Iglesias 1

Yamil Iglesias

Nayelee Villanueva

ENG 100

September 26, 2022

A Happy Sex Life

As Sipe (2013) points out, different couples have different perspectives on sex issues.
Any of them agree that sexual expectation in relationships is so strong that it leads to
healthier relationships. Others will believe that it would harm the partnership in certain
circumstances, but this is not always the case. Many who agree that sex will decide the
essence of their relationship are more likely to believe that problems with sexual issues
are a symptom of greater problems. On the other hand, those who believe in sex as an
influential force in relationships seldom encourage it to impact their relationship (Sipe,
2013). However, there are external factors that influence the perception of the
significance of sex in relationships. The content in mainstream media is among such
factors. The mainstream media provides different context of sexual relationships and
roles among couples. The paper analyzes the nature that the research was originally
placed by Maxwell and other scholars against the publication on a Neuroscience News.

The original journal argues that sex is not easy and fulfilling as it is evident that most of
the couples struggle to attain sexual satisfaction. The research draws the arguments
from the relationships implicit theories to analyze the individual beliefs on the
maintenance of sexual satisfaction towards shaping a better relationship. The research
therefore aims at analyzing the two main beliefs that are used in defining sexual
relationships. These theories include the sexual growth belief and the sexual destiny
belief. According to Maxwell et al. (2016), the concept of sexual growth belief asserts
that sexual satisfaction requires work and effort in maintaining it over the period of the
relationship. On the other hand, those who adopt sexual destiny beliefs argue that the
natural compatibility that exists between sexual couples is an essential aspect for them
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to maintain a healthy sexual relationship (Ellis, 2007). In the case where sexual
satisfaction is not attained then the relationship is negatively affected.

The research provides a succinct introduction on the theories adopted in the measures
intended at providing a scale for assessing the variance between the two theories. The
popular journal provides brief insights into Maxwell’s research. The journal skips the
entire research conducted on the implicit beliefs in the welfare and outcome of
relationships. The main research by Maxwell et al (2016) goes through a synthesis of
well-researched journals to draw the conclusions. For the purpose of comprehension of
what leads to the conclusion on the nature of relationships and sex, there should be a
broader coverage. The author does this by first investigating the basic beliefs, the
manner in which people change their internal attributes and if the attributes that lead
them towards these notions are fixed (Maxwell et al. 2016).

However, there is one aspect that popular media journal incorporates that the author left
out. The media has had a significant influence on the sexual beliefs and the way they
are manifested among different people. Most people spend most of their time on the
television and other forms of media that portrays a modernized form of pop culture.
Arguably, this has had a direct effect on the sexual perceptions of many. Furthermore, it
has become a center for seeking direction, advice and guidance by many through the
educational media platforms and borrowed ideas from movies (Simon & Gagnon, 2011).
The journal provides a highly compelling case by arguing that the pop culture has
conditioned most individuals to understand and perceive the aspects of the relationships
as shown in the movies. However, Maxwell’s research does not miss everything
besides the concept of sharing some aspects such as the division of house roles and
chores which also demands effort and work.

Maxwell’s research broadens the concept of the two theories of sexual destiny and
sexual growth. Through a series of research on destiny believers and growth believers,
some conclusive arguments were found in the author’s research. Maxwell (2016) found
that destiny believers tend to be in a position to overcome the threats in their
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relationships just as the sexual growth believers, but this is only in the case where they
feel compatible. This adds to the argument on the popular media journal where it states
that women tend to be enthusiastic consumers of the soulmate and the romantic destiny
concepts and narratives. On the other hand, Maxwell’s study adds that women could
believe more that sex in the long-term relationship requires effort and commitment. This
can be based on statement by Maxwell that for women, sexual satisfaction needs more
effort that they tend to rate it higher up the sexual growth scale.

In conclusion, the journal authored by Maxwell et al (2016) and popular media show the
way couples communicate ideas and issues on sexual satisfaction and relationship
status. Maxwell (2016) focuses on understanding the connection between sexual
satisfaction and relationships. The author acknowledges that maintenance of sexual
satisfaction can be challenged especially among romantic relationships that last long.
The research conducted denotes that people who believe in ways that sexual
satisfaction can be maintained play a significant role in shaping their relationship
connection and sexual desires.

Maxwell et.al (2016) illustrates the essence of sexual satisfaction as it encourages

closeness and happiness among couples. This does not imply that sexual satisfaction is
the core factor that holds a relationship. Instead, it is one of the essential factors that
facilitate, strengthens, and ignites a relationship. Therefore, it shapes the long-term
outlook of the relationship. For example, Maxwell et al (2016) concludes by stating that
the individuals that believe that the maintenance of sexual satisfaction is based on the
effort put and work are usually satisfied. Whereas those who believe that sexual
satisfaction is dependent on the compatibility experiences of the partner then the quality
of their relationship is more likely to be volatile.Furthermore, it advises the audience that
it takes effort and hard work for any relationship to last. However, the journal highlights
what Maxwell aims at addressing. But for one who desires to accrue more knowledge
on the same subject, it is advisable to review the original journal by Maxwell and
understand the modes of research utilized.
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Work cited

Maxwell, J. A., Muise, A., MacDonald, G., Day, L. C., Rosen, N. O., & Impett, E. A.
(2016). How Implicit Theories of Sexuality Shape Sexual and Relationship Well-Being.

Sipe, A. R. (2013). A secret world: Sexuality and the search for celibacy. Routledge.

Ellis, C. (2007). Telling secrets, revealing lives: Relational ethics in research with
intimate others. Qualitative inquiry, 13(1), 3-29.

Ogas, O., & Gaddam, S. (2011). A billion wicked thoughts: What the world’s largest
experiment reveals about human desire. Dutton.

Simon, W., & Gagnon, J. (2011). Sexual conduct: The social sources of human
sexuality. Transaction publishers.

Butzer, B., & Campbell, L. (2008). Adult attachment, sexual satisfaction, and
relationship satisfaction: A study of married couples. Personal relationships, 15(1), 141-
154.
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