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The Sexual Self.pdf undesrtanding the self
- 1. Embracing Authenticity in theSexual Self PREPARED BY PROF. SUNDAE D. CORTEZ-ESTENZO
- 2. Key concepts Biologicalsex – physical features that distinguish a boy from a girl and depends on medical factors Gender – a social construct that varies from one society to another and can change over time Gender identity – is about how someone sees himself or herself, whether he or she identifies as a man, a woman, both or neither Gender roles – traditionally refer to the behaviors, activities, and responsibilities that a community typically associates with a specific birth sex within a given society.
- 3. Key concepts Genderexpression – refers to how a person publicly expresses or presents his or her gender through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, etc. Gender norms – societal expectations and rules that define how a particular gender should behave Sexuality – involves understanding one’s body, feelings, and healthy relationships. It is about the way people experience and express sexual feelings.
- 4. Key concepts Sexualidentity – means how a person sees themselves in terms of romantic or sexual attraction towards others, and it can be different from romantic identity. Sexual orientation – is about whom someone is attracted to romantically or sexually. Sexual behavior – refers to the various actions and activities that people do related to their sexuality.
- 5. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT DURING PUBERTY STAGE During puberty,a person develops their sexual identity and the ability to reproduce. Puberty is a period during which adolescents experience fast physical development, the appearance of secondary sexual traits, hormonal changes, and transformations linked to sexual maturity of the body.
- 6. PHYSICAL CHANGES This surgeof hormones triggers a variety of visible physical changes. The hormonal and physical changes are also different for girls and boys. (for the table listing the hormones, refer to pages 116 and 117 of the book)
- 7. PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES EarlyPuberty – young individuals predominantly engage in concrete thinking During this time, their sexual orientation starts to become clearer as they explore their own identities and what type of romantic relationships they like. Mid-puberty – abstract thinking starts to take center stage Aspects of childhood mentality such as their sense of “invincibility” may linger. They might still feel like they can do anything and nothing bad can happen to them. Late Puberty – complex abstract thinking takes root and they can now think about really complicated ideas that do not involve physical things at all.
- 8. DEVELOPMENTAL CONCERNS IN PUBERTY TIMING PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY – a condition that happens because of issues in the central nervous system, which affects the release of a hormone called GnRH. GnRH plays a role in growing up at the proper time. DELAYED PUBERTY – when there are no initial signs of secondary sexual development by the oldest age range expected of the child, typically 13 years old for most females and 14 years old for most males. Inadequate nutrition Chronic illness Hypogonadropic hypoginadism
- 9. EROGENOUS ZONES IN THE BODY Itis a highly sensitive area of the human body that, when stimulated, can evoke sexual responses like arousal and orgasm. • Specific zones are closely connected to sexual responses and include certain areas like lips, nipples, and parts of the genitals. • Nonspecific zones include the sides and back of the neck, the inner arms, the armpits, and the sides of the chest. While these areas are not directly linked to sexual responses, they can still be sensitive and pleasant to touch.
- 10. PHASES OF HUMANSEXUAL RESPONSE SEXUAL PHASES EXCITEMENT Person starts feeling interested in sex, experiencing desire, and having sexual thoughts and daydreams; increased blood flow to the genitals PLATEAU Individuals experience increased muscle tension, further increase in heart rate, sense of anticipation and build up ORGASM It is the height of a person’s sexual enjoyment and excitement; involves rhythmic contraction of the genital muscles and is typically accompanied by a sense of euphoria RESOLUTION The body slowly goes back to a final phase where it slowly goes back to how it felt before getting aroused
- 11. AREAS OF THE BRAIN INVOLVED INSEXUAL RESPONSE BRAIN AREA Role in sexual response Hypothalamus Initiates hormone release, regulates sexual arousal Amygdala Processes emotional and erotic stimuli, triggers arousal Hippocampus Involved in memory formation and contextual integration Cerebral Cortex Controls cognitive function, desire and anticipation Brainstem Governs basic reflexes, controls autonomic functions
- 12. HORMONES AND NEUROTRANSMITTERS INVOLVEDIN SEXUAL RESPONSE HORMONE TESTOSTERONE Primary male sex hormone; stimulates sexual desire, sperm production, and secondary sexual characteristics ESTROGEN Group of female sex hormones; regulates menstrual cycle, maintains female reproductive health PROGESTERONE Female sex hormone; prepares the uterus for pregnancy OXYTOCIN Often called the ‘love hormone’, involved in social bonding, trust, emotional attachment and intimacy VASOPRESSIN Hormone related to water and blood pressure regulation; influences social bonding and sexual behavior DOPAMINE NT associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation; released during sexual arousal and activity, contributing to feelings of pleasure and reinforcing sexual behaviors SEROTONIN NT involved in mood regulation; has a complex relationship with sexual response, as high levels can reduce sexual desire and arousal
- 13. STAGES OF LOVE Loveencompasses various forms such as romantic, platonic, familial, and self- love. It is also a profound desire for someone, often leading to actions like dating and open emotional expression. Romantic love commonly involves a strong desire for sexual activity.
