SEXUAL

BEHAVIOR
LESSON 11
 Lesson Objectives:
When you finish reading this chapter, you should be able to:

 Discuss the variety of sexual behaviors in humans;

 Tackle atypical sexual variations; and
 Show appreciation of the diversity of human sexual
expression
 DEFINITION OF TERMS
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
An action with sexual intention and context.
EROTIC
Related to sexual stimulation; has something to do with the erogenous zones.
SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
Sequence of events from arousal to orgasm to resolution of sexual tension.
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
A concern or problem in any way of the phases of the sexual response cycle
COPULATORY BEHAVIOR
Related to the insertion of the penis to the vagina.
PARAPHILIA
Arousal from nonliving objects and or nonconsinteng persons
 WHAT IS BEHAVIOR?
In simple terms, it refers to actions. These are things
that we do, both overt or observable and covert not readily
observable by the naked eye. Some psychologist believe that
we behave as a response to stimuli. Others believe that we
do things we want to achieve pleasure or avoid plan. Some
think it is because we want to achieve a goal towards the
fulfillment of our own potentials and aspirations as a human
in search for meaning.
 SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Sexual behaviors are actions that humans agree
to interpret as an expression of their sexual
motivations or intentions. It is important to remember
that behaviors are given meaning by people. For
instance, while hugging and kissing maybe considered
sexual in nature, this is not always the case because the
context of the behavior matters.
 SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Sexual behaviors are generally erotic
behaviors such that they involve any of the primary
or secondary erotic zones. It can be typed according
to the aim of the behavior. Erotic motivation can also
be directed to other people of the same-sex or of the
opposite sex.
SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Homoerotic behaviors are sexual behaviors
oriented to the same-sex

Heteroerotic behaviors are used to refer to

sexual behaviors oriented to the other sex.
 SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
For reproductive purposes, copulation or the
insertion of the penis to the vagina is necessary. Humans can
assume two position in this process. More common is the
ventral-ventral position (ventris: abdomen), wherein the
male and the female species are facing each other.
Alternatively, a ventral-dorsal position (dorsum: back), may
be assumed wherein the abdomen of the male species is
facing the dorsum of the female species, such that insertion
of the penis to the vagina is from behind.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
However, sexual behaviors do not only refer to
copulation– the insertion of the penis to the vaginal orifice. They
also include an array of non-copulatory sexual behaviors such as
hugging, kissing, caressing. There are also sexual behaviors that
involve oral stimulation of the genitals such as fellatio (oral
stimulation of the penis) or cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the
vagina). Then, there are also sexual behaviors involving stimulation
or penetration of the anal orifice (anal sex).
 SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
For heterosexual couples, one of the ultimate goals of
the sexual act is reproduction. This is made possible through
the fertilization of the ovum by a sperm, which necessitates
ejaculation (release of the sperm) from the human male into
the internal reproductive system of the human female. Before
this ultimate process, both the human male and female
undergoes a sequence of bodily changes which prepare them
for the sexual climax. This sequence of changes is referred to
as the sexual response cycle.
 MASTER AND JOHNSON’S MODEL
Masters and Johnson (1966,1970) proposed that the following are four
phases in the cycle:

EXCITEMENT
The Excitement phases is the first phase in the
cycle. For the human male, goal of this phase is erection
or tumescence (the elongation and stiffening of the penis)
so that it can be efficiently inserted into the vagina. At this
phase, the testes and scrotum start to elevate and some
parts of the skin (e.g., in the breast and chest) reddens- a
phenomenon referred to as a sex flush.
 MASTER AND JOHNSON’S MODEL
Masters and Johnson (1966,1970) proposed that the
following are four phases in the cycle:
• For the human female, the goal of this phase is
lubricant (wetness of the vaginal orifice to facilitate
insertion of the penis). Lubrication is made possible by
vaginal vasocongestion. At this phase, there is willing of
the glans clitoris and the labia minora, and there are sex
flushes in breast and chest. In both male and female
humans, heart rate increases during the excitement phase.
 MASTER AND JOHNSON’S MODEL
PLATEAU
This phase is characterized by a sustained peak in
stimulation of the organs. In the human male, the corona
and glans penis become enlarged and reddish. Internally,
the cowper’s glands release a lubricating fluid and the
testes and the scrotum are totally elevated.
In the human female, the outer vagina swells
while the inner vagina expands and becomes elongated
creating the orgasmic platform(tenting).
 MASTER AND JOHNSON’S MODEL
ORGASM
The Orgasm phase is the climax of the sexual response
cycle. It is stage of release wherein the human male achieves
ejaculation and the human female is ready to receive the sperm
for possible fertilization. In the human male, ejaculation is made
possible by the contradiction of the vas deference, seminal
vesicles, and urethra, followed by the contradiction of the rectal
sphincter.
In the human female, the vagina, uterus, and anal
sphincter also contract.
 MASTER AND JOHNSON’S MODEL

