Lesson 11:
Sexual
Behaviors
INTRODUCTION TO
HUMAN SEXUALITY
• Psychology has three primary
components:
• -Affect (emotions and feelings)
• -Cognition (thought processes)
-Behavior (actions)
WHAT IS BEHAVIOR?
• Definition: Behavior refers to actions
—both observable (overt) and
unobservable (covert).
MOTIVATION FOR BEHAVIOR
Stimuli-response theory: People act in
response to environmental triggers.
Pleasure-seeking principle: Actions aim to
achieve pleasure and avoid pain.
• Goal-oriented behavior: People act to
fulfill personal aspirations.
MEASURABLE ASPECTS OF BEHAVIOR
Frequency: How often an action occurs.
Duration: How long an action lasts.
Intensity: Strength of the action.
• Diversity: Different variations
depending on context.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
• Definition:
-Sexual behavior includes actions with
sexual intent or erotic context.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
• Significance:
• -Expressions of affection, intimacy, and
reproduction.
-Influenced by culture, society, and
personal beliefs.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
• Context matters:
-Some behaviors (e.g., hugging, kissing)
are not always sexual.
TYPES OF SEXUAL
BEHAVIOR
CLASSIFICATIONS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Autoerotic: Self-directed (e.g.,
masturbation).
Homoerotic: Directed towards the same
sex.
• Heteroerotic: Directed towards the
opposite sex
COPULATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
• Copulation (Penile-Vaginal
Intercourse)
-Reproductive purpose: Required
for fertilization.
COPULATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
• Common Positions:
• -Ventris (Face-to-Face) – Traditional
mating position.
-Ventral-Dorsal (From Behind) –
Common in certain cultures.
NON-COPULATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
• Physical intimacy: Hugging, kissing,
caressing.
NON-COPULATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
• Oral sex:
• -Fellatio: Oral stimulation of the penis.
-Cunnilingus: Oral stimulation of the
vagina.
• Anal sex: Penetration of the anal orifice.
SEXUAL
RESPONSE CYCLE
MASTERS & JOHNSON’S MODEL
Phase 1: Excitement
-Male: Erection, increased heart rate,
sex flush.
-Female: Vaginal lubrication, swelling
of clitoris & labia minora.
MASTERS & JOHNSON’S MODEL
Phase 2: Plateau
-Male: Penis becomes more engorged,
pre-ejaculatory fluid release.
-Female: Vagina expands, orgasmic
platform develops.
MASTERS & JOHNSON’S MODEL
Phase 3: Orgasm
-Male: Ejaculation through contractions
of seminal vesicles, urethra.
-Female: Rhythmic contractions in
vagina & uterus.
MASTERS & JOHNSON’S MODEL
Phase 4: Resolution
-Male: Penis returns to flaccid state.
-Female: Reproductive organs relax.
KAPLAN’S MODEL
Stage 1: Desire – Psychological
aspects.
Stage 2: Arousal – Physiological
response.
Stage 3: Orgasm – Culmination of
sexual activity.
SEXUAL
DYSFUNCTIONS
UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
• Definition:
-Persistent difficulty in sexual
response or desire.
UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
• Causes:
• -Organic: Physical issues (e.g.,
hormonal imbalances, nerve damage).
-Psychosomatic: Psychological
stress, trauma, anxiety.
UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
• Treatment Approaches:
• -Biomedical: Medications, hormone
therapy, surgery.
-Psychosocial: Therapy, counseling,
sex education.
COMMON TYPES OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
• Sexual Desire Disorders:
• -Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
(HSDD): Low or absent interest in sex.
-Sexual Aversion Disorder: Intense
fear or disgust towards sex.
COMMON TYPES OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
• Sexual Arousal Disorders:
• -Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Difficulty in
maintaining an erection.
-Female Sexual Arousal Disorder:
Difficulty in vaginal lubrication or
arousal.
COMMON TYPES OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
• Orgasmic Disorders:
• -Premature Ejaculation:
Uncontrollable ejaculation before
intended.
-Male/Female Orgasmic Disorder:
Difficulty reaching orgasm.
COMMON TYPES OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
• Sexual Pain Disorders:
• -Dyspareunia: Pain during intercourse.
-Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle
spasms preventing penetration.
PARAPHILIAS
(ATYPICAL SEXUAL
BEHAVIORS)
WHAT IS PARAPHILIA?
• Definition:
-Sexual arousal from atypical objects,
activities, or individuals.
WHAT IS PARAPHILIA?
• Criteria for Paraphilic Disorder:
• -Persistent for at least 6 months.
• -Causes distress to self or others.
-Involves non-consenting persons,
harm, or distressing elements.
EXAMPLES:
• Exhibitionism:
-Exposing
genitals to
unwilling
people.
EXAMPLES:
• Fetishism:
-Arousal from
objects (e.g.,
shoes, socks).
EXAMPLES:
• Frotteurism:
-Rubbing
against non-
consenting
people.
EXAMPLES:
• Pedophilia:
-Arousal from
prepubescent
children.
EXAMPLES:
• Sexual
masochism:
-Pleasure from
pain/humiliation.
EXAMPLES:
• Sexual
sadism:
-Pleasure
from inflicting
pain.
EXAMPLES:
• Transvestic fetishism:
-(For heterosexual
males) Arousal from
wearing opposite-sex
clothing.
EXAMPLES:
• Voyeurism:
-Watching others
engaged in
sexual activity.
CONCLUSIONS
Sexual behaviors are diverse and
context-dependent.
• The sexual response cycle follows a
sequence of physiological and
psychological changes.
CONCLUSIONS
Sexual dysfunctions impact different
phases of the response cycle and may
require medical or psychological intervention.
• Paraphilic disorders involve atypical
arousal patterns that can be distressing or
harmful.
