Chapter 1
CHOICES IN SEXUALITY:
AN INTRODUCTION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, students should be able to:
• Define human sexuality.
• Identify the various elements of human sexuality.
• Discuss the nature of choices and give sexuality-related examples of each of the
following: a) not to decide is to decide; b) choices involve trade-offs; c) choices
involve selecting either a positive or negative view; d) choices produce
ambivalence and uncertainty; e) some choices are revocable, some are not.
• Compare absolutism, relativism, and hedonism and explain how each of these
values may guide sexual decision-making.
• Give examples of how the following influences affect the sexual choices we
make: emotions, culture constraints, previous decisions, alcohol/drug use, peers,
family factors, and locus of control.
• Summarize the basic steps in decision making.
• Discuss important skills for making both individual choices and couple or group
decisions.
• Explain how the following social changes have affected sexuality: television,
Internet, birth control availability, increased rates of divorce and cohabitation,
women in the labor force, social movements of women and gays, the sexual
revolution, prevalence of HIV infection and AIDS, and reproductive/medical
technology.
CHAPTER OUTLINE AND LECTURE
1-1 ELEMENTS OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Human sexuality is a complex concept that includes the elements of thoughts, sexual
self-concept, values, emotions, anatomy/physiology, reproduction, and behaviors.
,1-2 Chapter 1 Choices in Sexuality: An Introduction
1-1a Thoughts
The brain is the major “sex organ” of our body. Thoughts originate in the brain, interpret
and give meaning to a particular sexual act, and, thus, influence the subsequent emotions
attached to that sexual behavior. Sexual fantasies are thoughts that are embedded in
sexual feelings. Fantasies of men and women differ in quantity and content, and
homosexual and heterosexual fantasies about the same or opposite sex also may differ.
1-1b Sexual Self-Concept
The sexual self-concept is the way one thinks about his or her body, level of interest in
sex, and value as a sexual partner. Body image refers to one’s own perception of physical
appearance and is influenced by cultural definitions of attractiveness. Commercial
concerns foster negative thoughts and emotions about weight, breast size, hair loss,
wrinkles, and varicose veins among Americans. Both men and women have body image
concerns and these vary across cultures. Sexual self-image may change in different
contexts, e.g., individuals who have reported being stigmatized about certain aspects of
their sexual self-image have experienced an enhanced self-image after communicating
with similar people on the Internet. Body piercing, tattooing, and cosmetic tattooing are
fashionable ways to change one’s perceived body image and to provide a stronger sense
of self and connection with others. The health risks of these practices should be
acknowledged.
1-1c Values
Values are moral guidelines for right and wrong behavior. Sexual values not only guide
individual sexual behavior, they also guide social policies related to sexual issues. The
predominant sexual value among college students is “relativism,” a value system that
emphasizes sexual decisions being made in reference to the situation. Sexual values also
guide social policies related to sexual behavior such as policies concerning sex with
minors, prostitution, Internet sex, sex education, same-sex marriage, and abortion.
1-1d Emotions
Emotions are an important element of human sexuality, and humans have an inborn
attraction system designed to focus energy and attention on a obtaining a mating partner.
Other emotions associated with human sexuality include love, guilt, shame, anger,
frustration, fear, disappointment, excitement, anticipation, and disgust.
1-1e Anatomy/Physiology
Human sexuality implies sexual anatomy, which includes the external genitalia,
secondary sex characteristics, and internal reproductive organs of women and men.
Physiology refers to the functioning of the genitals and reproductive system.
,Chapter 1 Choices in Sexuality: An Introduction 1-3
1-1f Reproduction
Human sexuality includes reproduction of the species, and much of the sexual interaction
between women and men is based on the drive to procreate. These sexual interactions
involve a biologically driven craving for sexual gratification known as lust, sex drive, or
libido.
1-1g Behaviors
Human sexuality implies a variety of behaviors. Although sex is most commonly
associated with intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, breast stimulation, manual genital
stimulation, anal intercourse, as well as vaginal intercourse, are sexual behaviors. Some
of these behaviors may not be viewed as sexual behaviors by different people depending
on the context in which they occur and the definitions of sexual behavior used by those
involved.
1-1h Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal relationships may be heterosexual or homosexual; nonmarital, marital, or
extramarital; casual or intimate; personal or business-related (phone sex and prostitution);
and brief or long-term. Emotional and social aspects of relationships affect condom use.
Hooking up, or meeting someone and becoming sexually involved that same evening
with no commitment beyond the encounter, is a contemporary pattern of sexual
interaction. The practice continues because people hope that more permanent
relationships will develop. However, permanent relationships are the least likely
outcome.
1-1i Diversity
The more diverse the population of a society, the more the members of that society vary
in sexual behaviors, thoughts, feelings, values, and relationships. Sexual variations
become even more extensive when different cultures are examined. For example, there is
no universal meaning of the term sex.