RESOLUTION
In the Resolution phase, the male penis
return to its normal unerected phase, whereas the
testes and scrotum descend. In the human female, the
outer and inner reproductive organs also relax.
 KAPLAN’S MODEL
Unlike Master and Johnson’s model, Kaplan’s model (1979) sees the sexual response cycle as
having relatively independent stages. The three phases of this model include:

DESIRE
Desire is the psychological component of the
sexual response. It involves sexual thoughts and feelings,
which are necessary for a satisfying sexual experience.
However, desire does not necessary translate into action.
KAPLAN’S MODEL

AROUSAL
Arousal phase is the phase where the
Excitement and Plateau(as defined by Masters and
Johnson) take place. It is the physiological
component of the sexual stimulation. Just like
Desire, Arousal may not necessary translate into
orgasm.
KAPLAN’S MODEL
ORGASM
Orgasm in Kaplan’s model is generally
similar with that of the Masters and Johnson
model, except that this phase also include the
resolution phase, in Kaplan’s model, Orgasm is
the completion of the sexual response.
 SEXUAL RESPONSE DYSFUNCTIONS
Some people experience difficulty or problems in some of the
sexual phases. The following are the common sexual response
dysfunctions:

Sexual desire disorder- when an individual has low levels of

desire or has an avertion to sexual activities;
Sexual arousal disorder- when individual has a problem in
achieving necessary physiological state for copulation(erectile
dysfunction in males).
SEXUAL RESPONSE DYSFUNCTIONS
Orgasmic disorder- when an individual has problems in achieving
orgasm (premature ejaculation among males; male and female
orgasmic disorders); and
Sexual pain disorder- when there is an experience of pain during
the sexual response cycle( painful erection or dyspareunia and
vaginal spasms or vaginismus).
The origins of sexual dysfunction disorders are varied. It can
be organic (problem with the anatomy and physiology of the
reproductive organ). It can also be psychosomatic (a psychological
concern which manifest physically).
 PARAPHILIAS
There are typical sexual behaviors among
These behaviours are considered a typical because;
(1) they are not prevalent.
(2) they are dangerous to self and to others,
(3) they are bizarre and are not socially acceptable
(4) they are distressing either to the doer or to other people
involved in the act.
Among these atypical sexual behavioral variations,
which is also considered by the APA as a disorder, is
paraphilia.
Paraphilia occur is when an individual gets sexually
aroused by an object, a person, or a circumstance that
are unusual (pain-inflicting, humiliating, non-
consenting persons). A paraphilic disorder is when
the urge or act lasts for at least six months and is a
manifestation of clinically significant distress.
Some of the common
paraphilic disorders are
as follows:
Exhibitions
-pleasure from
exposing one’s
genitals to
nonconsenting
people;
Fetishism
-arousal from non-
living object
(shoes, sacks,
body parts);
Frotteurism
-touching or
rubbing one’s body
or genitals to
nonconsisteng
people;
Pedophilia
-arousal from
children
(prepubescent)
Sexual masochism
– arousal from
actual suffering
or humiliation;
Sexual sadism
•–arousal from
actually inflicting
pain to others;
Transvestic fetishism
– (for heterosexual
males only) arousal
from wearing
clothing by the
opposite sex during
sexual activities.
Voyeurism
– observing
other people
engaged in
sexual activities.