HC2 Introduction to sexuology
Why do psychologists need to know about sexuality?
Mental illness can cause sexual dysfunctions or problems
Sexual complaints are sometimes a symptom of mental
illness
Sexual problems are not only psychological in nature
Sexual problems are treatable
Sexual problems as a result of treatment
A satisfying sex life is healthy: better prognosis, good
prevention, better patient compliance
Disease and sex
- Sexual problems directly caused by disease (when you’re
depressed, one symptom is less sexual desire)
- Sexual problems indirectly caused by disease (tired of the
disease they have and that influences their sexual life)
- Sexual problems as a result of treatment
Risk groups: older men, young women
Patients want and expect the health care provider to initiate the topic of sexuality.
Sexuality
Sexuality is a central aspect of begin human throughout life and encompasses sex,
gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and
reproduction
, Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs,
attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships. While sexuality can
include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed
Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social,
economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious, and spiritual factors.
It’s a very diverse and complex concept!
What is healthy sex?
- Ego-syntonic sexual behavior: sexual behavior that fits you!
- Satisfying
- No damage to self or others
- Pleasure
2011 new definition of health
(sexual) health is:
- The ability to adapt (sexuality)
- Manage your self
In the light of:
- Physical, emotional and social challenges of life
Basic concepts
Biopsychosocial model: age, health, use of medication (this applies to all of us and we
all have our own mix of factors). Sex is not just about desire and erection: but also,
about all of these things!!
Sexual response cycle: personality traits, mental health, dealing with sexuality,
expectations, norms and values, coping)
Psychosomatic circle of sex: culture, religion, relationship aspects, upbringing
The first thing that needs
to work is that you can feel
that someone is touching
you your nerve system
must work!! = tactile
stimuli spinal cord
limbic system (warm, hot,
painful, nice) rest of
your body has to be able to
react to it: peripheral
arousal (breathing is
changing, nipples get hard,
pupils dilated) & genital
responses (lubrication in
women or getting an
erection in men). When
Why do psychologists need to know about sexuality?
Mental illness can cause sexual dysfunctions or problems
Sexual complaints are sometimes a symptom of mental
illness
Sexual problems are not only psychological in nature
Sexual problems are treatable
Sexual problems as a result of treatment
A satisfying sex life is healthy: better prognosis, good
prevention, better patient compliance
Disease and sex
- Sexual problems directly caused by disease (when you’re
depressed, one symptom is less sexual desire)
- Sexual problems indirectly caused by disease (tired of the
disease they have and that influences their sexual life)
- Sexual problems as a result of treatment
Risk groups: older men, young women
Patients want and expect the health care provider to initiate the topic of sexuality.
Sexuality
Sexuality is a central aspect of begin human throughout life and encompasses sex,
gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and
reproduction
, Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs,
attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships. While sexuality can
include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed
Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social,
economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious, and spiritual factors.
It’s a very diverse and complex concept!
What is healthy sex?
- Ego-syntonic sexual behavior: sexual behavior that fits you!
- Satisfying
- No damage to self or others
- Pleasure
2011 new definition of health
(sexual) health is:
- The ability to adapt (sexuality)
- Manage your self
In the light of:
- Physical, emotional and social challenges of life
Basic concepts
Biopsychosocial model: age, health, use of medication (this applies to all of us and we
all have our own mix of factors). Sex is not just about desire and erection: but also,
about all of these things!!
Sexual response cycle: personality traits, mental health, dealing with sexuality,
expectations, norms and values, coping)
Psychosomatic circle of sex: culture, religion, relationship aspects, upbringing
The first thing that needs
to work is that you can feel
that someone is touching
you your nerve system
must work!! = tactile
stimuli spinal cord
limbic system (warm, hot,
painful, nice) rest of
your body has to be able to
react to it: peripheral
arousal (breathing is
changing, nipples get hard,
pupils dilated) & genital
responses (lubrication in
women or getting an
erection in men). When
