Name
Capella University
PYSC_FPX 2800
Prof. Name
November, 2024
Foundation of Human Sexuality
Sexuality can therefore be described as the complex biopsychosocial phenomenon that is found in people (Wei et al., 2021). It comes into operation when forming relationships with other people, creating personal identity and overall health. In this case, the various components form a cornerstone on which human sexual development and behavior are put up and experienced. We need to know more about human sexuality to improve sexual health, eliminate prejudice, and prevent sexual ill health.
Biological Foundations of Human Sexuality
Sexually, humans are determined genetically, hormonally, and physiologically. During birth sexual differentiation takes place owing to the chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sex that defines the sex characteristics (Goldfarb et al., 2021). The performance of sexual development is characterized by hormonal changes distinctly during puberty regarding sexual desire, identity, and behavior. Testosterone and estrogen, also play a significant role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and sexual desire (Ziogas et al., 2023). The studies also demonstrate that the mechanism in the nervous system belonging to sexual arousal or desire and behavior: is the hypothalamus and limbic system.
Psychological Foundations
Socially, emotionally, and cognitively human sexuality is bounded with mental and social aspects. Having covered the psychological aspect of human sexuality in the above points, it is important to now consider briefly the social aspect of human sexuality. Sexuality is learned and shaped from early childhood experiences, interaction with family, and the socialization process of a society. Cognitive theories predict that children pick out sexual norms and conduct via informal associates, caregivers, peers, and media. Psychological aspects of sexualities include; self-esteem sexuality, the perception of one’s physical appearance, and intimacy with other people. These conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, or Trauma can also considerably affect sexual health or function.
Social and Cultural Foundations
Culture and society respect their roles as they seek to dictate how sexuality is to be done. Such norms usually provide guidelines on how to behave, what to expect, and or roles that are provided along gender, sexuality, and romantic partnership (Flentje et al., 2020). For instance, cultural norms or beliefs such as feminine and masculine, and cultural norms to do with premarital sex, sexual orientation, and reproductive rights differ from one society to another and shape sexuality. Media sex and sexuality also play a role in giving ideas, and therefore sex and sexuality portrayed in the media are both positive and negative and have an impact on the community’s perception of sexual behaviors and sexual orientation. The idea of sexual self-determination and consent has only recently flooded the population, and their views on sexual liberties and choices show the growth of new trends in human rights.
Sexual Orientation and Identity
Sexuality is a person’s orientation about the gender of the people he or she finds sexually attractive or with whom the person can have a romantic relationship. They are; heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality (Wei et al., 2021). Sexual orientation is not an easy process to explain since it involves both endowment and experience. Some researchers highlight the heredity aspect of certain sexual orientations, but still, it is questionable, whether it is possible to regard such factors as genetic selection, still, other factors can influence the perception of one own’s sexual identity, including childhood experiences or social pressure.
While gender expression is how a person presents their gender in the form of assigned sex at birth or how they want to be perceived, gender identity is Bi-sexual or inside a person’s attitude or gender within him/her (Angus et al., 2021). Gender is more of a spectrum that is determined by the interaction between the internal and external body and mind. Concerns associated with self and society might be seen in cases like the one of the Gender identity where the individual might have improved mismatch between his or her gender and physical sex and appropriately might have accommodation challenges.
Sexual Health and Education
Sexual health can be defined as the state of a person and their connection with sexuality aspects of physical, emotional, and social nature. Overview of sexual health refers to the means through which people can control their fertility, avoid the occurrence of STIs, and practice safe, comfortable, and mutually agreed-upon sexual relations (Paulauskaite et al., 2022). Comprehensive sex education is instrumental in achieving improved sexual health since it involves teaching the students about reproduction, contraceptions substances, and consent as well as relations (Angus et al., 2021). Research findings indicate that promoting and providing comprehensive sex education leads to decreasing or preventing teenage pregnancies and STIs, increases women’s rights, and encourages people to manage their sexual lives responsibly.
Ethical and Legal Aspects of Sexuality
The ethics and laws of human sexuality are focused on concerns regarding consent, rights, and vulnerability to exploitation (Ginn, 2022). Consent is considered an essential component in every mutual sexual interaction, and it remains a topic of ethical debate and legal regulation. E, different laws governing sexual practice, sexuality, and reproductive rights differ from one country to another; there are controversies over issues like same-sex marriage, abortion, and birth control to name but a few (Mori et al., 2022). It is therefore imperative to understand the legal environment to address issues like sexual harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
PSYC FPX 2800 assessment 1 Conclusion
The sexual basis of humankind is diverse and profound and has biological, psychological, social, and cultural interplays (Zeeman et al., 2020). By doing this, the foundations regarding sexual health, behavior, and sexual identity can be gained. He further added that this knowledge is vital in relationship and sexual health; personal and sexual agency and sexual rights and social issues. Education, conversation, and constant study must be maintained to remove barriers to the Declaration of Sexual Orientation and provide individuals freedom to act on their sexuality responsibly.
PSYC FPX 2800 assessment 1 References
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