© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Chapter Fifteen: Understanding Sexual Behavior and Relationships

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. The Human Sexual Response Pattern Excitement stage – arousal stage Plateau stage – leveling off of arousal immediately before climax Orgasmic stage – neuromuscular tension is released Resolution stage – return of the body to a preexcitement stage

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sexual Response Pattern

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sexual Response Pattern

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Differences Between Men and Women in the Sexual Response Pattern Men are not multiorgasmic Men reach orgasm quicker during coitus Women are multiorgasmic Women reach orgasm as quickly as men during masturbation

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sexual Orientation Heterosexuality – Sexual attraction to the opposite gender Homosexuality – Sexual attraction to the same gender –“Gay” refers to both male and female –“Lesbian” refers to a female homosexual Bisexuality – Sexual attraction toward both genders

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Gender Identity Issues Transsexualism – A person rejects his or her biological sexuality Transvestism – A person derives sexual pleasure dressing in the opposite gender’s clothes Transgenderism – Persons whose appearance and behaviors do not conform to society’s traditional gender role expectations

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Patterns of Sexual Behavior Celibacy –Self-imposed avoidance of sexual intimacy Masturbation –Self-stimulation of the genitals Fantasy and erotic dreams Shared touching Genital contact

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Patterns of Sexual Behavior Oral-genital stimulation –Fellatio (oral stimulation of a male’s genitalia) –Cunnilingus (oral stimulation of a female’s genitalia) Intercourse –Penile penetration of vagina –Associated with procreation Anal sex –Performed by both heterosexual couples and gay men

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Aging and Sexuality Sexual activity does decline with age but a significant population of older adults remain sexually active Changes in women: –Vaginal lubrication decreases –Reduction in orgasmic contractions Changes in men: –Erection process is prolonged –Decrease in contractions at orgasm –Ejaculation decreases in force and volume

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Bonds Between People Friendship –Deep attachments Dating (and online dating) –Formalized pattern –Serial monogamy to mutual monogamy patterns Intimacy –Sharing of deep feelings Love –Emotional attachment of various levels

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Qualities of Healthy Relationships Partners –Feel safe –Treat each other with respect –Enjoy spending time with each other –Trust each other –Have open communication –Are interested in each other

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Bonds Between People Communication in relationships –Key to all healthy relationships Recognizing unhealthy relationships –Excessive jealousy –Dishonesty, irresponsibility, lack of patience –Drug abuse Ending a relationship –Respect and courtesy –Keep message clear and simple

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Relationships and Lifestyles Marriage Age at first marriage has increased Gay and lesbian partnerships Same-sex marriage

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Relationships and Lifestyles Divorce Half of all marriages end in divorce Unrealistic expectations Singlehood Cohabitation Single parenthood

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Chapter Fifteen: Understanding Sexual Behavior and Relationships