Psychology 1000 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Fantasy, Premarital Sex
4 Jun 2018
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SEXUAL MOTIVATION
▪ Evolution has shaped our physiology so that sex feel good, that it leads to childbirth
and that our genes are passed on
Sexual Behaviour: Patterns and Changes
▪ Scientists typically learn about peoples sexual activities by conducting surveys
▪ Single adults who cohabit are the most sexually active, followed by married adults
▪ Men tend to have their first sexual experience before women
▪ Changing social norms, a trend toward sexual activity at a younger age, and a
tendency to delay marriage have all contributed to an increase in premarital sex
▪ However, these premarital trends may be leveling off and maybe even reversing
▪ Response to an increased cultural emphasis on the depth of relationships, AIDS and
other STDs
The Physiology of Sex
The Sexual Response Cycle
▪ Sexual response cycle: consists of four stages
o Excitement phase- arousal buildings rapidly. Blood flow increases
(vasocongestion)
o Plateau phase- respiration, heart rate, vasocongestion, and muscle tension
continue to build until there is enough muscle tension to trigger orgasm
o Orgasm phase- in males, internal organs and muscle tissue surrounding the
urethra project semen. In females, contractions of the outer third of the
vagina and the uterus
o Resolution phase- physiological arousal decreases rapidly, organs and tissues
return to normal
o Refractory phase- only occurs in males. Period during which they can not
have another orgasm
Horomonal Influences
▪ The hypothalamus plays a key role in sexual motivation
▪ Controls the pituitary gland, which regulates the secretion of hormones called
gonadotropins into the bloodstream
▪ Androgens- the masculine sex-hormone such as testosterone
▪ Estrogens- the feminine sex-hormone such as estradiol
▪ Both men and women produce androgens and estrogens
▪ Sex hormones have organizational effects that direct the development of male and
female characteristics
▪ Male and female embryos form a primitive gonad that has the potential to develop
into either testes or ovaries
▪ If male, embryo forms testes about eight weeks after conception
▪ Testes resale sec hormones, there is sufficient androgen activity to produce a male
pattern of genital, reproductive, brain, and other organ development
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