THE SEXUAL SELF

The Biology of Self

At birth, the sexual genitals, a biological feature

that distinguishes males from females.
Moreover, during puberty, observable changes
in the human body also known as secondary
sexual characteristics begin.
When physiological changes are
trigerred within the adolescent’s
reproductive system, he or she is likely
to experience sexual urges, become
more sensitive to sexual stimuli, and
feel sexual arousal.
A person should be aware of his/her
sexuality and sexual attributes in order
to make responsible decisions.
Adolescents need to realize the
importance of having informed
choices.
 Gender Identity and
Gender identity and
Sexual Orientation gender orientation
Biological sex is underlie one’s concept
one’s assignment upon of self. A person
birth and is dependent expresses his or her
on physical feature. On sexuality through
the other Gender roles refer individuality; one’s
hand, gender is an to societal belief and behavioral
identity that is learned expectations of lifestyle are based on
and embraced by his or her own
how men and
individual. perceptions of
women should act. sexuality.
Everyone has a
basic idea of
gender roles
Sexual intercourse (copulation) is the
reproductive act in which the male
organ (penis) enters the female’s
reproductive tract (vagina).
 The
Consequences of
Sexual Choices
Having a child entails a big responsibility and
should not merely be a consequence of an
impulsive moment. Physical risks to having an
early pregnancy may impact an adolescent’s
development, including miscarriage, emotional
stress, and health risks to both mother and
infant.
Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of
impulsive and careless sexual intercourse is the
risk of acquring sexually-transmitted
diseases (STDs). Among common STDs are:
●Syphilis ●Gonorrhea
●Chlamydia ●Genital
Warts
The most alarming sexually transmitted disease is
the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It
can be transmitted by contact between broken skin,
wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected
blood or blood-contaminated body fluids.
 Being guided by
one’s personal
beliefs and core
Respect for
values. Everyon Being future-
one’s body. It
e, especially an oriented. Inste
means taking
adolescent, ad of focusing
care of one’s
should always be on the present,
body and
Maturity in grounded by a person
avoiding
thoughts and his/her personal should always
activities that
deeds. It refers to principles and weigh his or
undermine one’s
being objective, self-worth. her present
worth and
respect. rational, and actions with
calm, instead of possible
being swept by consequences
one’s emotion. in the future.
Historical Perspective of Human
Sexuality
In Ancient Greece
 Men assume the dominant role
 The male symbol is viewed as the symbol of
fertility. Women were considered as objects to
be possessed.
 Women were forbidden to own property and
had no legal rights.
Historical Perspective of Human
Sexuality
The Middle Ages
 The church decreed that all sexual acts that do
not lead to procreation were considered evil.
 Women were labeled either as a temptress or a
woman of virtue.
Historical Perspective of Human
Sexuality
Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century
 Movements were initiated against the Catholic
church
 Protestantism believed that sexuality is a natural
part of life and that priest should be able to
marry
 Sexual intimacy strengthens the bond between
the couple .
Historical Perspective of Human
Sexuality
17th to 18th Century
 The Puritans rallied for a religious, moral and
societal reformation.
 Premarital sex was considered immoral.
Historical Perspective of Human
Sexuality
Victorian Era (1837-1901)
 Homosexuality and prostitution were considered
to be threats to social order.
 Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory became
famous
 It was believe that women should not enjoy the
sexual intercourse.
 Ejaculating for more than once a month
weakens the man.
Biological Perspective of Human
Sexuality
Primary sex characteristics – sexual organs
present at birth and directly involved in
human reproduction.
Secondary sex characteristics – sexual
organs and traits that develop at puberty
and are indirectly involved in human
reproduction. Also plays a role in attraction.
Biological Perspective of Human
Sexuality
Male Female
Voice becomes lower Breasts enlarge
Hair growth on chest, Hair growth in underarms
face, underarms, legs and and pubic area
pubic area
Increase in muscle size Hip widens
Skin becomes oily and Skin becomes oily and
pores enlarge pores enlarge
Evolutionary Perspective of Human
Sexuality
Beauty is more than just a cultural standard.
It is primarily an evolutionary standard for
attracting the best partner.

Preference for females with large breasts

and males with broad shoulders instinctively
for genetic survival.
The Human Sexual Response Cycle
Three phases of romantic love

1. Lust Phase: craving for sexual contact.

2. Attraction Phase: couples are infatuated
and pursue a relationship.
3. Attachment Phase: long-term bond
between partners characterized by feelings
of security, comfort and emotional union.
Psychological Perspective of
Human Sexuality
The psychological perspective side of human sexuality: gender
Gender is defined as the psychological aspects of being masculine or
feminine and is influenced by culture, individual personality, and self-
identity
Key Concepts:
Gender roles: cultural behavioral expectations for males and females
Gender typing: process by which people learn gender roles
Gender identity: sense of being male or female (influenced by both
biology and environment)
Styles of Love
Eros – sexual and emotional
This style is typically experienced as a romantic, fairytale-type love.
Physical beauty is important to this love style. Attraction is intense and
immediate (“head over heels”), and the Eros lover feels an urgent drive to
deepen the relationship emotionally and physically.
Storge – love-related friendship
Storgic types tend to be stable and committed in their relationships.
They value companionship, psychological closeness and trust.
Ludus – love is just game
People with a ludic style view love as a game that they are playing to
win. Often this can be a multiplayer game! Ludic individuals are comfortable
with deception and manipulation in their relationships. They tend to be low on
commitment and are often emotionally distant.
Styles of Love
Pragma – practical lovers
Practicality rules for this type. Logic is used to determine compatibility and
future prospects. This doesn’t mean that these individuals use an emotionless, rather
they place a high importance on whether a potential mate will be suited to
meeting their needs.
Mania – obsessive and possessive
This refers to an obsessive love style. These individuals tend to be emotionally
dependent and to need fairly constant reassurance in a relationship. Someone with
this love style is likely to experience peaks of joy and troughs of sorrow, depending
on the extent to which their partner can accommodate their needs.
Agape – altruistic and selfless love
Agapic individuals are giving and caring, and are centred on their partner’s
needs. This is largely a selfless and unconditional love. An agapic partner will love
you just as you are. But they will also be particularly appreciative of acts of care
and kindness that they receive back from their partner.
Styles of Love
Philia – It is love without romantic attraction and occurs between
friends or family members. It occurs when both people share the same
values and respect each other — it’s commonly referred to as
“brotherly love.”

Philautia – It is a healthy form of love where you recognize your self-

worth and don’t ignore your personal needs. Self-love begins with
acknowledging your responsibility for your well-being. It’s challenging
to exemplify the outbound types of love because you can’t offer what
you don’t have.
Robert Sternberg’s Triangular
Theory of Love
THAT’S ALL!