Chapter 5 Sexuality in Relationships

Chapter Outline Sexual Values Alternative Sexual Values Sexual Double Standard Sources of Sexual Values Sexual Behaviors Gender Differences in Sexual Behavior

Chapter Outline Pheromones and Sexual Behavior Sexuality in Relationships Safe Sex: Avoiding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection Sexual Fulfillment: Some Prerequisites

True or False? Students who pledge to remain a virgin are as likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection as those who do not take the “virginity pledge.”

Answer: True Students who pledge to remain a virgin are as likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection as those who do not take the “virginity pledge.”

True or False? Women who hook up are not regarded more negatively than men who do the same.

Answer: False In a recent study, England and Thomas (2006) noted: –Women who hooked up too often with too many men and had sex too easily were vulnerable to getting a bad reputation. –Men who did the same thing got a bad reputation among women, but there was less stigma. –Men gained status among other men for their exploits; women were more quiet.

True or False? Having sex to avoid conflict in a relationship has a positive outcome for the individual, the couple, and their relationship.

Answer: False One’s motives for a sexual encounter are related to the outcome. When sexual motives are to avoid conflict, the personal and interpersonal effects did not result in positive outcomes.

True or False? Greater equality between women and men is associated with higher sexual satisfaction between the partners.

Answer: True Greater equality between women and men is associated with higher sexual satisfaction between the partners.

Choices that Reflect Sexual Values How much sex and how soon in the relationship? Require a condom for vaginal or anal intercourse? Require a condom and/or dental dam for oral sex? Require testing for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) before becoming sexually active? Tell partner number of previous sexual partners? Tell partner of sexual fantasies?

Sexual Values This French couple is in Paris, where kissing in public is normative. One’s sexual values are learned from one’s society. Pg. 138

Functions of Sexual Values Solidifying Self-Identity Scripting of Sexual Behavior Selecting Dating/Marriage Partners Reducing STD/HIV Risk

Friends with Benefits A new trend is emerging in relational/sexual behavior. Friends with benefits (FWB) is a relationship of nonromantic friends who also have a sexual relationship.

Sources of Sexual Values School Family Religion Peers

Sexual Values Absolutism –A religious absolutist makes sexual choices based on moral considerations. Relativism –Emphasizes that sexual decisions should be made in the context of a situation. Hedonism –“If it feels good, do it.”

Asceticism A subcategory of absolutism. The ascetic believes that giving in to lust is unnecessary and attempts to rise above the pursuit of sensual pleasure into a life of self- discipline and self-denial. Catholic priests, monks, nuns, and some other celibates have adopted the sexual value of asceticism.

Sexual Value by Sex of Respondent RespondentAbsolutismRelativismHedonism Male Students 13.0% (43)52.2% (173(34.8% (115) Female Students 14.4% (43)72.2% (497) 13.4% (92)

Question A value system that emphasizes decisions depending on the context of a situation is referred to as A.relativism B.asceticism C.conservatism D.absolutism

Answer: A A value system that emphasizes decisions depending on the context of a situation is referred to as relativism.

Question Who is more likely to be hedonistic? A.a teenage girl B.a male college student C.an elderly man D.a married middle-aged woman

Answer: B A male college student is more likely to be hedonistic.

Question Those who considered themselves "emotionally involved" described themselves as being more A.ascetic. B.absolutist. C.relativistic. D.hedonistic.

Answer: C Those who considered themselves "emotionally involved" described themselves as being more relativistic.

Question A form of absolutism that refers to a chaste and celibate life is called A.relativism. B.exhibitionism. C.hedonism. D.asceticism.

Answer: D A form of absolutism that refers to a chaste and celibate life is called asceticism.

Should You Have Intercourse with a New Partner? Considerations: –Personal consequences –Partner consequences –Relationship consequences –Contraception –HIV and other sexually transmissible infections –Influence of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Sexuality in Relationships: the Never-Married The never-married and not living together report more sexual partners than those who are married or living together. Compared with marrieds and cohabitants, the unmarried, reported the lowest level of sexual satisfaction.

Sexuality in Relationships: the Divorced Of the almost 2 million people getting divorced, most will have intercourse within one year of being separated from their spouses. Because the divorced are usually in their 30s or older, they may not be as sensitized to the danger of contracting HIV as persons in their 20s. The largest number of AIDS cases has occurred among persons aged 40 to 44 years, accounting for 21% of cases in 2004.

Sexuality in Relationships: Marriage Marital sex is distinctive for its: –social legitimacy –declining frequency –satisfaction (physical and emotional)

Sexual Fulfillment: Prerequisites Self-Knowledge, Self-Esteem, Health A Good Relationship Open Sexual Communication Addressing Safer Sex Issues Realistic Expectations Avoiding Spectatoring Debunking Sexual Myths

Sexual Fulfillment This couple is in a stable, loving, monogamous relationship. Pg. 152

Common Sexual Myths Masturbation will make you blind. Sexual behavior usually ends after age 60. People who enjoy pornography commit sexual crimes. “Normal” women have orgasms from intercourse alone. Extramarital sex always destroys a marriage. Simultaneous orgasm is the ultimate sexual experience.

Common Sexual Myths A man can’t have an orgasm without an erection. Using a condom ensures that you won’t get HIV. Most women prefer a partner with a large penis. Few women masturbate. An erection is necessary for good sex. An orgasm is necessary for good sex.

Question The view that encourages and accepts the sexual expression of men more than women is: A.sexual values B.safer sex C.sexual double standard D.sexual myth

Answer: C The view that encourages and accepts the sexual expression of men more than women is the sexual double standard.

Safe Sex One of the negative consequences of sexual behavior is the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). These include Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The most lethal is that due to HIV, which attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.

Transmission of HIV and High- Risk Behaviors HIV can be transmitted in several ways. –Sexual contact –Intravenous drug use –Blood transfusions –Mother-child transmission –Organ or tissue transplants and donor semen