Human sexual behavior
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Types of relationships Romantic relationship events Feelings and emotions Human practices Relationship abuse |
Human sexual behavior or human sexual practices or human sexual activities refers to the manner in which humans experience and express their sexuality. It encompasses a wide range of activities, such as strategies to find or attract partners (mating and display behavior), interactions between individuals, physical or emotional intimacy, and sexual contact.
The term sexual activity can refer both to acts involving two or more people, as in sexual intercourse, oral sex, or mutual masturbation, and to the one person activity of masturbation.
In some cultures sexual activity is considered acceptable only within marriage, although premarital and extramarital sex are universal. Some sexual activities are illegal either universally or in some countries, and some are considered against the norms of a society. For example, sexual activity with a minor and sexual assault in general are criminal offenses in many jurisdictions.
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[edit] Reasons for sexual activity
People engage in sexual activity for any of a multitude of possible reasons.
Most people engage in sexual activity because of the sexual pleasure they derive from the activity, most commonly through orgasm. The most common pleasurable sexual activities are sexual intercourse (including foreplay) and masturbation. Some people derive sexual pleasure from fetishism and/or BDSM.[1][2]
Most commonly, people engage in sexual activity with a person to whom they are sexually attracted; but at times, a person may engage in a sexual activity solely for the sexual pleasure of the partner, such as because of an obligation they may have to the partner or because of sympathy or pity they may feel for the partner. Conversely, some people engage in hate sex which occurs between two people who strongly dislike or annoy each other. It is related to the idea that opposition between two people can heighten sexual tension, attraction and interest.[3][4]
Also, a person may engage in sexual activity for purely monetary considerations, or to obtain some advantage from either the partner or the activity. Some people engage in sexual intercourse with the objective of achieving pregnancy.
[edit] Aspects of human sexual behavior
[edit] Female sexual pleasure
Foreplay is the first level on which women feel sexually aroused. During foreplay they are shown that they are loved and desired and they are prepared for the sexual intercourse. In order to achieve sexual pleasure and orgasms, stimulation during foreplay must be gradually intensified. This means that female orgasms are more likely to occur if the touching of their genital area is delayed. [5]
The ultimate female sexual pleasure is the orgasm. However, women find it harder than men to experience orgasms due to the increased level of stimulation that they need. Any kind of stimulation makes a difference when it comes to female pleasure and orgasms.
It was used to be thought that the female orgasms may be clitoral or vaginal but sexologists nowadays agree that an orgasm is an orgasm, no matter the zone that is being stimulated. [6] Even though most of the women need more than just one type of stimulation in order to achieve orgasms, the very important parts to take into consideration are the clitoris and the vagina. In fact, the clitoris has no other function but the one to provide female sexual pleasure. Most women experience orgasms due to intense clitoral stimulation. One of the reasons why orgasms are easier to achieve when the clitoris is stimulated is that the clitoris is actually very easy to find. On the other hand, vaginal stimulation comes harder. The most sensitive area in a woman's body is the G spot which is found in the vagina. If properly stimulated the G spot may cause very strong orgasms, apparently stronger than the ones reached after clitoral stimulation.
The intensity and duration of an orgasm may be different with every woman. Anyhow, women are able to experience multiple orgasms which can be serial multiple meaning they are experiencing several orgasms one after another or sequential multiple orgasms which are the orgasms that occur one after another but separated by few minutes. Even though the multiple orgasms are very rarely experienced they are not impossible. They are in fact the ultimate climax women can achieve.
[edit] Female erogenous zones
The female erogenous zones are areas with nerve endings that increase the sensitivity and their stimulation results in sexual response. [7] The aim of exploring the female erogenous areas is to prepare the woman for sexual intercourse by increasing her level of arousal in order to enjoy the act and potentially reach an orgasm. The erogenous zones are different from woman to woman and it is also likely that the stimulation of the erogenous areas that some women find pleasant and exciting may be impossible to bear for others.
However, there are certain spots that most of the women enjoy being touched on or kissed. One of them is the ear. Stimulation of this erogenous area is more intense if made with the lips or tongue. The gentle touch of the ear may be very exciting for some women. For others, the lips are a sensitive spot that when it is touched produces wonderful sensations. Most of the women enjoy being kissed with passion on the lips and also, French kissing. Kissing on any of its forms may constitute the beginning of the foreplay.
The neck is one of the most sensitive parts of a woman's body. Most of the women get shivers only by feeling the partner's warm breath, his fingertips or kisses. Biting is another way to stimulate the sensitive nerves. On the other hand, the undersides of the breasts and the nipples are very rich in nerve endings so women may get aroused by the simple gentle touch of the breasts. They can be stimulated manually or orally, using the lips and tongue.
