SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Lesson Objectives;
When you finish reading this chapter, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the variety of sexual behaviors in humans;
2. Tackle atypical sexual variations; and
3. Show appreciation of the diversity of human sexual expression.
Definition of terms:
• Sexual behavior - an action with sexual intention and context.
•Erotic - related to sexual stimulation; has something to do with the erogenous zones.
• Sexual response cycle – sequence of events from arousal to orgasm to resolution of sexual tension.
• Sexual dysfunction - a concern or problem in any of the phases of the sexual response cycle (e.g., inability to have
an erection of orgasm, painful intercourse).
• Copulatory behavior - related to the insertion of the penis to the vagina.
• Paraphilia - arousal from nonliving objects and or nonconsenting persons.
Introduction
In earlier discussions, we mentioned that psychology has three primary components: affect (emotions,
feelings), cognition (thought process) and behavior (actions). Hence, when used as a framework in understanding
human sexuality, it is only appropriate to explore the diversity of behaviors relevant to our understanding of human
sexuality.
What is behavior? In simpler terms, it refers to actions. These are things that we do, both overt or
observable and covert or not readily observable by the naked eye. On a daily basis, we act because of a motivation -
something that drives us to do something. Some psychologists believe that we behave as a response to stimuli.
Others believe that we do things because we want to achieve pleasure or avoid pain. Some think it is because we
achieve a goal towards the fulfillment of our own potentials and aspirations as a human in search for meaning.
What is interesting about behavior is it is readily measurable as opposed to feelings and thoughts. You can
look at its frequency-how many times an action is done in a span of time. You can also check on the duration-how
long does an action take place, say, in seconds, minutes or hours. A behavior has an Intensity-the magnitude by
which it is done Is it forceful? Is it weak? Then there is diversity-what are the varieties of a similar behavior done in
various context or what are the different behaviors we are capable of depending on our physical characteristics.
SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Sexual behaviors are actions that humans agree to interpret as an expression of their sexual motivations or
intentions. It is important to remember that behaviors are given meaning by people. For instance, while hugging and
kissing maybe considered sexual in nature, this is not always the case because the context of the behavior matters.
Sexual behaviors are generally erotic behaviors such that they involve any of the primary or secondary
erotic zones. Earlier we mentioned that body parts such as face, neck, genitalia, and chest, among others, are
erogenous zones.
Sexual behaviors can be typed according to the aim of the behavior. For instance, sexual behavior such as
masturbation or the stimulation of one's own genitals can be considered as auto-erotic (self-directed). Erotic
motivations can also be directed to other people of the same-sex or of the opposite sex. Homoerotic behaviors are
sexual behaviors oriented to the same sex. On the other hand, heteroerotic behaviors are used to refer to sexual
behaviors oriented to the other sex.
For reproductive purposes, copulation or the insertion of the penis to the vagina is necessary. Humans can
assume two positions in this process. More common is the ventral- ventral position (ventris: abdomen), wherein the
male and the female species are facing each other. Alternatively, a ventral-dorsal position (dorsum: back), may be
assumed wherein the abdomen of the male species is facing the dorsum of the female species, such that insertion of
the penis to the vagina is from behind.
However, sexual behaviors do not only refer to copulation-the insertion of the penis to the vaginal orifice.
They also include an array of non-copulatory sexual behaviors such as hugging, kissing, caressing. There are also
sexual behaviors that involve oral stimulation of the genitals such as fellatio (oral stimulation of the penis) or
cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vagina). Then, there are also sexual behaviors involving stimulation or penetration
of the anal orifice (anal sex).
SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
For heterosexual couples, one of the ultimate goals of the sexual act is reproduction. This is made possible
through the fertilization of the ovum by a sperm, which necessitates ejaculation (release of the sperm) from the
human male into the internal reproductive system of the human female. Before this ultimate process, both the human
male and female undergoes a sequence of bodily changes which prepare them for the sexual climax. This sequence
of changes is referred to as the sexual response cycle.
Master and Johnson's Model.
Masters and Johnson (1966, 1970) proposed that the following are four phases in the cycle:
o Excitement. The Excitement phase is the first phase in the cycle. For the human male, goal of this
phase is erection or tumescence (the elongation and stiffening of the penis) so that it can be
efficiently inserted into the vagina. At this phase, the testes and scrotum start to elevate and some
parts of the skin (e.g., in the breast and chest) reddens-a phenomenon referred to as a sex flush.
o For the human female, the goal of this phase is lubrication (wetness of the vaginal orifice to
facilitate insertion of the penis). Lubrication is made possible by vaginal vasocongestion. At this
phase, there is swelling of the glans clitoris and the labia minora, and there are sex flushes in
breasts and chest. In both male and female humans, heart rate increases during the excitement
phase.
o Plateau. The Excitement phase is followed by the Plataeu phase. This phase is characterized by a
sustained peak in stimulation of the organs. In the human male, the corona and glans penis
become enlarged and reddish. Internally, the Cowper's glands release a lubricating fluid and the
testes and the scrotum are totally elevated. In the human female, the outer vagina swells while the
inner vagina expands and becomes elongated creating the orgasmic platform (tenting).
o Orgasm. The Orgasm phase is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is a stage of release
wherein the human male achieves ejaculation and the human female is ready to receive the sperm
for possible fertilization. In the human male, ejaculation is made possible by the contraction of the
vas deference, seminal vesicles, and urethra, followed by the contraction of the rectal sphincter. In
the human female, the vagina, uterus, and anal sphincter also contract.
o Resolution. In the Resolution phase, the male penis return to its normal unerected phase, whereas
the testes and the scrotum descend. In the human female, the outer and inner reproductive organs
also relax.