1-1j Personal Choices: Why Take a Course in Human Sexuality?
College students take courses in human sexuality for a variety, and a number of studies
have examined the effects of human sexuality courses on health behavior in general and
sexual behavior in particular, on moral values, and on attitudes toward sex.
, 1-4 Chapter 1 Choices in Sexuality: An Introduction
1-2 NATURE OF SEXUAL CHOICES
1-2a Not to Decide Is to Decide
Not making a decision is a decision by default. For example, not making a conscious
decision to use a condom during sexual activity is inadvertently making a decision to risk
pregnancy or to contract a sexually transmitted disease.
1-2b Choices Involve Trade-Offs
All the sexual choices one makes involve trade-offs, both advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing to cheat on your partner may provide excitement, but it may also produce
feelings of guilt or loss of a partner relationship. Choosing an abortion or carrying an
unwanted pregnancy to term both have numerous trade-offs to consider.
1-2c Choices Include Selecting a Positive or Negative View
Regardless of the circumstances, one can choose to view a situation in positive terms.
The skill of developing a positive view can be used in unlimited situations.
1-2d Choices Produce Ambivalence and Uncertainty
Ambivalence involves conflicting feelings that coexist and produce uncertainty or
indecisiveness about a person, object, idea, or course of action. Ambivalence occurs
when one has many options, e.g., an unmarried woman can consider abortion, being a
single parent, placing the baby for adoption, or marriage. Ambivalence also occurs when
conflicting norms and values are present, e.g., an unmarried might be ambivalent about
abortion because of the pro-choice and pro-life stances on abortion in the United States.
1-2e Some Choices Are Revocable; Some Are Not
A revocable sexual choice is one that can be changed or modified. For example,
choosing to have sex with multiple partners can subsequently be changed to being
faithful to one partner or to abstaining from sexual relations. Some sexual choices cannot
be revoked. One cannot undo an abortion. When one has sexual intercourse, one is no
longer a virgin!
1-3 SEXUAL VALUES: GUIDELINES FOR SEXUAL CHOICES
Sexual values are moral guidelines for making sexual choices. Absolutism, relativism,
and hedonism are among the various sexual values.
1-3a Absolutism refers to a belief system based on the unconditional power and
authority of religion, law, or tradition. Religion, a major source of absolutist sexual
values, supports postponing sexual intercourse until marriage. The federal government
supports an absolutist position, as well. The psychological, emotional, and demographic
CHOICES IN SEXUALITY:
AN INTRODUCTION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, students should be able to:
• Define human sexuality.
• Identify the various elements of human sexuality.
• Discuss the nature of choices and give sexuality-related examples of each of the
following: a) not to decide is to decide; b) choices involve trade-offs; c) choices
involve selecting either a positive or negative view; d) choices produce
ambivalence and uncertainty; e) some choices are revocable, some are not.
• Compare absolutism, relativism, and hedonism and explain how each of these
values may guide sexual decision-making.
• Give examples of how the following influences affect the sexual choices we
make: emotions, culture constraints, previous decisions, alcohol/drug use, peers,
family factors, and locus of control.
• Summarize the basic steps in decision making.
• Discuss important skills for making both individual choices and couple or group
decisions.
• Explain how the following social changes have affected sexuality: television,
Internet, birth control availability, increased rates of divorce and cohabitation,
women in the labor force, social movements of women and gays, the sexual
revolution, prevalence of HIV infection and AIDS, and reproductive/medical
technology.
CHAPTER OUTLINE AND LECTURE
1-1 ELEMENTS OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Human sexuality is a complex concept that includes the elements of thoughts, sexual
self-concept, values, emotions, anatomy/physiology, reproduction, and behaviors.
,1-2 Chapter 1 Choices in Sexuality: An Introduction
1-1a Thoughts
The brain is the major “sex organ” of our body. Thoughts originate in the brain, interpret
and give meaning to a particular sexual act, and, thus, influence the subsequent emotions
attached to that sexual behavior. Sexual fantasies are thoughts that are embedded in
sexual feelings. Fantasies of men and women differ in quantity and content, and
homosexual and heterosexual fantasies about the same or opposite sex also may differ.
1-1b Sexual Self-Concept
The sexual self-concept is the way one thinks about his or her body, level of interest in
sex, and value as a sexual partner. Body image refers to one’s own perception of physical
appearance and is influenced by cultural definitions of attractiveness. Commercial
concerns foster negative thoughts and emotions about weight, breast size, hair loss,
wrinkles, and varicose veins among Americans. Both men and women have body image
concerns and these vary across cultures. Sexual self-image may change in different
contexts, e.g., individuals who have reported being stigmatized about certain aspects of
their sexual self-image have experienced an enhanced self-image after communicating
with similar people on the Internet. Body piercing, tattooing, and cosmetic tattooing are
fashionable ways to change one’s perceived body image and to provide a stronger sense
of self and connection with others. The health risks of these practices should be
acknowledged.
