PSYCH 100: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

MODULE 06.2: THE SEXUAL SELF

THE SEXUAL SELF
 This lesson is designed to discuss facets of human sexuality such as diversity of
sexual behavior, understanding the human sexual response, identifying sexual
orientations, and differentiating love from lust.
 Human sexuality is influenced by physical, psychological, spiritual, and cultural
factors. As sexual beings, people are identified by gender, role assignment and
perception.
 Risky sexual behaviors may lead to sexual diseases and unwanted
consequences will also be explored.
 Though some may feel uncomfortable with these topics, it is important to keep in
mind that discussing this objectively will help the individual deal with issues that
are usually considered taboo.
I. PERSPECTIVES OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
 Sexual selfhood is defined as how one thinks about himself or herself as a sexual
individual.
 Human sexuality is a topic that just like beauty is culturally diverse.
 For the learner to be able to grasp it in its totality, he should be aware of the
varied ways in which sexual self can be understood.
Historical Perspective
Ancient Greece
 In ANCIENT GREECE, it is the male that assumes the dominant role.
 The male symbol, the penis, was viewed as the symbol of fertility and how the
male body was structured was greatly admired.
 Wives were considered as objects to be possessed just like property.
 Women were forbidden to own property and had no legal and political rights.
Women were not allowed to even read and write. Her only function was to bear
children.
 The Greek word for woman is "gyne” which means bearer of children.
The Middle Ages (476-1450)
 Bore witness to the strong influence of the church, particularly in matters of
sexuality. The church decreed that all sexual acts that do not lead to
procreation were considered evil. Women were labeled as either a temptress
(like Eve) or a woman of virtue (like the Virgin Mary).
Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century (1483-1546)
 Martin Luther, John Calvin and other Protestant leaders initiated a movement
against the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. Protestantism believed
that sexuality is a natural part of life and that priests should be able to marry and
have families. Martin Luther and John Calvin asserted that the reason for sexual
intimacy was to strengthen the physical and emotional bond between husbands
and wives and not just for procreation.
17th and 18th Century
 The Puritans, a group of people who were discontented with the Church of
England rallied for religious, moral, and societal reformation. They had positive
views on marital sex and did not condone/allow sex outside of marriage.
Premarital sex, therefore, was considered immoral (Cate and Lloyd 1992 in
Rosenthal, 2013).
Victorian Era (1837-1901)
 Homosexuality and prostitution were rampant and considered to be threats to
social order. In this period the Psychoanalytic Theory of Sigmund Freud became
popular. People in this era were not comfortable in discussing breast or buttocks.
They used other terms instead (like white meat or dark meat). Sex for women was
just a marital duty and it was assumed that they were pure and asexual.
 Women were told that they should not enjoy having sex, and if they did, there
was something wrong with them. Other beliefs that proliferated in this era were:
ejaculating more than once a month would greatly weaken a man and
masturbation leads to blindness, insanity and death. (Robinson, 2005 in
Rosenthal, 2013).
 Despite all these beliefs, prostitution still flourished in the city of London.
20th Century
 Through the years and in the 20th century, interest in sexuality became more
evident and accepted in society. The separation of church and state reduced
the influence the church had over sexual mores. This is the period when
pregnancy can be controlled by natural and artificial contraception. This period
is also marked by increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections.
 The rise of feminism allowed for changes in employment, home life, and sexual
standards for women. Over time, cultural diversity and social norms offered
varied views on what today may be considered as sexually normal (Rosenthal,
2013).
Biological Perspective
 Knowing the structures and functions of the reproductive system is essential to
the understanding of sexuality. In the nervous system, it is the brain that initiates
and organizes sexual behavior.
 Through the process of sexual reproduction, the next generation of human
beings are created by the fusion of the egg cell and sperm cell.
 At the start of puberty, changes that happen in the bodies of young males and
females are both secondary and primary sexual changes. As was mentioned in
the previous lesson, secondary sexual changes are physical changes that
distinguish the males from females.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Male Female
Voice becomes much lower (breaks) Breasts enlarge
Hair growth on chest, face, underarms, Hair growth under arms and pubic
arms, legs and pubic area area
Increase in muscle size Hip widens
 Skin becomes oily and pores enlarge Skin becomes oily and pores enlarge