- 14. STAGES OF LOVE:Lust Lust – it is the initial stage of love and is primarily driven by physical attraction and sexual desire. It is when a person really wants to be close to someone and the focus might be more on the physical aspects of a person’s appearance. It is intense but is short-lived and fleeting.
- 15. STAGES OF LOVE:Attraction Involves a deeper emotional connection beyond physical desire. It includes feelings of infatuation, passion, and a strong desire to be with and get to know the person on a more profound level.
- 16. STAGES OF LOVE: Attachment It is the long-term, deep emotional bond that forms between two people in a committed relationship. It involves a sense of security, trust, and emotional support.
- 17. TYPES OF SEXUALBEHAVIOR NORMATIVE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR refers to behaviors that are common or typical for the developmental age, but it does not pertain to what may be desired by a specific group or individual. It is not coercive, which means it seeks consent, respects boundaries, and acts appropriately. CAUTIONARY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR refers to behaviors that may be concerning or inappropriate, but not necessarily harmful. PROBLEMATIC SEXUAL BEHAVIOR is a set of behaviors that are not normative, are considered unacceptable by society, and can cause impairment in functioning. It can have an aggressive quality involving the use of threats, coercion, or force that may be social or physical, a pattern of inappropriate sexual acts, and secrecy.
- 18. Two subsets ofProblematic Sexual Behavior •Involving acting on sexual urges or desires without careful consideration of consequences, boundaries, or consent. •It can lead to behaviors that are problematic and potentially harmful, such as non- consensual sexual activity or risky behaviors that may result in negative consequences like STIs or unintended pregnancies. Impulsive sexual behavior •Also known as hypersexuality or sexual addiction, is a condition characterized by an inability to control intense sexual impulses or urges leading to repetitive sexual behavior •Individuals with this condition experience persistent sexual thoughts that interfere with their daily lives, relationships, and productivity. Compulsive sexual behavior
- 19. TYPES OF SEXUAL ACTIVITIES Masturbation Oral-Genital Stimulation(Oral Sex) • Cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vulva • Fellation (oral stimulation of the penis) Anal Stimulation or Anal Intercourse Penile-Vaginal Intercourse Kissing and Touching
- 20. Common reasons individualschoose to engage in sexual activities Seeking pleasure Expressing love and intimacy Desire for having children Earning money or goods Influence or pornography
- 21. ATYPICAL SEXUAL INTERESTS Paraphiliais a term used to describe atypical sexual interests, preferences, or behaviors that derive from culturally accepted norms. Examples are: Exhibitionism – involves exposing one’s genitals to unsuspecting individuals Voyeurism – observing others undressing or engaging in sexual activities without their consent Sadomasochism – involves deriving sexual pleasure from giving or receiving pain Fetishism – an intense sexual attraction to specific objects or body parts Pedophilia – involves sexual attraction to prepubescent children
- 22. PRACTICES OF SEXUALABSTENTION ABSTINENCE is the conscious decision or choice to refrain from engaging in specific sexual activities for a defined period or until certain conditions are met. CELIBACY is a long-term or lifelong commitment to abstain from all sexual activities including sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual behavior. It is often motivated by religious, personal, or philosophical beliefs.
- 23. DIFFERENT SEXUAL IDENTITIES HeterosexualQueer Homosexual Androgynosexual Bisexual Skoliosexual Pansexual Polysexual Asexual Onmisexual Demisexual Fluid Graysexual
- 24. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES STDs are a group of different infections caused by tiny germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These are primarily transmitted through sexual contact and through other modes as well.
- 25. Mode of Transmission: Sexualcontact Sharing needles and drug paraphernalia Mother-to-child transmission Skin-to-skin contact Non-sexual personal contact Blood transfusions and organ transplants
- 26. Preventing and managing STDs Safe sexual practices Condom use Limiting sexual partners Regular testing Partner communication Vaccination Education and awareness Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Treatment and Partner Notification Preventing Mother-to-Child transmission Research and development Community support and resources