The inner sides of the thighs are also a common erogenous zone for most women. They are very sensitive to touch and touching and kissing this area increases the degree of arousal in a woman. The feet are sensitive to touches and kisses and they constitute an erogenous zone for a big part of the women.
[edit] Cultural aspects
As with other behaviors, human intelligence and complex societies have produced among the most complicated sexual behaviors of any animal. Most people experiment with a range of sexual activities during their lives, though they tend to engage in only a few of these regularly. Most people enjoy some sexual activities. Some people enjoy many different sexual activities, while others avoid sexual activities altogether for religious or other reasons (see chastity, sexual abstinence, asexuality). Some prefer monogamous relationships for sex, and others may prefer many different partners throughout their lives.
[edit] Social norms and rules
Human sexual behavior, like many other kinds of activity engaged in by humans, is generally governed by social rules that are culturally specific and vary widely. These social rules are referred to as sexual morality (what can and can not be done by society's rules) and sexual norms (what is and is not expected). In most cultures attitudes towards premarital sex and the use of contraceptives can correlate to religious beliefs.[8]
Sexual ethics, morals, and norms relate to issues including deception/honesty, legality, fidelity and consent. Some activities, known as sex crimes in some locations, are illegal in some jurisdictions, including those conducted between (or among) consenting and competent adults (examples include sodomy law and adult-adult incest).
Some people who are in a relationship but want to hide homosexual or heterosexual activity from their partner, may solicit consensual sexual activity with others through personal contacts, online chat rooms, or, advertising in select media.
Some people engage in various sexual activities as a business transaction. When this involves having sex with, or performing certain actual sexual acts for another person in exchange for money or something of value, it is called prostitution. Other aspects of the adult industry include (for example) telephone sex operators, strip clubs, pornography and the like.
Most societies consider it a serious crime to force someone to engage in sexual behavior or to engage in sexual behavior with someone who does not consent. This is called sexual assault, and if sexual penetration occurs it is called rape, the most serious kind of sexual assault. The details of this distinction may vary among different legal jurisdictions. Also, precisely what constitutes effective consent to have sex varies from culture to culture and is frequently debated. Laws regulating the minimum age at which a person can consent to have sex (age of consent) are frequently the subject of debate, as is adolescent sexual behavior in general. Some societies have forced marriage, where consent may not be required.
[edit] Frequency of sexual activity
The frequency of sexual intercourse might range from zero (sexual abstinence) to 15 or 20 times a week.[9] In America, the average frequency of sexual intercourse for married couples is 2 to 3 times a week.[10] It is generally recognized that postmenopausal women experience declines in frequency of sexual intercourse[11] and that average frequency of intercourse declines with age. According to the Kinsey Institute, average frequency of sexual intercourse in USA is 112 times per year (age 18-29), 86 times per year (age 30-39), and 69 times per year (age 40-49).[12]
[edit] Safety and ancillary issues
There are three main areas of physical risk in sexual activity:
- sexually transmitted disease
- unwanted pregnancy
- injury or death during BDSM without precautions or with a careless partner
These risks are increased by any condition (temporary or permanent) which impairs one's judgment, such as excess alcohol or other drugs, or emotional states such as loneliness, depression or euphoria. Careful consideration can greatly reduce all of these issues.
Sexual behaviors that involve contact with the bodily fluids of another person entail risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Safe sex practices try to avoid this. These techniques are often seen as less necessary for those in committed relationships with persons known to be free of disease; see fluid bonding.
Due to health concerns arising from HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, HPV and other sexually transmitted infections, some people require potential sex partners to be tested for STDs before engaging in sex.
Sexual behaviors that involve the contact of semen with the vagina or vulva may result in pregnancy. To prevent pregnancy, many people employ a variety of birth control measures. The most popular methods of prevention are condoms, spermicides, hormonal contraception, and sterilization.
[edit]
[edit] Same sex laws
Various forms of same-sex sexual activity have been prohibited under law in many areas at different times in history. In 2003, the Lawrence v. Texas United States Supreme Court decision overturned all such laws in the US.[13]
Usually, though not always, such laws are termed sodomy laws, but also include issues such as age of consent laws, decency laws, and so forth. Laws prohibiting same-sex sexuality have varied widely throughout history, varying by culture, religious and social taboos and customs, etc. Often such laws are targeted or applied differently based on sex as well. For example, laws against same-sex sexual behavior in the United Kingdom during the reign of Queen Victoria, sodomy or "buggery" laws were aimed specifically at male same-sex sexual activity and did not target or even address female homosexuality.