 On the other hand. the primary sexual changes that happen during the course
of puberty prepare the male and females body for procreation.
 These involve changes in the reproductive organs for these parts to attain
functional maturity.
 The female's ovaries begin producing egg cells (ova) and the male's testicles
begin producing live sperm cells (spermatozoa).
Primary Sex Characteristics
Male Female
Testes Ovaries
Penis Fallopian tubes
Scrotum Uterus
Seminal vesicles and prostate glands Vagina

 When intercourse happens between a healthy, sexually mature male and

female then fertilization may take place and pregnancy (gestation period)
begins.
 In the first few weeks of gestation, the internal as well as the external genital
structures of all human fetus are the same.
 The gender the baby which is determined during fertilization is not yet
conspicuous. It can only be physically noted within the 16th to 18th weeks of
pregnancy.
 Chromosomes which are the threadlike structures found in the nucleus of each
cell of the body are composed of genes which are the basic unit of heredity.
 It is the sequence of DNA contained in the genes that gives instructions as to
how the body will be structured and how it will function.
 Human beings have 23 pairs (46) of chromosomes in the nucleus of each.
 The first 22 pairs are called autosomes, and the 23rd pair are the sex
chromosomes (XX or XY). It determines whether the individual is male or female.
 Females normally have XX chromosomes as her 23rd pair while males normally
have XY (Rosenthal, 2013).
 In the early stages of embryonic development, both sexes have similar internal
structures.
Religious Perspective
 Judaism holds a positive and natural outlook toward marital sex which they
consider as blessed by God and pleasurable for both man and woman.
 Sexual connection provides an opportunity for spirituality and transcendence.
 In Islam, family is considered of utmost importance, and celibacy within marriage
is prohibited.
 Muslim men are allowed to have up to four wives but Muslim women can only
have one husband.
 Sex is permitted only within marriage and extramarital sex is penalized.
  According to Taoism, which originated in China, sex is not only natural and
healthy, but a sacred union necessary to people's physical, mental and spiritual
being.
 The sexual union is a way to balance male and female energy.
 In Hinduism, sexuality is seen as spiritual force, and the act of ritual lovemaking is
a means of both celebrating and transcending the physical.
II. SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
THE PHASES OF HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE
The Erotic Stimulus Pathway Theory by David Reed did not focus on the physical
changes of sexual response but on the psychosocial aspects of sexual response. His
theory includes four stages:
 Seduction (all actions that enhance attractiveness such as what people wear
and how they act), b) Sensation (sound, touch and smell that affect arousal), c)
Surrender (orgasm) d) Reflection (a positive or negative sexual experience that
affects future sexual patterns).
LOVE: EMOTION OR DRIVE?
 Most romantic relationships begin with two individuals falling in love with each
other.
 This was verified in a study in which 17 participants who were madly in love were
asked to go to the lab and bring a picture of their loved one. Participants were
then placed in a brain scanner fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)
which measures the neural activity of the brain. Their brain activity were
recorded while they looked at the picture of their loved one.
 The results revealed that when participants gazed at a photo of their beloved,
regions in the brain were activated.
JOHN LEE’S SIX LOVE STYLES
1. EROS: Based on strong sexual and emotional component. This type of love
creates initial excitement of a new relationship.
 A romantic and passionate love which emphasizes physical attraction and
sexual desire.
 The Eros lover dreams of the ideal characteristics of a partner and usually
experiences love at sight. The relationship, however, seldom lasts forever
because they tend to be quick to fall in and out of love.
2. AGAPE: Altruistic and selfless love.
 The person shows his love without expecting to receive the same in return. He
considers the wishes of his partner as more important than his own. He may not
have a perfect partner but he will always be there to support and offer his love.
 This type of love is more acceptable to women than men.
3. STORGE: The type of love that is related to friendship and based on nonsexual
affection.
 The person experiences love as gradual and slow process.
 When love is storge, love takes time. Storgic lovers don't suddenly fall in love with
an idealized lover.
 Commitment, stability and comfort are their goals.
 4. LUDUS: For ludic lovers, love is just a game, something for fun or entertainment.
 They do not experience jealousy. They don't value commitment or intimacy.
 They manipulate their partners by lying, cheating and deceiving.
5. MANIA: This is characterized by an intense feeling which may lead to obsessive
and possessive love towards the loved one.
 Manic lovers always check the partner's whereabouts. They easily get jealous
and their experience of love is out of control. They are easily taken advantage of
by ludic lovers.
6. PRAGMA: A practical and business-like love.
 Pragmatic lovers may plan the best time to get married, have children and other
future plans. Love is based on what is appropriate. It is not intense nor out of
control (Rosenthal, 2013).
THE TRIANGULAR THEORY OF LOVE
 LOVE: According to Sternberg’s triangular theory of love (1995), the three
elements, or components, of love are:
o Intimacy: The emotional element, involves self-disclosure, which leads to
connection, warmth, and trust.
o Passion: The motivational element, is based on inner drives that translate
physiological arousal into sexual desire.
o Commitment: The cognitive element, is the decision to love and to stay
with the beloved.
Patterns of Loving
TYPE DESCRIPTION
Nonlove This describes most interpersonal relationships, which are simply
casual interactions
Liking Intimacy is the only component present. Neither passion nor
commitment is present.
Infatuation This is “love at first sight”
