A broad term that 

includes many facets of the way 

we experience our lives as sexual 

beings. Sexuality encompasses 

our sexual behaviors, feelings, 

gender identities and roles, 

sexual orientation, and reproduc-

tion. It is infuenced by physical, 

psychological, spiritual and 

cultural factors.

 The World Health 

Organization defnes sexual 

health as “. . . a state of physical, 

emotional, mental, and social 

well-being related to sexuality . . . 

[that] requires a positive and 

respectful approach to sexuality 

and sexual responses, as well as 

the possibility of having 

pleasurable and safe sexual expe-

riences” (World Health Organiza-

tion, 2006).

 An infection that is most 

commonly transmitted through 

sexual contact, such as chla-

mydia, genital herpes, or HIV.

 A broad 

term to describe education 

about human sexuality, which 

may include information about 

physical, emotional, and social 

aspects of sexual health and 

disease; as well as rights and 

responsibilities; identity; values 

and attitudes; and many other 

aspects of sexual behavior.

 A country 

with fnancial, educational, and 

health standards that allow for 

higher levels of human well-

being, as measured by the 

economic factors, life expec-

tancy, and educational opportu-

nities of the country. Developed 

countries include the United 

States, Canada, Australia, the 

countries of Western Europe, 

Israel, Kuwait, Japan, Hong 

Kong, and others.

 The science of life and 

of living organisms.

 An 

anatomical area that has a 

diferent form in males and 

females.

 A 

method of reproduction in 

which a single organism 

replicates itself.

 The 

creation of new generations by 

the fusion of egg and sperm.

 The study of how 

evolutionary forces afect our 

behavior.

 A process by 

which organisms that are best 

suited to their environment are 

most likely to survive. Traits that 

confer a reproductive advantage 

tend to be passed on, whereas 

maladaptive traits are lost.

 A random change in 

the DNA sequence of a gene.

 The tendency to 

look at the world from the 

perspective of one’s own ethnic 

group or culture, which you 

believe to be superior.

 The assumption 

that everyone is heterosexual 

and that heterosexuality is the 

only natural, normal, acceptable, 

and superior sexual orientation.

 The emphasis of 

the male point of view, often to 

the neglect of the female.

 The science of 

mind, emotions, and behavior.

 Sexual 

desire or drive.

 Areas of the 

body that are particularly 

sensitive to touch, and that may 

lead to sexual arousal when 

stimulated.

 The idea that 

men unconsciously want to 

eliminate or replace their 

fathers and have sex with their 

mothers.

 The psycho-analytic term

used to describe a 

girl’s romantic or sexual feelings 

toward her father.

 The part of the unconscious 

mind that controls primitive 

drives such as those related to 

sex, food, and aggression.

 The part of the psyche that 

mediates the drives of the id 

and superego.

 Our sense of 

morality, or conscience.

 The use 

of reinforcement and punishment

to increase or decrease 

the likelihood of certain 

behaviors.

 The 

psychotherapeutic treatment 

that uses the theory of operant 

conditioning to change 

maladaptive behaviors.

 An ancient Indian 

text, made up of poetry, prose, 

and illustrations, which contains 

practical advice for sexual 

pleasure, love, and marriage.

 Patterns of conventional

behavior within a group.

 Social 

norms or customs that embody 

the fundamental values of a 

group. Mores are more strongly 

enforced than folkways.

 A written collection of 

enforceable rules that govern a 

community.

 The set of attitudes, 

values, goals, and practices that 

is learned and shared by a 

relatively large group of people.

 A group of people that 

share cultural aspects such as 

language, dress, and norms of 

behavior.

 The threshold 

between two diferent states 

or stages.

 The minimum 

age at which a person can be 

considered legally competent 

for consensual sexual relations. 

This age varies from state to 

state, and also may depend on 

other factors.

 The tools used to deliver 

information; often referred to as 

“mass media” because they are 

designed to reach a very large 

audience.

 An approach 

to decision-making that is based 

on data and scientifc studies to 

determine the best practices.