[edit] Child sexuality
Children are naturally curious about their bodies and sexual functions — they wonder where babies come from, they notice anatomical differences between males and females, and many engage in genital play (often mistaken for masturbation). Child sex play includes exhibiting or inspecting the genitals. Many children take part in some sex play, typically with siblings or friends.[14] In the past, children were often assumed to be sexually "pure", having no sexuality until later development. Sigmund Freud was one of the first researchers to take child sexuality seriously. While his ideas, such as psychosexual development and the Oedipus conflict, have been rejected or labeled obsolete, acknowledging the existence of child sexuality was a milestone.[14] Alfred Kinsey also examined child sexuality in his Kinsey Reports. Sex play with others usually decreases as children go through their elementary school years, yet they still may possess romantic interest in their peers. Curiosity levels remain high during these years, but it is not until adolescence that the main surge in sexual interest occurs.[14]
Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which a child is abused for the sexual gratification of an adult or older adolescent.[15][16] In addition to direct sexual contact, child sexual abuse also occurs when an adult asks or pressures a child to engage in sexual activities or uses a child to produce child pornography.[15][17][18]
Effects of child sexual abuse include depression,[19] post-traumatic stress disorder,[20] anxiety,[21] propensity to re-victimization in adulthood,[22] and physical injury to the child, among other problems.[23] Sexual abuse by a family member is a form of incest, and can result in more serious and long-term psychological trauma, especially in the case of parental incest.[24]
Approximately 15% to 25% of women and 5% to 15% of men were sexually abused when they were children.[25][26][27][28][29] Most sexual abuse offenders are acquainted with their victims; approximately 30% are relatives of the child, most often fathers, uncles or cousins; around 60% are other acquaintances such as friends of the family, babysitters, or neighbors; strangers are the offenders in approximately 10% of child sexual abuse cases. Most child sexual abuse is committed by men; women commit approximately 14% of offenses reported against boys and 6% of offenses reported against girls.[25] Most offenders who abuse pre-pubescent children are pedophiles,[30][31] however a small percentage do not meet the diagnostic criteria for pedophilia.[32]
[edit] Sexuality in late adulthood
Changes in sexual behavior occur with age and while humans in late adulthood may be impaired by infirmity, relationship needs such as closeness and sensuality remain. Aging produces changes in sexual performance. Men are more likely to experience these changes than women. For men, orgasms become less frequent and usually need more direct stimulation to produce an erection. One out of four men, ages 65 to 80, had severe problems getting or keeping erections and this percentage increased with men over 80 years of age. Yet, the use of drugs to treat erectile dysfunction increases the expectations of older adults to have sex. Despite medical complications and opinions that people in late adulthood should be asexual, many older adults continue to engage in sexual intercourse. The results of a recent interview study involving 3,000 adults 57 to 85 years of age have shown that health plays a role in the level of older adults' sexual activity. The percentage of sexually active older adults is higher for those that are in good health than those in poor health. Older women may be less sexually active due to outliving their partners or men's tendency to marry younger women. While older adults engage in sexual activity, intimacy and companionship tend to be more important than sex.[14]
[edit] See also
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Sex and Relationships - Sex - 4Health from Channel 4
- ^ Improve your orgasm: you may have thought your sexual pleasure was the one thing that couldn't get any better. Think again - Sexual Fitness - physiology | Men's Fitness | Find Articles at BNET.com
- ^ Holbrook, David (1972). The masks of hate: the problem of false solutions in the culture of an acquisitive society. Pergamon Press. p. 118. ISBN 9780080157993. http://books.google.com/books?id=rWYIAQAAIAAJ.
- ^ Institute, American Film (1997). The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures produced in the United States, Volume 1, Part 2 (reprint ed.). University of California Press. p. 369. ISBN 9780520209701. http://books.google.com/books?id=s1k1RsGvFwwC.
- ^ "How To Pleasure Women". http://www.howtopleasurewomen.net. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ "Understanding The Female Orgasm". http://www.askmen.com/dating/love_tip_200/216b_love_tip.html. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ "Her Erogenous Zones". http://living.oneindia.in/kamasutra/spice-up/erogenouszones.html. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ Margaret Talbot, Red Sex, Blue Sex, from The New Yorker, November 3, 2008
- ^ Sexual health: An interview with a Mayo Clinic specialist
- ^ Varcarolis, E.M. (1990). Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. New York: W.B. Saunders Company. pp. 787. ISBN 0-7216-1976-2.