Kaplan's Model
Unlike Master and Johnson's model, Kaplan's model (1979) sees the sexual response cycle as having
relatively independent stages.
The three phases of this model include: (1) Desire, (2) Arousal, and (3) Orgasm.
o Desire. Desire is the psychological component of the sexual response. It involves sexual thoughts
and feelings, which are necessary for a satisfying sexual experience. However, desire does not
necessarily translate into action.
o Arousal. Arousal phase is the phase where the Excitement and Plateau (as defined by Masters and
Johnson) take place. It is the physiological component of the sexual response, wherein bodily
changes occur as an outcome of sexual stimulation. Just like Desire, Arousal may not necessarily
translate into Orgasm.
o Orgasm. Orgasm in Kaplan's model is generally similar with that of the Masters and Johnson
model, except that this phase also include the Resolution phase. In Kaplan's model Orgasm is the
completion of the sexual response.
SEXUAL RESPONSE DYSFUNCTIONS
Some people experience difficulty or problems in some of the sexual phases. The following are the common
sexual response dysfunctions:
o sexual desire disorder - when an individual has low levels of desire or has an aversion to
sexual activities;
o sexual arcasal disorder - when an individual has problems in achieving necessary
physiological state for copulation (e.g., erectile dysfunction in males);
o orgasmic disorder - when an individual has problems in achieving orgasm (e.g premature
ejaculation among males; male and female orgasmic disorders); and
o sexual pain disorders - when there is an experience of pain during the sexual response
cycle (e.g., painful erection or dyspareunia, and vaginal spasms or vaginismus).
The origins of sexual dysfunction disorders are varied. It can be organic (problem with the anatomy and physiology of
the reproductive organ). It can also be psychosomatic (a psychological concern which manifests physically). Hence,
there are also a gamut of interventions that are either biomedical (e.g., surgery, medication) or psychosocial (e.g..
psychotherapy, education, marital or couple's counseling).
PARAPHILIAS
While there are typical sexual behaviors among humans, there are also those behaviors that are relatively
atypical. They are atypical due to any of the following reasons:
(1) they are not prevalent,
(2) they are dangerous to self and to others,
(3) they are bizarre and are no socially acceptable, and
(4) they are distressing either to the doer or to other people involved in the act.
Among these atypical sexual behavioral variations, which is also considered by the APA as a disorder, is paraphilia.
Paraphilia is when an individual gets sexually aroused by an object, a person, or a circumstance that are unusual
(e.g., pain-inflicting, humiliating non-consenting persons). A paraphilic disorder is when the urge or act lasts for at
least six months and is a manifestation of clinically significant distress.
Some of the common paraphilic disorders are as follows:
exhibitionism - pleasure from exposing one's genitals to nonconsenting people,
Exhibitionism means getting sexual gratification from showing one's genitals or
private areas to others.
fetishism - arousal from non-living objects (e.g., shoes, socks, body parts);
Fetish has been recognised as an attraction to objects with the aim of achieving
sexual gratification.
frotteurism - touching or rubbing one's body or genitals to nonconsenting people,
pedophilia - arousal from children (prepubescent);
sexual masochism - arousal from actual suffering or humiliation;
Sexual masochism disorder (SMD) is a mental health-related issue in which a person
is sexually aroused by experiencing pain or humiliation
sexual sadism - arousal from actually inflicting pain to others;
transvestic fetishism - (for heterosexual males only) arousal from wearing clothing by the opposite sex
during sexual activities; and
Voyerurism – observng other people engaged in sexual activities.
Note: For a paraphilia to be considered a paraphilic disorder, diagnosis has to be made. Only trained
psychologists or medical doctors can make such clinical judgments after lengthy and comprehensive assessment.
COMMUNICATE: Some of the paraphilias, when acted on, may lead to criminal offenses. One of the controversial
paraphilia is pedophilia-engaging in sexual activity with a nonconsenting person who is a child. Look for one article
on the news that discusses this particular paraphilia.
Summary
The behavioral aspect of human sexuality provides a holistic perspective as to how physiological and
psychological elements coalesce towards actions. In certain cases, behaviors often serve as an indicator whether an
organism is functional or are having problems. By knowing what behavior is normal and acceptable, as well as what
behavior is the opposite, we are able to make intelligent judgments on issues concerning human sexuality.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.)
Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Kaplan, H. (1979). Disorders of Sexual Desire. Brunner/Mazel, New York.
Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948). Sexual behavior in the human male. New York: W.B.
Saunders.
Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & Gebhard, P. H. (1953). Sexual behavior in the human female. New
York: W.B. Saunders.
Masters, W. H. &ohnson, V. E. (1966). Human sexual response. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.
Masters, W. H. & Johnson, V. E. (1970). Human sexual inadequacy. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.
