PSY 350 EXAM 3 LECTURE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. What do all sexual disorders have in common--this something may be regarded as
the defining characteristic of sexual disorder? - Answers - -restrictions in ability to
engage in social practice of lovemaking. CANNOT participate in sexual activity whether
physical or psychological
2. What are "sexual dysfunctions" (be sure to distinguish this from the more general
term, "sexual disorder")? - Answers - -disabilities dealing with PERFORMANCE of
sexual act or SATISFACTIONS derived from it. it's chronic
3. What are the varieties of sexual dysfunction that were mentioned in class? Be able to
define each. - Answers - -hypoactive sexual desire:don't have sexual fantasies and lack
interest in sex. may feel like going through motions.
-sexual aversion disorder:very strong AVERSIVE reactions towards sex; severe anxiety
or disgust.
-female sexual arousal disorder:inability to obtain or maintain the swelling lube of
sexual response
-male erectile dysfunction:inability to obtain or maintain erection before or during sex
-female orgasmic disorder:problems with achieving orgasm. may never reach one
-male orgasmic disorder:orgasm too soon
-sexual pain disorder:genital pain associated with intercourse
4. What psychological causes of sexual dysfunction were mentioned in class? -
Answers - -negative relationships, negative sexual experiences (including trauma),
negative views of sex (from growing up), dysfunctional cognitions (spectator role,
paranoia, etc)
5. According to the article, "Sexual misunderstanding," discussed at length in lecture,
what is the common difference between men and women in the significance they attach
to
the act of sexual intercourse? How can this difference lead to problems in their
Relationship? - Answers - -Men and women have different perspectives of sex: typically
not aware of
-women: if not currently feeling close, sex is a way to restore closeness; sex is a way to
express existing closeness
-men: sex is a way to express existing closeness, BUT also a way to get close
6. What is a "paraphilia?" Be able to define the varieties of this mentioned in class. -
Answers - -sexual perversions or deviations (intercourse expressed not as
LOVEMAKING, but about other things!)
-fetishism:being obsessed with body part/object sexually
-sadism and masochism:getting sex pleasure from inflicting pain on someone
ANSWERS
1. What do all sexual disorders have in common--this something may be regarded as
the defining characteristic of sexual disorder? - Answers - -restrictions in ability to
engage in social practice of lovemaking. CANNOT participate in sexual activity whether
physical or psychological
2. What are "sexual dysfunctions" (be sure to distinguish this from the more general
term, "sexual disorder")? - Answers - -disabilities dealing with PERFORMANCE of
sexual act or SATISFACTIONS derived from it. it's chronic
3. What are the varieties of sexual dysfunction that were mentioned in class? Be able to
define each. - Answers - -hypoactive sexual desire:don't have sexual fantasies and lack
interest in sex. may feel like going through motions.
-sexual aversion disorder:very strong AVERSIVE reactions towards sex; severe anxiety
or disgust.
-female sexual arousal disorder:inability to obtain or maintain the swelling lube of
sexual response
-male erectile dysfunction:inability to obtain or maintain erection before or during sex
-female orgasmic disorder:problems with achieving orgasm. may never reach one
-male orgasmic disorder:orgasm too soon
-sexual pain disorder:genital pain associated with intercourse
4. What psychological causes of sexual dysfunction were mentioned in class? -
Answers - -negative relationships, negative sexual experiences (including trauma),
negative views of sex (from growing up), dysfunctional cognitions (spectator role,
paranoia, etc)
5. According to the article, "Sexual misunderstanding," discussed at length in lecture,
what is the common difference between men and women in the significance they attach
to
the act of sexual intercourse? How can this difference lead to problems in their
Relationship? - Answers - -Men and women have different perspectives of sex: typically
not aware of
-women: if not currently feeling close, sex is a way to restore closeness; sex is a way to
express existing closeness
-men: sex is a way to express existing closeness, BUT also a way to get close
6. What is a "paraphilia?" Be able to define the varieties of this mentioned in class. -
Answers - -sexual perversions or deviations (intercourse expressed not as
LOVEMAKING, but about other things!)
-fetishism:being obsessed with body part/object sexually
-sadism and masochism:getting sex pleasure from inflicting pain on someone
