Sexual Behavior is influenced by...

-Biology -Psychology -Culture

Biology

Hormones, neurotransmitters, anatomy

Psychology

Attraction, identity, emotions

Culture

Society, religion, media, family value

Biological Sex (Based on)

-Chromosomes -Hormones -Reproductive organs (Glands)

Three Biological Sexes

-Male -Female -Intersex (about 1 in 2000 people)

Gender Identity (Definition and examples)

A person's psychological sense of their gender Ex. Male, Female, Nonbinary, Gender fluid, Gender non-conforming, Transgender

Transgender (Types)

-Transgender Man: Born biologically female -Transgender woman: Born biologically male

Gender roles (Definition and influence)

Society's expectations about behaviors based on gender Influenced by: Culture, Government, Religion, Family

Sexual Orientation (Definition and examples)

Who someone is romantically and / or sexually attracted to Ex. Heterosexual, Homosexual, Bisexual, Pansexual, Asexual

Is male or female sexuality more felxible?

Female

Male Reproductive Anatomy Structures

-Testes -Epididymis -Vas Deferens -Prostate gland -Cowper's gland -Urethra -Penis

Testes (Male Reproductive Anatomy function)

Produce sperm and testosterone

Epididymis (Male Reproductive Anatomy function)

Sperm mature here

Vas Deferens (Male Reproductive Anatomy function)

Carries sperm to the prostate

Prostate gland (Male Reproductive Anatomy function)

Produces sugar-rich fluid that helps sperm swim

Cowper's gland (Male Reproductive Anatomy function)

Produces alkaline mucus to help sperm survive the vagina's acidic environment

Urethra (Male Reproductive Anatomy function)

Carries urine and semen out of the body

Penis (Male Reproductive Anatomy function)

Delivers sperm during ejaculation; contains many nerve endings for pleasure

How long do men produce sperm?

Continuously, for their whole life

Why do testes remain outside the body?

Cooler temperatures improve sperm production

Vasectomy definition

The vas deferens is cut to prevent sperm from entering semen. It does not reduce testosterone, sex drive, or sexual performance.

Female external genitalia (Name and structures)

The vuvla refers to the external genitalia -Clitoral hood -Clitoris -Labia Majora / Minora -Urethra -Vagina

Clitoral hood (Female External Genitalia functions)

Protects the clitoris

Clitoris (Female External Genitalia functions)

Primary source of female sexual pleasure; has more nerve endings than the penis

Labia Majora / Minora (Female External Genitalia functions)

Protect the vaginal opening

Urethra (Female External Genitalia functions)

Carries Urine

Vagina (Female External Genitalia functions)

Muscular canal leading to the urethra

Important points about Female External Genitalia

-External anatomy varies normally -Differences in size, color, and shape are normal

Female Internal Reproductive structures

-Cervix -Uterus -Ovaries -Fallopian tubes

Cervix (Female Internal Reproductive function)

Opening between vagina & uterus

Uterus (Female Internal Reproductive function)

site of fetal development; sheds lining during menstruation

Ovaries (Female Internal Reproductive function)

Produce eggs & estrogen (Female Internal Reproductive function)

Fallopian tubes (Female Internal Reproductive function)

Site where fertilization usually occurs

What are some main sex hormones?

-Estrogen -Progesterone -Androgens -Testosterone -Oxytocin

Estrogen

-Primary female sex hormone -Produced mainly by the ovaries -Responsible for female reproductive development

Progesterone

-Prepares the uterus for pregnancy -Thickens the uterine lining

Androgens

-Group of male sex hormones

Testosterone

Present in both sexes (Higher levels in males) Functions: -Increase sex drive (libido) -Important for sperm production

Testosterone Lecture details (Specifically for males)

-Peaks around ages 15-25 -Declines gradually after about age 40 -Lower levels may reduce: Sex drive, mood, cognitive functioning

Oxytocin

Present in both sexes Functions: -Promotes bonding -Increases feelings of attachment -Increases sexual attraction (Often called the "bonding hormone")

Female Menstrual Cycle (length and ovulation)

Length: 28-30 days Ovulation: Occurs around day 14 in a regular cycle

Ovulation Characteristics

-Highest chance of pregnancy -Increased sex drive -Heterosexual women often show greater attraction to more masculine-looking men during evaluation

The brain & sexual arousal (How is the brain the primary sex organ?)

