Sexual Development Module 53

Discovering Psy2e photo p. 328

Sex Linked Traits For males, the smaller Y chromosome often does not contain a corresponding gene segment to match the one on the X chromosome. This means that a male can display certain recessive characteristics as the result of having only one recessive gene carried on the X chromosome of his XY pair. Traits determined by recessive genes on the X chromosomes are referred to as sex-linked recessive characteristics Color blindness, baldness, hemophilia, Fragile X Thanks Mom!

Hormones & the Developing Brain At about 7 weeks, a gene turns on the production of testosterone by the testes in males. Estrogen is produced in females by the ovaries. During 4th & 5th months, the fetal brain’s wiring is influenced by these hormones. this is when one get’s “wired” male or female

ADOLESCENT SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT Puberty – 2 year rapid period of sexual development ending with reproductive maturity

Intersex Intersex – born with intermediate or unusual combination of male & female physical features. Born a Boy, Brought Up a Girl: The David Reimer Story – watch this documentary to see what life was like for a boy raised like a girl after a botched circumcision. (4 part series – 10 minutes each)

Consequences of Sexual Behaviors Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 2/3 of new infections in people under 25 39.5% of sexually experienced 14-19 year old females had an STI Overconfidence & combination of attraction & alcohol at times all contribute to risky behavior. Americans have higher rates of teen pregnancy & STIs than Europeans? What environmental factors contribute to this? Factors Contributing to Teen Pregnancy: Minimal communication on birth control Guilt related to sexual activity (makes one less likely to be prepared) Alcohol Use Mass Media norms of unprotected promiscuity with no repercussions Factors Predicting to Sexual Restraint: High Intelligence Religious Engagement Father Presence Participation in service learning programs (volunteering to help others)

Sexual Orientation

Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation—direction of a person's emotional and sexual attractions Heterosexual—sexual attraction for the opposite sex Homosexual—sexual attraction for the same sex Gay—typically used to describe male homosexuals Lesbian—typically used to describe female homosexuals 3% of men, 1-2% of women Bisexual—sexual attraction for both sexes Less than 1% Questioning – unsure of their sexual orientation

Psychological History of Sexual Orientation Psychologists agree that sexual orientation is not chosen or willfully changed. 1973 – Homosexuality removed from the list of “mental illnesses” by the APA. “Efforts to change sexual orientation are unlikely to be successful and involve some risk of harm.” Compared to men’s sexual orientation, women’s tends to be less strongly felt and more variable (erotic plasticity).

Biology & Sexual Orientation No evidence supports that certain environments make it more or less likely a person will be homosexual or heterosexual (e.g., parenting, abuse, sexual experience) Many examples of other animals showing homosexual behavior Brain structure—differences found in tiny cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus of homosexual and heterosexual men In homosexual men and heterosexual women, the cluster was only half the size as in heterosexual men Same difference is found in homosexual sheep When straight women smelled a scent from male sweat their hypothalamus light up. Same thing happened when gay men smelled the sweat. Straight men’s brains had no reaction. Genetics—evidence from twin studies suggests that genetics play a role 52% of identical twins, 22% of fraternal twins, 11% of adoptive brothers Changing one gene in a fruit fly can alter their sexual orientation Older-Brother/Fraternal birth-order - Link to having older brothers? See ABC News Clip

Other General Findings Findings suggest a possible relationship among prenatal stress, androgens, and the development of brain systems that play a role in sexual attraction Children who are raised by gay or lesbian parents are as well adjusted as children who are raised by heterosexual parents. They are no more likely to be gay or lesbian in adulthood Sexual orientation is an early-emerging (as early as age six), ingrained aspect of the self that probably does not change. See ABC News clip on Genetic Links to Being Gay. Male and female homosexuals are less likely than heterosexuals to have followed the typical pattern of gender-specific behaviors in childhood Once sexual orientation is established, whether heterosexual or homosexual, it is highly resistant to change. Gays and lesbians can be found in every occupation and at every socioeconomic level in our society.