fetus develops. Male and female biology is determined at conception: X bearing egg, X bearing sperm=XX female X bearing egg Y bearing sperm= XY male This chromosomal pattern then sets the tone for the development of the sexual anatomy from the precise instructions of the genes contained in the chromosomes. Sex chromosomes will determine whether the fetus will be male or female. Female anatomy- each month a woman produces one ovum that is able to be fertilized. During this time many hormonal changes occur that prepare the body for pregnancy if the ovum is fertililzed:
If the ovum is not fertilized, the endometrium and blood vessals within it are shed, this produces a loss of blood and tissue debris over the course of 3-6 days (menstration), lasts roughly 28 days. This is controlled by hormones from the hypothalmus in the brain (releasing factors) are secreted and influence the release of other hormones from the pituitary gland (gonadotropins). They produce estrogen and progesterone in the ovary which circulate through the blood and induce changes necessary to support pregnancy. Physical and emotional symptoms prior to the onset of their menstrual flow fall into 3 categories:
75% of women report some discomfort prior to the onset of menses, but only 3-5% meet the criteria for PMDD. Symptoms on page 110. Many researchers feel that PMS is probably caused by a combination of hormonal, nutritional, and psychological factors.
There are no completely effective therapies for PMS and PMDD.
When this process stops (menopause) many women get depressed and think they should slow down their lives, but quite the contrary. Average age about 50.
Male anatomy (remember the overhead)
A male's sexual interest is influenced by a hormone called testosterone (our conversation about steroids) that is manufactured in the testes.
In our society people are expected to be highly and frequently interested in sex (the 60's revolution- a form of rebellion), in reality it varies among individuals and couples. A misperception is that people have wild sex constantly after they marry, but changes occur over time (childrearing, psych depression after childbirth, self concept issues, physical changes). Some couples have admitted that they may go without intercourse for a year or two.
Having a sexual experience involves 2 kinds of decisions:
1. evaluation of a person's physical and emotional state. 2. Personal criteria for being sexual within the presenting situation (red hair, mesomorphic build) 3. How sex will affect self esteem and/or the relationship they are in.
Is there a formula for creating sexual arousal? People do not respond to the same stimulus(some may like to be tickled in the foot or like to have their hair stroked, or having a tongue stuck in your ear). The erogenous zones are areas where people are likely to become aroused when they are touched.
The sexual response cycleFirst the physiological changes that occur during the cycle include: tightening of skeletal muscles (myotonia), changes in blood flow, increased heart rate and blood pressure, increase respiratory rate. The cycle:
Masturbation- self stimulation to produce arousal to the point of orgasm (something about Mary). It's not harmless-you will not go blind. In some cultures it is widely practiced. Abstinence- not having sex (celibacy) People may be celibate because:
The category-sexual difficulties
4. Pelvic inflammatory disease- an infection of the uterus, oviducts, or ovaries caused by microorganisms spread from the vagina. 50-75 % caused by sexually transmitted organisms.
The average age of first sexual intercourse is 17.2 for girls and 16.6 for boys. Younger men say they engage in sex for physical reasons, while women do so for emotional reasons. As the years go by this reverses.
Sexual attitudes quiz- page 120 Violence is a learned behavior. The basic values, attitudes, and interpersonal skills learned early in life are pivotal to how we behave later. Many women are victims of relationship violence and physical assault, as well as forced sexual activity and childhood abuse. This is considered a public health emergency. Women who experience partner battering and rape can have medical problems and post traumatic stress disorder (stimuli that cause arousal makes it difficult to differenciate normal aches and pains from signals of disease. Emotional tension, guardedness, and chronic anxiety lead to medical problems) Victims are encouraged to seek counseling and support groups. Determinants of domestic violence
sexual assault- consists of rape, incest, attempted rape, unwanted touching. There is an increase in recognition of crimes against women, but there is still the scum lawyers who try to put the blame for these crimes on the women themselves. Forcible rape- penetration by force or threat of force of a body orifice. SEXUAL ASSAULT IS NOT ABOUT SEX, IT'S ABOUT POWER AND CONTROL AS WELL AS AN ATTEMPT TO HUMILIATE. 1990- 102,000 rape victims were reported. Acquaintance rape- you know the person very well, so it may be difficult to report. (80% of rape incidence). Rape occurs within all ethnic backgrounds. Rapists are not sexually deprived people. Many women who don't know the legal definition of rape may not realize what happened to them was a crime. No means No. Victims of acquaintance rape have a difficult time trusting people, and are less likely to seek counseling or tell anyone (family, friends may not be supportive).
High school and college age women are most vulnerable to acquaintance rape. What to do after a sexual assault
Recovery guidelines
Developing positive sexual relationships
married people have lower death rates recently widowed people suffer greater mortality rates during the first few months of a spouse's death. What intimacy is- a deep knowledge of each other, from sharing important and secret aspects of one's personality(self disclosure). It's not an act, it's a feeling. Intimacy is the quality of a relationship, it is associated with feelings of love and affection. Intimate people don't consider sex a huge part of their relationship ( a relationship based on sex, looks, material possessions is doomed from the start). You can have an intimate relationship with someone of the same sex (an old high school friend you stay in touch with 20 years after graduation). All intimate relationships grow over time, and once it's developed every experience together is a good one. Stages of relationship developmenta. selecting a partner- some people are picky and only look for certain things. Includes: race, economic background, interests, profession, religion. b. developing intimacy- some people don't want it because they are not ready, immature, or recovering from a past relationship. c. Establishing commitment- includes sacrifice and some change (some don't want to change, other just like dating different people). 3 factors influencing the choice of partners
Endings-the start of a new and better future. Why relationships end:
People handle breakups by: being tired, lonely, depressed, hopeless, or relieved, euphoric, and self confident. |
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