1-1c Values
Values are moral guidelines for right and wrong behavior. Sexual values not only guide
individual sexual behavior, they also guide social policies related to sexual issues. The
predominant sexual value among college students is “relativism,” a value system that
emphasizes sexual decisions being made in reference to the situation. Sexual values also
guide social policies related to sexual behavior such as policies concerning sex with
minors, prostitution, Internet sex, sex education, same-sex marriage, and abortion.
1-1d Emotions
Emotions are an important element of human sexuality, and humans have an inborn
attraction system designed to focus energy and attention on a obtaining a mating partner.
Other emotions associated with human sexuality include love, guilt, shame, anger,
frustration, fear, disappointment, excitement, anticipation, and disgust.
1-1e Anatomy/Physiology
Human sexuality implies sexual anatomy, which includes the external genitalia,
secondary sex characteristics, and internal reproductive organs of women and men.
Physiology refers to the functioning of the genitals and reproductive system.
,Chapter 1 Choices in Sexuality: An Introduction 1-3
1-1f Reproduction
Human sexuality includes reproduction of the species, and much of the sexual interaction
between women and men is based on the drive to procreate. These sexual interactions
involve a biologically driven craving for sexual gratification known as lust, sex drive, or
libido.
1-1g Behaviors
Human sexuality implies a variety of behaviors. Although sex is most commonly
associated with intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, breast stimulation, manual genital
stimulation, anal intercourse, as well as vaginal intercourse, are sexual behaviors. Some
of these behaviors may not be viewed as sexual behaviors by different people depending
on the context in which they occur and the definitions of sexual behavior used by those
involved.
1-1h Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal relationships may be heterosexual or homosexual; nonmarital, marital, or
extramarital; casual or intimate; personal or business-related (phone sex and prostitution);
and brief or long-term. Emotional and social aspects of relationships affect condom use.
Hooking up, or meeting someone and becoming sexually involved that same evening
with no commitment beyond the encounter, is a contemporary pattern of sexual
interaction. The practice continues because people hope that more permanent
relationships will develop. However, permanent relationships are the least likely
outcome.
1-1i Diversity
The more diverse the population of a society, the more the members of that society vary
in sexual behaviors, thoughts, feelings, values, and relationships. Sexual variations
become even more extensive when different cultures are examined. For example, there is
no universal meaning of the term sex.
1-1j Personal Choices: Why Take a Course in Human Sexuality?
College students take courses in human sexuality for a variety, and a number of studies
have examined the effects of human sexuality courses on health behavior in general and
sexual behavior in particular, on moral values, and on attitudes toward sex.
, 1-4 Chapter 1 Choices in Sexuality: An Introduction
1-2 NATURE OF SEXUAL CHOICES
1-2a Not to Decide Is to Decide
Not making a decision is a decision by default. For example, not making a conscious
decision to use a condom during sexual activity is inadvertently making a decision to risk
pregnancy or to contract a sexually transmitted disease.
1-2b Choices Involve Trade-Offs
All the sexual choices one makes involve trade-offs, both advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing to cheat on your partner may provide excitement, but it may also produce
feelings of guilt or loss of a partner relationship. Choosing an abortion or carrying an
unwanted pregnancy to term both have numerous trade-offs to consider.
1-2c Choices Include Selecting a Positive or Negative View
Regardless of the circumstances, one can choose to view a situation in positive terms.
The skill of developing a positive view can be used in unlimited situations.
1-2d Choices Produce Ambivalence and Uncertainty
Ambivalence involves conflicting feelings that coexist and produce uncertainty or
indecisiveness about a person, object, idea, or course of action. Ambivalence occurs
when one has many options, e.g., an unmarried woman can consider abortion, being a
single parent, placing the baby for adoption, or marriage. Ambivalence also occurs when
conflicting norms and values are present, e.g., an unmarried might be ambivalent about
abortion because of the pro-choice and pro-life stances on abortion in the United States.
1-2e Some Choices Are Revocable; Some Are Not
A revocable sexual choice is one that can be changed or modified. For example,
choosing to have sex with multiple partners can subsequently be changed to being
faithful to one partner or to abstaining from sexual relations. Some sexual choices cannot
be revoked. One cannot undo an abortion. When one has sexual intercourse, one is no
longer a virgin!
1-3 SEXUAL VALUES: GUIDELINES FOR SEXUAL CHOICES
Sexual values are moral guidelines for making sexual choices. Absolutism, relativism,
and hedonism are among the various sexual values.
1-3a Absolutism refers to a belief system based on the unconditional power and
authority of religion, law, or tradition. Religion, a major source of absolutist sexual
values, supports postponing sexual intercourse until marriage. The federal government
supports an absolutist position, as well. The psychological, emotional, and demographic
