Adult Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes: Psychology Study Notes

Adult Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes

Normality in Sexual Behavior

Understanding what is considered "normal" in sexual behavior is complex and influenced by historical, cultural, and statistical factors. The concept of normality evolves over time and varies across societies and subgroups.

• Historical Time: Behaviors once considered taboo (e.g., masturbation) may become mainstream.

• Culture: What is normal in one culture may be abnormal in another.

• Subculture: Different subgroups within a culture may have unique practices.

• Statistical Normality: Behaviors are considered normal if many people engage in them.

Masturbation

Masturbation refers to self-stimulation of the genitals. Attitudes toward masturbation have shifted over time, but negative perceptions persist in many societies.

• Historical Attitudes: Masturbation was viewed as deviant, leading to the creation of devices to prevent it.

• Current Attitudes: Many people still report embarrassment or disgust.

• Incidence: Most people masturbate; men do so more frequently than women. Higher rates among better-educated individuals.

• Reasons: Includes absence of partner, part of a sexually active lifestyle, and use in sex therapy.

Example: Anti-masturbation devices were historically used to discourage the behavior, reflecting negative societal attitudes.

Sexual Fantasies

Sexual fantasies are thoughts about sex and are not associated with sexual problems. They are common and vary by gender and content.

• Gender Differences: Men have more frequent and numerous fantasies, but most women also fantasize. Women's fantasies tend to be more romantic and emotional.

• Categories:

  • Exploratory: Experimentation fantasies.

  • Intimacy: Fantasies about a known partner.

  • Impersonal: Fantasies about unknown partners (e.g., strangers, celebrities).

  • Dominance-Submission: Fantasies about control dynamics (not rape).

Sexual Intercourse

Sexual intercourse typically refers to penile-vaginal penetration and is a central part of most couples' sexual activity. Frequency and preferred positions vary.

• Frequency: More frequent among younger couples; affected by life circumstances.

• Couples vs. Singles: Couples generally have more sex than single individuals.

• Positions:

  • Face-to-Face: Preferred for emotional intimacy and kissing.

  • Missionary: Man-on-top; historically promoted by Christian missionaries. Advantages include intimacy and ease; disadvantages include less stimulation for women.

  • Other Positions: May be more comfortable for pregnant, heavier, or disabled individuals; add variety.

Oral-Genital Sex

Oral-genital sex includes fellatio (oral stimulation of the penis) and cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vulva). It is common among young adults and varies by education and religiosity.

• Frequency: Most young adults have engaged in oral sex; it is a regular part of sexual interactions for many.

• Demographics: More common among educated individuals; less common among religious individuals.

Anal Sex

Anal intercourse involves penetration of the anus by the penis and is common among gay men and increasingly among heterosexual couples. It carries specific risks.

• Frequency: Very common among gay men; increasing among heterosexual couples.

• Risks: Pain, rupture of membranes (increasing disease transmission risk), and possible infection from fecal matter.

• Analingus: Oral stimulation of the anus; relatively uncommon and carries risk of bacterial transmission.

Sexually Healthy Person

A sexually healthy person feels positively about their sexuality and is free to choose their sexual behaviors without pressure.

• Self-Acceptance: Happy with their orientation and behaviors.

• Autonomy: Free from pressure to engage in or avoid certain behaviors.

Laws Against Consensual Sex

Legal restrictions on consensual sex vary by country and culture. In the US, many laws have been invalidated, but in some countries, certain behaviors are still criminalized.

• United States: Laws against fornication, cohabitation, adultery, and sodomy (oral and anal sex) were invalidated by Lawrence v Texas (2003). Adultery laws are rarely enforced.

• Global Context: In some conservative or religious countries, behaviors such as fornication, cohabitation, adultery, anal sex, oral sex, and homosexual acts are punishable by severe penalties, including death.

Additional info: The study of adult sexual behaviors and attitudes is a key component of social psychology and personality, as it reflects cultural norms, individual differences, and legal frameworks.