Sexual Motivation

Sex is natural.
Without sex, none of
us would be here.
How do scientists
(or you) find out
about sex?
YOU ASK!!!!!!

Kinseys Studies
Confidential
interviews with
18,000 people (in
early 1950s).
Sexual Behavior in
the Human Male
and Sexual
Behavior in the
Human Female
Very controversial
study
Major problems with
study: Sampling and
Self selection.

Click on Kinsey to see the

movie trailer.

Masters and Johnson Study

In the 1960s
William Masters
and Virginia
Johnson set out to
explore the
physiology of sex.
382 females and
312
After
their males.
research was
done they ran
an institute
that claimed to
turn gay people
straight.

Click on Masters and Johnson to see a more detailed

explanation of their research.

Mapped out the Sexual Response Cycle

Initial Excitement
Plateau Phase
Orgasm
Resolution Phase
(with refractory
period).

Results of M & J Study

The Sexual Response Cycle (Four
Stages)
1. Excitement Phase: genitals
become engorged in blood (men
and women) and women will
lubricate.
2. Plateau Phase: excitement peaks,
breathing, pulse increases, tip of
penis may exhibit seminal fluid,
clitoris retracts- orgasm feels

Results of M & J Study

(Continued)
3. Orgasm: muscle contractions all over the
body, womens contractions actually help
propel sperm and position uterus to
increase chances of conception. Man and
woman only aware of rhythmic genital
contractions.
4. Resolution Phase: everything slows
down and men enter a refractory period
(which can last from minutes to over a
day) where he is incapable of another
orgasm.

We have discussed the energizing of sexual motivation but

have yet to discuss its direction:

Sexual Orientation

An enduring sexual attraction toward members of

either one's own gender or the other gender.

How is Sexual Orientation Determined

There has been NO
evidence that sexuality is
socially determined.
Kids raised by gay
parents are no more
likely to be gay than if
they were raised by
hetero parents.
Thus it is likely
biologically determined.

The Need to Belong

[Man] is a social animal, (Aristotle).
Separation from others increases our need to
belong.
20th Century Fox/ Dreamworks/ The Kobal Collection

Cast Away, Tom Hanks, suffers

from social starvation.

Aiding Survival
Social bonds boosted our ancestors survival
rates. These bonds led to the following:

1.
2.
3.

Protecting against predators, especially for the young.

Procuring food.
Reproducing the next offspring.

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Belongingness
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Wanting to Belong: The need to belong enhances our thinking and

emotions.
Social Acceptance: A sense of belonging with others increases our
self-esteem. Social segregation decreases it.
Maintaining Relationships: We resist breaking social bonds, even
bad ones.
Ostracism: Social exclusion leads to demoralization, depression, and
at times nasty behavior.
Fortifying Health: People who tend to have close friends are happier
and healthier.

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