Empty love Empty love is often found in long-term relationships that have lost
both intimacy and passion or in arranged marriages
Romantic love Romantic lovers are drawn to each other physically and bonded
emotionally
Companionate This is a long-term, committed friendship, often occurring in
love marriages in which physical attraction has died down but in which
the partners feel close to each other and have made the decision
to stay together
Fatuous love This often leads to a whirlwind courtship in which a couple make a
commitment without allowing themselves the time to develop
intimacy.
Consummate love All three components are present in this “complete” love. It is
easier to achieve than to hold onto
CHEMISTRY OF LOVE
 Why do people fall in love? From a biological perspective, there is a part of the
brain that is active when people are truly, deeply and madly in love.
 The activity of the brain in the areas of positive emotions, motivational drives and
reward increases whereas brain activities in the areas related to negative
emotions, fear, aggression and social judgement decreases.
 The Chemistry of Love explains how several chemical substances in the body
have been found to naturally influence the experience of love: 1) Dopamine
(DA) and Norepinephrine (NE), 2) Serotonin, 3) Phenylethylamine (PEA), 4)
Oxytocin and Vasopressin, 5) Endorphins
1. Dopamine (DA) and Norepinephrine (NE): are neurotransmitters that turn on
attention and excitement.
 Brain areas that are involved in mood and are stimulated when people
view a picture of their romantic partner are pathways that are rich in
dopamine.
2. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been associated with mood, obsession,
sex and sleep.
 The level of serotonin decreases during infatuation, which may cause the
obsession one feels during the early phase of love.
 It is also low in patients who have obsessive compulsive disorder and
depression.
 It is believed that passionate romantic love generally lasts within 6-18
months based on a study conducted which suggests that people who are
madly in love have increased the level of serotonin after this period.
3. Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a neurochemical that can increase the levels of DA
and NE especially in the pathways involving mood and pleasure.
 This has been called the "love drug" because high level of this substance
has been associated with love and orgasm and to people who are happy
with their relationship.
 Some studies suggest that PEA levels decrease within 18 months to 3 years.
During breakup the PEA levels are low.
4. Oxytocin and vasopressin neuropeptides are released from the pituitary gland.
 Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract during childbirth and allows the
release of breast milk.
 It is also important in trust, empathy, emotional accessibility, pair bonding
and close relationship.
 Vasopressin is also important in pair bo0nding and social behavior,
memory formation, as well as blood pressure.
5. Endorphins were named for "endogenous morphine," the body's natural opiates,
similar to the man-made drugs morphine or heroin.
 If PEA, DA and NE are responsible for cocainelike euphoria in the
beginning of a relationship, at some point in time it may drop losing the
feeling of exhilaration.
 After the infatuation ends and if the long-term relationship is continuous,
endorphin levels may increase. It gives a feeling of security, euphoria and
peace.
 III. GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Gender: Is a term that is used to describe the characteristics, whether biologically or
socially-influenced, that people use to define males and females (Myers & Twenge,
2017).
Gender Identity Terminologies
Cisgender Is a male or female that identifies with the
sex that was assigned at birth. Cisgender
people also identify, to some degree, with
the gender norms (excluding sexual
orientation) that are associated with their
sex.
Genderqueer Is used to describe a gender identity when
the binary conceptualization of gender,
male or female, does not accurately
describe an individual’s gendered outlook
or self-concept.
Intersex Describes a variety of medical conditions
wherein an individual’s reproductive
anatomy or genitals do not fit the binary
definition of male and female.
Transgenderman/ Female to Man (FtM) Is a man whose sex is female but he lives
and identifies as male.
Transgender woman / Male to Female Is a woman whose sex is male but she lives
(MtF) and identifies as female.
Gender expression or the manner by which people express themselves and behave
may be true to their gender identity such as when they convey their sense of femininity
or masculinity outwardly.
Sexual Orientation refers to the stable pattern of attraction or sexual interest that one
has to a member of a particular sex.
Majority of the people have heterosexual orientation, that is, their sexual interest is
towards people of the opposite sex. Others have homosexual orientation in which their
sexual and romantic interests are with same sex individuals and they are either gay or
lesbian. There are others whose orientations do not fall from the aforementioned
categories. Table 2 lists the different sexual orientation of people (Keener, 2015)
Sexual Orientation
Asexual Refers to the absence of physical or sexual attraction to another human
being. An asexual man or woman can have romantic, intellectual or
emotional attractions to other people but they do not engage in
physical sexual acts.
Bisexual The sexual orientation that describes either male or a female who is
attracted to both males and females.
Gay Depending on the context, gay can refer to either gay males and/or
lesbians. Gay males are self-identified men who are emotionally,
physically, romantically and/or sexually attracted to people who
identify as male.
Lesbian A self-identified female who is emotionally, physically, romantically and
 /or sexually attracted to other people who identify as female.
Heterosexual An individual who identifies as either a male or female (can be
cisgender, FtM, or MtF) and is attracted to individuals of the opposite
sex.
Queer Is an umbrella term that is used to describe an individual’s self-concept
of their sexual orientation identity.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SEXUAL ORIENTATION