The limbic system and cerebral cortex help create sexual experiences

Dopamine (the brain & sexual arousal)

Primarily neurotransmitter involved in: Pleasure, Reward, and sexual attraction Higher dopamine = Greater sexual pleasure!

What triggers sexual arousal?

The many sensory experiences increase dopamine & contribute to arousal: Main triggers: -Seeing someone attractive -Touching sensitive body parts -Voice (higher pitch in women / deeper voices in men) -Kissing / taste -Smell (including possible pheromone effects)

Influences on Sexual Attitudes

-Culture -Religion -Parents / upbringing -Trauma -Media -Self-esteem -Childhood experiences -Dating apps -Pornography -Government / law (REMEMBER: Sexuality is shaped by BOTH Nature AND Nurture)

Why isn't better sex education taught?

-Sex remains a cultural taboo -Some religious beliefs discourage discussion -Many parents feel uncomfortable teaching it -Lack of education is also associated with: -Higher teen pregnancy rates -Higher rates of sexually transmitted infections -Poor understanding of consent and reproductive health

5 Interpersonal Attraction concepts

-Composite Faces -Facial Symmetry -Golden Ratio -Sex-Typical Facial Features -Waist - to - Hip Ratio

Composite Faces (Interpersonal Attraction concept)

computer0generated average faces are often rated as the most attractive Reasoning: Greater facial symmetry

Facial Symmetry (Interpersonal Attraction concept)

People generally prefer faces where both sides are similar Symmetry may signal health and genetic quality

Golden Ratio (Interpersonal Attraction concept)

Mathematical proportions of facial features -> Greater proportions closer to the golden ratio are often judged as more attractive

Sex-Typical Facial Features

Women: -Smaller Jaw -Smaller Brow -Softer Facial Features Men: -Square Jaw -Prominent Brow -More Masculine Facial Structure

Waist - to - Hip Ratio

Ideal female ratio: 0.7 Often associated with fertility and attractiveness

Characteristics Men Tend to Prefer

-Physical Attractiveness -Youth -Greater willingness for short-term relationships

Characteristics Women Ten to Prefer

-Financial Stability -Status -Ability to provide resources

Fetishes & Paraphilias (Definition and examples)

Sexual arousal involving specific objects, body parts, or situations Ex. Lingerie, Feet, Voyeurism, BDSM, Sex Toys, Exhibitionism

Important points about Fetish

A fetish becomes a disorder when: -It is the only way someone can become sexually aroused and / or it causes significant distress or impairment *Consent is essential in practices such as BDSM*

Health Psychology (Definition and focuses)

Studies how behavior, emotions, and psychological factors affect: Health, illness, recovery, and life expectancy Focuses on: Preventing diseases, improving health, understanding how stress affects the body.

What are emotions?

Emotions are the feeling aspect of consciousness

What are the 3 components of emotions

-Physiological arousal -Behavioral expression -Subjective awareness

Physiological arousal (3 components of emotions)

-Heart rate -Hormones -Muscle tension

Behavioral expression (3 components of emotions)

-Facial expressions -Tone of voice -Body language

Subjective awareness (3 components of emotions)

-The feeling you experience internally

The 6 Basic Emotions we are born with

Universal emotions: Happiness, Sadness, Fear, Anger, Disgust, Surprise

What does emotions help us do?

-Survive -Communicate -Make decisions -Build relationships -Recognize danger -Motivate behavior

What do positive emotions do?

