Lecture on Motivation: Sex and Sexual Orientation

Introduction

• Sex is a fundamental biological activity necessary for species survival.
• Cultural influences shape our perceptions and expectations surrounding sex.
• Sex is both biological and socio-cultural.

Biological, Psychological, and Socio-Cultural Impact on Sexual Motivation

• Biological:
  • Sexual maturity and hormones.
  • Sexual orientation.
• Psychological:
  • Exposure to stimulating conditions.
  • Sexual fantasies.
• Socio-Cultural:
  • Family and societal values.
  • Religious and personal values.
  • Cultural expectations.

Scientific Study of Sex

• Alfred Kinsey (1940s-50s):
  • Interviewed 17,000+ people about sexual behaviors.
  • Rated behavior on a 0-6 scale (heterosexual to homosexual).
• Masters and Johnson (1970s):
  • Brought sex into the laboratory.
  • Developed sexual response cycle.

Sexual Response Cycle

• Phases:
  • Excitement: Increased blood flow.
  • Plateau: Maximum arousal.
  • Orgasm: Release of tension.
  • Resolution: Body returns to pre-excitement state.
• Women's response cycle is generally slower.

Sexual Cues and Scripts

• Sexual Cues:
  • Brain-driven motivation.
  • Different stimuli trigger response cycle.
• Sexual Scripts:
  • Socially learned programs for sexual behavior.
  • Influenced by media and culture.

Sexual Orientation

• Defined by preference for emotional and sexual relationships.
• Types:
  • Homosexual: Same sex.
  • Heterosexual: Opposite sex.
  • Bisexual: Either sex.
• Current Views:
  • Not willfully chosen or changed.
  • Historically seen as a disorder (DSM).
  • Biological and genetic influences recognized by APA.

Biological and Genetic Factors

• Brain Differences:
  • Anterior hypothalamus smaller in homosexual men.
  • Anterior commissure larger in homosexual men.
• Genetic Factors:
  • Homosexuality runs in families.
  • More common in identical than fraternal twins.
• Prenatal Hormones:
  • Testosterone exposure in fetal development influences orientation.
  • Hormone exposure impacts attraction in humans and animals.

Conclusion

• Sexual orientation is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, and socio-cultural factors.
• Despite scientific understanding, societal views remain controversial.