 Biological Factor: There is evidence of genetic link in sexual orientation. It was
found that 52% monozygotic twins, whose genetic codes are nearly identical,
share a gay male sexual orientation, as compared with 22% fraternal twins
(Rathus, 2014; Pinel, 2014).
 Environmental Factor: Social-cognitive theorists provide explanation for how
sexual orientation could possibly develop. They particularly look into the
antecedents and consequences of the behavior. They look into the process of
observational and experiential learning.
IV. SEXUAL HEALTH
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI’s)

 Sexually transmitted infections are diseases that are contracted primarily through
sexual contact with an infected individual.
 Many STIs—including syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and
HPV—can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and
childbirth.
 It is an increasing health problem. In the Philippines, the most common STDs are
syphilis, HPV, HSV, and HIV.
1. HIV/AIDS: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus while AIDS stands for
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
 HIV is a virus while AIDS is a condition or syndrome. HIV can lead to
infections that attack and destroy the CD4 (Tcell) of the immune system
which is the body's natural defense against such illnesses as tuberculosis,
pneumonia and cancer.
 HIV without treatment can lead to AIDS but not all cases of HIV develop
AIDS. Only untreated HIV may lead to AIDS.
 Presently, there is no effective cure for HIV. But the condition can be
controlled with proper medical care. The antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a
combination of medications that are used to prevent HIV from replicating
to protect the body against the virus and infection. However, ART is not a
cure. It helps those with HIV positive to live longer and happier and lowers
the risk of advancing the condition into AIDS.
 AIDS can be diagnosed by the number of CD4 cell count. A count of less
than 200 cells/mm3 in the blood indicates AIDS. When someone dies of
AIDS, it is typically because they got sick with another type of disease or
infection. The immune system is not strong enough to fight the infection.
 2. Genital Herpes: This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a large family
of viruses of different strains. These strains produce other non-sexually transmitted
diseases such as chicken pox and mononucleosis.
3. Genital Warts: This is an STI caused by the human papillomavirus; genital warts
are very contagious and are the most commonly acquired STI in the United
States in the 15 to 24-year-old age group.
4. Gonorrhea: This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium
Neisseria gonorrhoeae which thrives in the moist mucous membrane linings of
the mouth, throat, vagina, cervix, urethra, and the anal tract.
5. Syphilis: This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium
Treponema pallidum, a spirochete. If left untreated, syphilis may progress
through four phases:
 Primary (chancre sores appear)
 Secondary (general skin rashes occur)
 Latent (a period that can last for several years with no overt symptoms)
 Tertiary (cardiovascular disease, blindness, paralysis, skin ulcers, liver
damage, mental problem and even death may occur)
6. Chlamydia. This is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections,
named for Chlamydia trachomatis, an organism that spreads through sexual
contact and infects the genital organs of both sexes.

METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION (ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL)

In 1930 the first mainstream Christian sect—the Anglican Church—officially permitted

certain forms of birth control. Nowadays, some religions, including the Roman Catholic
Church, a few Protestant denominations, and many Hindus condemn the use of
contraception. Contraceptives are medicines and other devices that are used to
prevent unwanted pregnancy.

1. Hormonal method of contraception (prevents the release of an egg or ovulation,

5 options)
 Oral contraceptives (pills): These are daily oral contraceptives. Some contain
estrogen and progestogen; others are progestin only and is over 99% effective if
used according to instructions.
 The patch: It is a small patch you stick on to the skin that releases estrogen and
progestogen. It stops ovulation and is over 99 percent effective if used
according to instructions.
 The ring: The contraceptive vaginal ring is a small plastic ring a woman inserts
into her vagina every month and releases hormones to stop ovulation. It is over
99 per cent effective if used appropriately based on the instructions.
 Implants: The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod that is place under the
skin of the upper arm by a health professional and releases progestogen to stop
ovulation.
  Injectable: The contraceptive injection which is a long-acting reversible
contraception does not depend on you taking it daily and is more than 99
percent effective.
2. Barrier methods (methods that physically or chemically block the sperm from
reaching an egg and provide a barrier between direct skin to skin contacts)
 Diaphragm: It is a soft dome made of latex or silicone and is used with
spermicide. It is put into the vagina to cover the cervix and is 92 to 96 percent
effective when used correctly.
 Male and Female Condoms or spermicides: Male condom is made up of thin
latex put over the penis to stop the sperm from entering vagina. It is 98%
effective when used exactly according to instructions. The female condom is
made of thin polyurethane that loosely lines the vagina and stops sperm from
entering. It is 95% effective if properly used.
 Behavioral Methods
o Rhythm or Calendar Method: It is a way to determine a woman’s most
fertile and infertile times by charting the menstrual cycle. It is also known
as natural family planning or fertility awareness.
o Abstinence or celibacy: It refer to the avoidance of sexual intercourse.
o Outercourse: It is a sexual activity that does not include the insertion of
the penis into the vagina.
o Withdrawal (Latin — coitus interruptus): It happens when a man removes
his penis from the vagina and ejaculates outside of the woman's body.
3. Sterilization (procedures that make an individual permanently incapable of
conceiving or fertilizing a partner).
o Tubal ligation: It is the surgery for woman in which fallopian tubes are tied
to prevent eggs from travelling to the uterus so a woman cannot get
pregnant.
o Vasectomy: It is an operation in which the surgeon makes a small cut in
the upper part of the scrotum then ties or blocks the vas deferens.
4. Intrauterine Device (IUD) - It is a small device that is placed in the uterus by a
doctor to prevent pregnancy.

References:
Alata, E., Cabrera, R., & Pawilen, R.A. (2022). A course module for understanding the
self. Rex Book Store, Inc. Sampaloc, Manila.
Corpuz, B., Lucas, M.R., Andas, C., Dayagbil, F., Gacasan, M. (2020). Understanding the
self. Lorimar Publishing INC., Quezon City, Metro Manila.