Why is research on sexuality somewhat limited?

Social Taboos

Politically-generated controversy

Private nature of sex

TRUE or FALSE

Sexual practices vary from culture to culture.

Most sexual practices are accepted in some culture somewhere in the world

Both answers are TRUE.

When was homosexuality dropped from the DSM as a mental illness?

1973

TRUE or FALSE

Sigmund Freud did not view homosexuality as a variation during sexual development

FALSE. He did consider it a variation.

Define "Paraphilia(s)"

Sexual patterns where specific rituals or situations are necessary in order to acheive sexual satisfaction and/or an orgasm

Can you name of the various paraphilias?

Fetishism (sexual fetish)

Transvestitism (cross-dressing)

Voyeurism (peeping Tom)

Exhibitionism (flashing)

Sadism (inflicting pain)

Masochism (experiencing pain)

define FETISHISM

A paraphilia where the object of sexual arousal is on an inanimate object or a non-sexual part of the body

What is thought to be an important part of the development and maintenance of sexual fetishisms?

CLASSICAL CONDITIONING

What differentiates TRANSVESTITIC FETISHISM (cross-dressing) from TRANSVESTITISM (simply preferring to wear clothing of the opposite sex)?

The element of SEXUAL AROUSAL necessary in transvestitic fetishism

In what case might TRANSVESTITIC FETISHM be considered maladaptive?

if the person steals clothing necessary for sexual gratification (arrest for shoplifting, for example)

VOYEURISM

(definition)

A "peeping Tom"; a person who derives sexual satisfaction from secretly watching people undress or watching couples engaging in sexual activities.

Voyeurs are often shy persons whose fear of rejection is overcome. Voyeurs also derive a feeling of "power" over those they observe.

EXHIBITIONISM

(DEFINITION)

A person who exposes themselves (their genitalia) to others usually for the purpose of shock value.

A "flasher".

SADISM

(definition and general features)

SADISM is a paraphilia where a person derives sexual satisfaction from inflicting pain and/or suffering upon others.

Usually associated with bondage

Psychological association with rape

In some cases, serial killers have what connection with sexual sadism?

They derive a sense of power or "God-like" sense in controlling the manner of a person's death.

MASOCHISM

(define)

A person who derives sexual satisfaction and/or orgasm from experiencing pain and/or sexual degradation IN A RELATIONSHIP (the person is a "willing slave")

What do all paraphilias have in common?

a need for visual sexual imagery

What two causal factors must be considered in regard with treatment for paraphilias?

1. Most paraphilias are MALES.

2. A person with a paraphilia usually has MORE THAN ONE DISORDER

Describe some issues involving treatment of paraphilias.

Paraphilias rarely seek treatment unless it is because of an arrest and/or court order

Clients rarely report symptoms honestly/accurately

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and aversion therapy has shown some promise

Gender Dysphoria

(definition)

A person has a PERSISTENT DISCOMFORT (dysphoria) about their biological sex or feels that their gender role is inappropriate.

CROSS GENDER IDENTIFICATION

(definition)

A person has a desire to bo or insists that they are of the opposite sex

Name some features of GENDER IDENTITY DISORDER

Strong identification with gender of the opposite sex.

The person feels uncomfortable about their own gender roles and biological sex.

Definition and feature of GENDER IDENTITY DISORDER IN CHILDHOOD

A disorder in children where they show a pre-occupation with traits of the opposite sex.

Main feature is that most children with this disorder accept their own gender identity and become homosexual

Define SEXUAL ABUSE

contact that involves physical or psychological coercion

What is the common feature of sexual abuse? what two types of persons are usually victims?

The common feature is a power relationship...the element of LACK OF CONSENT.

1. Children

2. Person with mental deficits (retardation)

Describe some concerns and issues involving childhood sexual abuse:

it is more prevalant than previously believed.

Person who commit these acts usually have more than one mental disorder.

There have been questions raised about the reliability of children's testimony in legal proceedings

What can be said about "recovered memories" of childhood sexual abuse?

Are dolls with anatomically-correct genitalia useful as a tool for recovering memory or use in legal proceedings?

Recovered memories are generally not admissible in court.

Dolls with genitalia have shown to be an unreliable tool in helping to recover memories of sexual abuse.

PEDOPHILIA/Pedophiles

(Definition)

A PEDOPHILE is someone who is attracted to children who have not yet reached puberty.

(victems are generally 8-11 years of age)

Motivation for pedophilia include:

the perpetrator's belief that the child will benefit from the experience

Perpetrator's belief that the child initiated the act

Desire for dominance

What is RAPE?

What is the legal standard?

RAPE is forcing sex upon another person. The victim may be coerced through force or threat.

Most states define rape as forced penetration

Describe the features of the aftermath of rape:

Physical Trauma

Rape Trauma Syndrome or PTSD

Fear of Pregnancy

Dysfunctional intimate relationships with a spouse/S.O.

Fear of contracting a sexually transmitted disease

what are some common features of men arrested for rape?

Mostly men ages 18-25

Most are married and still living with wives

they have previous criminal records

they come from low socioeconomic backgrounds

What is the profile of a person who engages in DATE RAPE or ACQUAINTANCE RAPE?

They are usually young men

They are usually from middle class to upper class backgrounds.

they have no prior criminal records

What is a SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

Impairment in the acheivement of sexual satisfaction. Cause may be psychological or physiological in nature.

What are the four stages of sexual response?

which  of them relate to sexual dysfunction?

Desire-Excitement-Orgasm-Resolution

Sexual Dysfunction only occurs during the first three (if there is no orgasm or sexual gratification then there is no resolution, right?

What are the two types of DYSFUNCTION OF SEXUAL DESIRE?

1. HYPOACTIVE SEXUAL DISORDER

(no sexual motivation)

2. SEXUAL AVERSION DISORDER

(person avoids sex)

SEXUAL AVERSION DISORDER is a possible marker for what?

It is a possible marker that the person suffering form it has either experienced RAPE or OTHER SEXUAL TRAUMA

Are there any other types of SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION DISORDERS?

YES.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (E.D.) IN MALES

FEMALE AROUSAL DISORDER (FRIGIDITY) IN FEMALES

WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE CAUSES OF FEMALE SEXUAL AROUSAL DISORDER (FRIGIDITY)?

Early childhood sexual trauma

Distorted views of sex

Name some ORGASMIC DISORDERS

PREMATURE EJACULATION DISORDER(male comes too fast but also occurs with females)

MALE ORGASM DISORDER (can't come)

FEMALE ORGASM DISORDER (can't come)

DISCUSS PAINFUL SEXUAL DISORDERS:

There are two main types:

1. DYSPAREUNIA (Greek. "badly mated")

painful sex - mostly females

2. VAGINISMUS - painful, unwanted vaginal contractions