- ^ "ACOG 2003 Poster, Sociosexual Behavior in Healthy Women". http://www.athenainstitute.com/sciencelinks/acog03.html. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
- ^ "Frequently asked questions to the Kinsey Institute". http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/resources/FAQ.html#frequency. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
- ^ Lawrence V. Texas
- ^ a b c d Santrock, J.W. (2008). A Topical Approach to Life-Span Development (4thed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
- ^ a b "Child Sexual Abuse". Medline Plus. U.S. National Library of Medicine,. 2008-04-02. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childsexualabuse.html.
- ^ [[American Psychological Association |Committee on Professional Practice and Standards (COPPS), Board of Professional Affairs (BPA), American Psychological Association (APA)]]; Catherine Acuff, Ph.D.; Steven Bisbing, Ph.D.; Michael Gottlieb, Ph.D.; Lisa Grossman, Ph.D.; Jody Porter, Ph.D.; Richard Reichbart, Ph.D.; Steven Sparta, Ph.D.; and C. Eugene Walker, Ph.D (August 1999). "Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters". American Psychologist 54 (8): 586–593. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.54.8.586. PMID 10453704. http://www.apa.org/practice/childprotection.html. Retrieved 2008-05-07. Lay summary – APA PsycNET (2008-05-07). "Abuse, sexual (child): generally defined as contacts between a child and an adult or other person significantly older or in a position of power or control over the child, where the child is being used for sexual stimulation of the adult or other person.".
- ^ Martin, J., Anderson, J., Romans, S., et al. (1993). Asking about child sexual abuse: methodological implications of a two-stage survey, Child Abuse and Neglect, 17, 383-392.
- ^ Child sexual abuse definition from the NSPCC
- ^ Roosa M.W., Reinholtz C., Angelini P.J. (1999)."The relation of child sexual abuse and depression in young women: comparisons across four ethnic groups," Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology27(1):65-76.
- ^ Widom C.S. (1999). "Post-traumatic stress disorder in abused and neglected children grown up," American Journal of Psychiatry; 156(8):1223-1229.
- ^ Levitan, R. D., N. A. Rector, Sheldon, T., & Goering, P. (2003). "Childhood adversities associated with major depression and/or anxiety disorders in a community sample of Ontario: Issues of co-morbidity and specificity," Depression & Anxiety; 17, 34-42.
- ^ Terri L. Messman-Moore & Patricia J. Long, "Child Sexual Abuse and Revictimization in the Form of Adult Sexual Abuse, Adult Physical Abuse, and Adult Psychological Maltreatment," 15 Journal of Interpersonal Violence 489 (2000).
- ^ Dinwiddie S, Heath AC, Dunne MP, et al. (2000). "Early sexual abuse and lifetime psychopathology: a co-twin-control study." Psychological Medicine, 30:41–52
- ^ Courtois, Christine A. (1988). Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy. W. W. Norton & Company. pp. 208. ISBN 0393313565.
- ^ a b Julia Whealin, Ph.D. (2007-05-22). "Child Sexual Abuse". National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, US Department of Veterans Affairs. http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_child_sexual_abuse.html.
- ^ David Finkelhor (summer/fall 1994). "Current Information on the Scope and Nature of Child Sexual Abuse" (PDF). The Future of Children (1994) 4(2): 31-53. http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/VS75.pdf.
- ^ Crimes against Children Research Center
- ^ Family Research Laboratory
- ^ Kevin M. Gorey and Donald R. Leslie (April 1997). "The prevalence of child sexual abuse: Integrative review adjustment for potential response and measurement biases". Child Abuse & Neglect (Elsevier Science Ltd.) 21 (4): 391–398. doi:10.1016/S0145-2134(96)00180-9. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V7N-3SWVJJ8-6&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=3bf4125ab05f663f306a1ca792f43398.
- ^ Hall, MD, Ryan C.; Richard C. W. Hall, MD, PA. (2007). "A Profile of Pedophilia: Definition, Characteristics of Offenders, Recidivism, Treatment Outcomes, and Forensic Issues" (PDF). Mayo Clin Proc (MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH) 82:457-471 2007: 457. doi:10.4065/82.4.457. http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/82/4/457.full.
- ^ Ames, A. & Houston, D. A. (1990).Legal, social, and biological definitions of pedophilia. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 19(4), 333-342.
- ^ Laws, Dr. Richard; William T. O'Donohue (1997). Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment. Guilford Press. pp. 175–193. ISBN 1572302410.
[edit] Further reading
- Agmo Anders, Functional and dysfunctional sexual behavior. Elsevier 2007
- Wunsch Serge PhD thesis about sexual behavior Paris, Sorbonne 2007
- Durex Global Sex Survey 2005 at data360.org
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