RED DE UNIVERSIDADES ANÁHUAC

Activity 3/4. Essay

Subject: Human Sexuality

Teacher: Claudia Escalante
Student: Ana Ximena Padilla García
ID: 00433684

August 2023
 The Description of the Masters and Johnson Model

The most discussed model of human sexual response was developed by Masters and Johnson
(1966). This model was developed by a Missouri couple consisting of a gynecologist and a
sexologist, who investigated the effects of sexual activity or sexual experiences of human
beings. After observing more than 10,000 complete sexual cycles of both sexes, they found
that sexual excitement and response followed a pattern. The results they obtained consider
that there are four primary stages: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution (Lehmiller, J.,
2013). In this essay, each of these stages will be explained and discussed in order to
understand the processes that occur in the body during sexual activity.

The beginning of the human sexual response is the excitement. During this phase, the body is
presenting itself for sex. This phase is characterized by two physiological processes, the first
being vasocongestion. This refers to increased blood flow to the genital tissues, including
erection of the penis or swelling and enlargement of the clitoris. Which can be triggered by
oneself when masturbating or by part of the environment such as contact with a partner. Also,
there may be increased blood flow to other parts of the body, voluntary and involuntary
tightening and contraction of muscles, also known as myotonia (Lehmiller, J., 2013).

The plateau, being the second phase as arousal continues, the individual experiences that
sexual tensions continue to increase. This phase is a prolongation of arousal. The main
distinction of this phase is that vasocongestion and myotonia are even more intense. For
example, in the male, complete erection occurs, and in the female, complete elongation of the
vagina. Speaking of physiological changes, individuals continue with an increase in heart and
respiratory rate, as well as a deepening of sexual flushing (Lehmiller, J., 2013). Simply put,
this phase is the continuation of arousal and preparation for the next phase, orgasm.

As sexual stimulation continues, the individual experiences the third phase, orgasm, also
known as the climax of a sexual reaction. During this phase the muscles surrounding the
genitals perform a series of brief, rhythmic contractions. In women, it may be accompanied
by expulsion of bodily fluids, but not many women climax regularly. In men, it is usually
accompanied by ejaculation, which is rare for men not to experience during sexual activity
(Lehmiller, J., 2013). The main characteristics of orgasms lie in their ability to generate a
feeling of genuine pleasure. These moments of pleasure can be manifested both through
genital stimulation and in the absence of it. Physical and psychological phenomena such as
ejaculation and the phenomenon of orgasm simulation in the case of women converge in this
phase (Lehmiller, J., 2013).

Finally, the last phase of the sexual response is resolution, which occurs once all stimulation
has ended. In this phase the genitals and the rest of the body return to their state of non-
excitation. Resolution can occur after any of the aforementioned phases, i.e., it is not
necessary for the individual to reach orgasm to enter the resolution phase. The behaviors and
duration during this phase vary depending on the individual. It may be that for some people
the duration may be a few minutes, while for others it may be a few hours (Lehmiller, J.,
2013).

This model provides us with a starting point for understanding the complex human sexual
response cycle, however, it is clear that this approach is limited, as the criticisms of this
model comment. Since its explanation focuses primarily on an explanation of a biological
nature, its scope encompasses only the way in which the individual experiences it through the
physiological changes that occur. Emotions and the mind have an influence, and this is
something that this model does not consider.

References:
Lehmiller, J. (2013) The Psychology of Human Sexuality. 1st edition. Wiley Blackwell.