The Sexual Self

Module 6 of Understanding the Self

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this learning module, the student is expected
to:
a. discuss the sexual development involving the human reproductive
system, erogenous zones, sexual behavior and human sexual response.

b. demonstrate critical and reflective thought in understanding one's

sexuality, chemistry of lust, love and attachment and the psychological
aspect of being turned on.

c. examine the diversity of human sexuality, sexual health, sexually

transmitted diseases and methods of contraception.
INTRODUCTION:
Puberty marks the start of sexual development in an individual. Physical
changes start and as an individual continues to adolescence, these changes are
highlighted as sex hormones, undergoing physical changes, and producing
feelings that are sexual in nature Since sex is usually a taboo subject, most
adolescents are confused with these feelings: how to handle them. who to ask
about these sexual feelings and what is considered normal and inappropriate
sexual responses. The best way to understand these is to learn about human
sexuality to get to know one's own body and responses and establish her/his
Sexual Self.
WHAT IS YOUR SEXUAL SELF?

This is the part of yourself where you learn and understand your
sexual development and how people's sexual activity, beliefs,
misconceptions and unlimited access from the internet on sex can
influence your own sexual behaviors and responses. Your sexual
self speaks of your sexual health, sexual orientation, gender
identity and expression and values around sexuality.
SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT
Sigmund Freud's
Psychosexual
Stages of
Development and
the Concept of
Erogenous Zone
Psychosexua Erogenous Fixations Conflicts Results
l Stage Zone

Oral Stage Mouth Oral Frustration-Fed on a Schedule-Fed tight lipped people who eat only for
(birth 2 years (centered on Incorporative or Oral schedule to meet nutritional requirements nourishment Demand-Fed: gives rise to oral
old) feeding) Aggressive Overindulgence Child is fed at any time pleasures (onting, drinking, smoking oral sex) child is
the child wants self absorbed and egoistical

Anal Stage Anus Anal Retentive or Frustration-parents demand exacting Controlling withholding stringent, selective with
(2 to 3 years (centered on Anal Expulsive control of bowel habits. friends (controlled, hoarding) Uncontrolled-gullible,
old) toilet training) Overindulgence parents allow child easily trusts, lax, disorganized
freedom, or is lenient in bowel

Phallic Stage Genital area Oedipus/ Elektra Heterosexualizing interactions. Jealousy Boy will grow up seeking a woman like his mother
(3 Years old) Complex Castration develops Problems with parent- Girl will grow up wanting to have a male child
Anxiety Penis Envy identification Homosexuality will occur if normal identifications are
reverse

Latency Secondary Sexual Maturation Repression of oedipal attachments Reality Principle and learning of skills Establishing
Stage (6 sexual Reduction of Sexuality in the child Gender identity
yeurs- characteristics
Puberty)

Genital Whole body Mating, Dating and Sexual Instincts and Sexual Conflicts Sublimate sexual energy into emotional commitments
Stage Social interaction reappear to sports,
(Puberty- Death Instincts reappears cheerleading, music, band, academies. politics,
onwards) Sexual Instincts are repressed church, or other endeavors. Hostility, rebelliousness
or juvenile delinquency. Vows of celibacy, attractions
to mystical philosophies, gangs. religions or cults
The Human
Reproductive
System.
The Female Reproductive System.
Puberty in girls usually starts between
ages 8-13, along with all the bodily
changes (breast, hair, skin, hips, voice)
it is also where Menarche (from the
Greek words 'moon' and beginning'), the
first menstrual period, would seal the
growth spurt and signal the female's
sexual maturity.
The Male Reproductive System

In boys, puberty starts around 10-

15 years old and explains why
some girls look more mature than
boys. The testosterone hormone
causes most of the changes in a
boy's body
The Male Reproductive System

Besides the physical changes

(voice, hair, size of penis, larynx),
his brain also changes. Unlike
women varying monthly to create
menstrual cycles, the hormones in
men's brains are constantly active
The Human Sexual
Response.
The Sexual Response Cycle
-a model that describes the physiological responses that take place during sexual activity.

The cycle consists of four phases:

1) Excitement (desire/arousal)

2)Plateau

3) Orgasm

4) Resolution
HUMAN SEXUALITY
Sexuality is much
more than sexual
feelings or sexual
intercourse.
The Five Circles of Sexuality
1) Sensuality is awareness and feeling about your own body, and other people's bodies,
especially the body of a sexual partner.

2) Sexual Intimacy is the ability to be emotionally close to another human being and to accept
closeness in return.

3) Sexual identity is a person's understanding of who he/she is sexually, including the sense of
being male or of being female.

4) Reproduction and Sexual Health are a person's capacity to reproduce and the behaviors
and attitudes that make sexual relationships healthy and enjoyable.

5) Sexualization is that aspect of sexuality in which people behave sexually to influence,

manipulate, or control other people.
No one has the right
to exploit you
sexually and you do
not have the right to
exploit anyone else
sexually.
The chemistry of
lust, love, and
attachment.
To be discussed
next time.