Generally improve physical health

What do negative emotions do?

They are normal, but long-term can contribute to: -Anxiety -Depression -Relationship problems -Physical illness

Positive emotions tend to cause...

-Better oxygen circulation -Relaxed muscles -Better digestion -Lower blood pressure

Chronic negative emotions may contribute to...

-Muscle tension -High blood pressure -Heart disease -Anxiety -Depression -Poor immune system

Stress

Occurs when a person feels overwhelmed and believes they lack the resources to meet demands

Stress Vs. Being busy

Busy: -Many responsibilities -Still coping successfully Stress: -Feel overwhelmed -Fear failure -Experience anxiety

Effects of Stress on the body

Can affect nearly every body system, possible effects include: Tight muscles, Neck pain, Jaw clenching, Back pain, Poo posture, Panic attacks, Fatigue, Sugar cravings, Weakened immune system

Long-term unhealthy stress may contribute to...

-Heart disease -Diabetes -Stroke -Obesity

Sympathetic nervous system

Controls the fight - or - flight response When activated: Heart rate increases, Energy increases, Breathing increases, Blood sugar rises, Blood pressure rises

Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) 3 Stages

1) Alarm 2)Resistance 3)Exhaustion

Stage 1: Alarm (Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS))

Also called: Fight - or - Flight Response Occurs during sudden stress Ex. Near car accident, Dangerous animal, Emergency Body changes: Higher sympathetic nervous system, adrenaline, cortisol, and endorphins Purpose: Prepare the body for immediate survival

Stage 2: Resistance (Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS))

Occurs when stress lasts longer Ex. Finals week, Heavy workload, Long athletic training Body changes: Moderate adrenaline remains elevated, fatigue, withdrawal, cravings for sugary foods Possible long-term results: Increased diabetes risk, belly fat

Stage 3: Exhaustion (Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS))

Occurs after prolonged or intense stress Ex. Months or years of chronic stress, PTSD Body changes: High cortisol for long periods, Adrenal glands become overworked, Increased illness, weakened immune system, muscle loss, faster aging

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Disorder) (Development and associated with)

Can develop after severe trauma Associated with: Often linked to the Exhaustion stage, very intense stress, long-lasting stress response

Stress Hormones

-Adrenaline -Cortisol -Endorphins

Adrenaline (Stress Hormones)

Functions: -Increases heart rate -Increases alertness -prepares body for action Highest during: Alarm stage

Cortisol (Stress Hormones)

Known as the stress hormone Functions: -Raises blood sugar -Provides energy during Problem: Too much cortisol over long periods causes: Immune suppression, Muscle loss, Illness, Aging

Endorphins (Stress Hormones)

Body's natural painkillers Increase during: -Stress -exercise Help reduce pain during emergencies

Psychosomatic illness

Physical illnesses that re influenced or worsened by psychological stress Stress can contribute to: -High blood pressure -Heart disease -Stroke -Digestive problems

Type A Personality

-Competitive -impatient -Hostile -Easily angered -Hurried

Type B personality

-Relaxed -Easygoing -Calm -Less stressed -Patient

Is Type A or B personalities at higher health risk?

Type A Higher risk for: -Heart disease -High blood pressure -Stroke

Healthy ways to cope w/ stress

Ex. Exercise (Moderate), meditation, yoga, stretching, journaling, talking with friends, art, therapy, hobbies, music, walking outside, pet therapy, volunteering, learning new skills, healthy sleep, protein-rich diet, watching movies, laughing

Unhealthy Coping strategies

Ex. Alcohol, smoking, daily marijuana use, vaping, drug misuse, risky sex, gambling, overspending, binge eating, too much caffeine, excessive social media scrolling, avoiding problems, isolation, anger outbursts, over-exercising, excessive sleep

Long-term stress often leads people to...

-Eating unhealthy foods -Sleep poorly -Avoid exercise -Use substances -Spend excessive time on phone / social media These habits increase risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes