Sexual response - Essay Example

Sexual response Sexual response is an extremely individual process. People vary in their physical, mental, and emotional reactions to sexual stimulation. However, almost all people experience certain basic physiological changes that happen, and those fit with some general patters about what happens when one is sexually aroused. T These stages describe the response to any form of sexual stimulation; they are not limited to penile-vaginal intercourse. The full sexual response cycle can be experienced during masturbation, manual stimulation by one's partner, oral sex, and fantasy. (http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/print.php?article=activity&refid=034) Four phase model of male sexual response Here is what Masters and Johnson found to happen during the four phases of the sexual response cycle for men. Phase 1 of the Male Sexual Response – Excitement In response to sexual stimuli (whether psychological in the form of sexual thoughts or fantasies, or physical in the form of physical stimulation) the process of vasocongestion occurs, where more blood flows into the penis than is flowing out, and the result will usually be that a man will get an erection. How long this takes, and what the erection feels like will differ from man to man, and for the same man over time. Physical changes may include: There are also changes in the scrotum and testes, with the testes increasing in size and the scrotum elevating, coming closer to the body. The skin may become flushed, men may experience heightened sensitivity in parts of their body, like the nipples. Some increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Phase 2 of the Male Sexual Response – Plateau With continued sexual stimulation this phase represents the time between the initial arousal and excitement, up until orgasm. For many men the plateau phase is very short, but this is the phase that men can extend as a way of controlling premature ejaculation. Physical changes during this phase may include:An increase in the size of the head of the penis, and the head may also change color, becoming purplish.;The Cowper’s gland secretes fluid, often referred to as pre-cum , which comes out of the tip of the penis.;The testes move further in towards the body, and increase in size;There may be a sex flush, muscle tension, increase in heart rate and rising blood pressure. Phase 3 of the Male Sexual Response – Orgasm Masters and Johnson further divided the orgasmic phase for men into two separate stages. In the first stage: Contractions in the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and the prostate causes seminal fluid (“come” or ejaculate) to collect in a pool at the base of the penis, in the urethra. This collection is usually felt as a “tickling” type sensation. In the second stage of the orgasmic phase: Contractions of muscles occur in a “throbbing” manner around the urethra, and propel ejaculate through the urethra and out of the body. These contractions (which occur at different speeds, and in different amounts) are usually what are experienced as highly pleasurable feelings of release. Phase 4 of the Male Sexual Response – Resolution Resolution phase refers to the period of time immediately following an orgasm, when the body begins to return to its “normal” state. This phase includes: The loss of the erection as the blood flows out of the penis, which happens in two stages over the period of a few minutes. The scrotum and testes return to normal size. A general feeling of relaxation. There is also a refractory period following ejaculation when a man is physically incapable of getting another erection. This period may be from a few minutes to much longer. It seems to be longer in older men, although there are many possible individual differences. (Masters, W.H. & Johnson, V.E. Human Sexual Response New York: Bantam Books, 1980.) What Are the Phases of the Sexual Response Cycle?   The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Both men and women experience these phases, although the timing usually is different. For example, it is unlikely that both partners will reach orgasm at the same time. In addition, the intensity of the response and the time spent in each phase varies from person to person. Understanding these differences may help partners better understand one another's bodies and responses, and enhance the sexual experience. Phase 1: Excitement General characteristics of this phase, which can last from a few minutes to several hours, include the following: Muscle tension increases. Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated. Skin may become flushed (blotches of redness appear on the chest and back). Nipples become hardened or erect. Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman's clitoris and labia minora (inner lips), and erection of the man's penis. Vaginal lubrication begins. The woman's breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell. The man's testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a lubricating liquid. Phase 2: Plateau General characteristics of this phase, which extends to the brink of orgasm, include the following: The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified. The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn a dark purple. The woman's clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch) and retracts under the clitoral hood to avoid direct stimulation from the penis. The man's testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum. Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to increase. Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face, and hands. Muscle tension increases. Phase 3: Orgasm This phase is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include the following: Involuntary muscle contractions begin. Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen. Muscles in the feet spasm. There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension. In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes rhythmic contractions. In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the ejaculation of semen. A rash, or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body. Phase 4: Resolution During this phase, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning, and swelled and erect body parts return to their previous size and color. This phase is marked by a general sense of well-being, enhanced intimacy and, often, fatigue. Some women are capable of a rapid return to the orgasm phase with further sexual stimulation and may experience multiple orgasms. Men need recovery time after orgasm, called a refractory period, during which they cannot reach orgasm again. The duration of the refractory period varies among men and usually lengthens with advancing age. (www.csupomona.edu/~gdbrum/ bio301/sexualresponsecycle.html - 28k ) 2. List 6 or more of the factors that increase the risk of children being sexually abused. Describe the personality characteristics of most pedophiles. What kind of treatment program do you think would be effective in the recovery of both the perpetrator and victim/survivor? Factors associated with increased risk of child abuse are often grouped according to the following categories: Parent or caregiver factors , Family factors, Child factors, Environmental factors, Parental substance abuse is reported to be a contributing factor for between one- and two-thirds of maltreated children in the child welfare system. Research supports the association between substance abuse and child maltreatment. Substance abuse can interfere with a parent's mental functioning, judgment, inhibitions, and protective capacity. Parents significantly affected by the use of drugs and alcohol may neglect the needs of their children, spend money on drugs instead of household expenses, or get involved in criminal activities that jeopardize their children's health or safety. Also, studies suggest that substance abuse can influence parental discipline choices and child-rearing styles. Specific life situations of some families—such as marital conflict, domestic violence, single parenthood, unemployment, financial stress, and social isolation—may increase the likelihood of maltreatment. While these factors by themselves may not cause maltreatment, they frequently contribute to negative patterns of family functioning. Family Structure Children living with single parents may be at higher risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse and neglect than children living with two biological parents. Single parent households are substantially more likely to have incomes below the poverty line. Lower income, the increased stress associated with the sole burden of family responsibilities, and fewer supports are thought to contribute to the risk of single parents maltreating their children. The Child Abuse and Father Absence Connection The rate of child abuse in single parent households is 27.3 children per 1,000, which is nearly twice the rate of child abuse in two parent households (15.5 children per 1,000). A national survey of nearly 1,000 parents found that 7.4 percent of children who lived with one parent had been sexually abused, compared to only 4.2 percent of children who lived with both biological parents. A study of 156 victims of child sexual abuse found that the majority of the children came from disrupted or single-parent homes; only 31 percent of the children lived with both biological parents. Although stepfamilies make up only about 10 percent of all families, 27 percent of the abused children in this study lived with either a stepfather or the mother's boyfriend.49 Environmental Factors Environmental factors include poverty and unemployment, social isolation, and community characteristics. It is important to reiterate that most parents or caregivers who live in these types of environments are not abusive. Poverty and Unemployment Rod Plotnik, emeritus professor, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, describes several theories related to the association between poverty and maltreatment, all of which may hold some truth. One theory is that low income creates greater family stress, which, in turn, leads to higher chances of maltreatment. A second theory is that parents with low incomes, despite good intentions, may be unable to provide adequate care while raising children in high-risk neighborhoods with unsafe or crowded housing and inadequate daycare. A third theory is that some other characteristics may make parents more likely to be both poor and abusive. For example, a parent may have a substance abuse problem that impedes the parent's ability to obtain and maintain a job, which also may contribute to abusive behavior Violent Communities Children living in dangerous neighborhoods have been found to be at higher risk than children from safer neighborhoods for severe neglect and physical abuse, as well as child sexual victimization..Some risk may be associated with the poverty found in dangerous neighborhoods, however, concerns remain that violence may seem an acceptable response or behavior to individuals who witness it more frequently. ( http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm) PEDOPHILES Characteristics and Behavioral Indicators of a Pedophile When most people imagine a child molester, they picture some ugly, old man in a trench coat coaxing children to come to him in exchange for some candy. They don't picture Uncle Joe or Aunt Lorraine; the neighbor next door or the friendly parishioner; another family member or trusted co-worker. They don't think of mom or dad, or in the case of single parents, their significant other. This misconception has been effectively dispelled through information obtained in thousand of child sexual abuse investigations over the years. Child molesters come from all walks of life and from all socioeconomic groups. They can be male or female, rich or poor, employed or unemployed, religious or non-religious, highly educated or non-educated, or from any race. Through numerous case studies, the Department of Justice has developed characteristics and behavioral indicators of a pedophile. They are as follows: Is most often an adult male. Is usually married. Works in a wide range of occupations, from unskilled laborer to corporate executive. Relates better to children than adults. Socializes with few adults unless they are pedophiles. Usually prefers children in a specific age group. Usually prefers either males or females, but may be bi-sexual. May seek employment or volunteer with programs involving children of the age of his preference. Pursues children for sexual purposes. Frequently photographs or collects photographs of his victims, either dressed, nude, or in sexually explicit acts. Collects child erotica and child-adult pornography. May possess and furnish narcotics to his victims to lower their inhibitions. Is usually intelligent enough to recognize that he has a personal problem and understand the severity of it. May go to great lengths to conceal his illegal activity. Often rationalizes his illicit activities, emphasizing his positive impact upon the victim and repressing feelings about the harm that he has done. Often portrays the child as the aggressor. This usually occurs after the child realizes that by withholding "sexual favors" the child will obtain what he or she desires, such as new toys, clothing or trips. Talks about children in the same manner as one would talk about an adult lover or spouse. Often was a child molestation victim and frequently seeks out children at the age or stage of physical development at which he was molested. Often seeks out publications and organizations that support his sexual beliefs and practices. Usually corresponds with other pedophiles and exchanges child pornography and erotica as proof of involvement. Is usually non-violent and has few problems with the law (pedophiles are frequently respected community members). The incestuous or interfamilial molester is usually an adult male (father, stepfather, grandfather or live-in boyfriend of the mother) who molests the child or children. Although physical abuse may occur, the molestation is usually secretive and is accomplished through mental duress and threats - that the child would be removed from the family if he/she did not succumb to his wishes, that he/she would be blamed for hurting the family if the offender is arrested, or that a sibling would be sexually abused if the victim did not consent. The molestation occurs over an extended period of time, occasionally into the victim's adulthood. Through intimidation, the child is made to feel responsible for the molestation and for keeping the acts secret. This secret is normally kept between the offender and the victim, or within the immediate family. The stranger molester will use force or fear to molest children. As the term implies, the child does not know the molester. This type of molestation is usually reported promptly to the police because the trauma to the child is readily apparent. The single-parent family is particularly vulnerable to the pedophile; the parent usually has a full-time job and is attempting to fulfill the role of both parents, as well as run the household. In many cases the parent is unable to provide the psychological support the child needs. These situations may contribute to the success of the child molester who can and will provide the caring attention, however superficial that may be lacking at home. Of course, domestic problems in intact families also can make children vulnerable to the pedophile. It should be noted as well, many pedophiles seek out mothers of single-parent families for the purpose of victimizing their children. PROTECTING THE VICTIM The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. If they don't feel they can talk with you about their true feelings or that they will be "put down" for it, then you can't expect they will tell you when they are put in an uncomfortable situation by a child molester. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It's not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Most child molestation's are committed by someone known to or related to the child. (Webmaster: webmaster@co.whatcom.wa.us) TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR PERPETRATORS Group treatment programs for pedophiles are often designed for populations of convicted men in closed institutions with limited application to other populations. Treatment is usually focused on reducing the ‘deviant” sexual arousal and/or acquiring heterosocial skills and eventually establishing the ability to engage in adult heterosexual relationships. A six-week highly structured program is presented to five men in anon-residential setting. In addition to individual psychotherapy, group counseling is offered. Male pedophiles, arc trained to talk effectively about common problems surrounding man-boy relationships. Counseling is based on the notion that the emotional, erotic and sexual attraction to boys per se docs not need to be legitimized or modified. The attraction, however, can be a source of psychological and social problems that can be handled by using a social support system. Social support for pedophile problems can be obtained from and in interaction with other pedophiles. Treatment programs for pedophiles are almost entirely designed for particular populations: convicted men in penal or psychiatric institutions. Pedophiles and other sex offenders are treated within the same programs, and pedophiles are almost always treated as a homogeneous population. A man who forced a three-year-old girl to have sexual intercourse with [him] and another having a loving relationship with a boy of 14 receive the same treatment. The common problem with treatment programs in institutions is that it is difficult to assess whether motivation to participate is internal, a real desire to change one's behavior, or external, a desire to leave the institution as quick as possible, Theory and treatment Whether medically, psychoanalytically, or behaviorally orientated, all programs share the presumption that a sexual attraction to children is undesirable and requires modification. I n the medical review, pedophile behavior is the result of an excessively high sexual drive. Medical therapies for sex offenders, including castration and administration of hormones and drugs, have raised various ethical questions., Irreversible interventions, such as castration, seem to be effective from a criminological point of view; Stürüp reports a recidivism rate of 2.2% on a total of 3,186 sex offenders (Stürüp, 1968). In an overview of treatment programs, Crawford (1981)concludes that two other approaches, psychoanalysis and individual (insight-orientated) psychotherapy, not used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy, are of little value in the treatment of pedophiles. The majority of the reported studies have roots in behavior therapy. The early behavioral approaches were aimed at reducing the deviant sexual arousal by aversion therapy (Quinsey et al., 1976). The attraction to children is viewed as purely sexual (Howells, 1979). In its simplest form, the child is the stimulus that elicits sexual excitement in the adult (Quinsey ct al., 1975). All other motivations and meanings of pedophile attraction arc ignored. In later studies it is recognized that, in addition to reducing pedophile arousal, attention should be given to establishing new sexual ant! social relationships. Treatment is aimed at conversion and at enlarging the pedophile's heterosocial and heterosexual skills (Crawford and Allen, 1979; Hayes et al., 1983; Travin et al., 1985; Segal and Marshall, 1985). There is little empirical evidence, however, indicating exactly what skills are deficient (Harlow, 1974). Treatment is always aimed at reducing pedosexual arousal and establishing adult, heterosexual arousal patterns (conversion). It is considered crucial for therapeutic success to teach sufficient social skills to implement new arousal (Herman and Prewett, 1974). Social skills training does not include enlarging the client's autonomy but assures that the pedophile attraction remains reduced. The meaning of the pedophile attraction for the individual is not taken into account and no difference is made between abuse and other interactions. Little or no attention is given to the question of whether or not the meaning and function of pedophile attraction can be replaced by a different meaning and function associated with heterosexual attraction. In an overview of the literature concerning homosexual conversion therapies, James (1978) concluded that the majority of studies were unsuccessful in changing sexual orientation. It is likely that the same holds for pedophile conversion therapy. r. (http://www.ipce.info/library_3/files/v_zes.htm) Behavior modification techniques Aversion therapy is an old, simple technique which attempts to make unpleasant a previously attractive sexual stimulus or behavior by using a noxious stimulus. The patient is presented with a deviant stimulus along with an unpleasant (aversive) stimulus to produce anxiety. Nausea-inducing drugs, electric shock, and pungent smelling chemicals have been used as the aversive stimuli. The method is controversial; arguments concern its theoretical basis and ethical issues. The method was originally used in 1935 to attempt to eliminate homosexuality, but was not used regularly until the 1960s. The few studies of its effectiveness have involved a very small number of subjects, and have indicated small effects. Success rates with transvestites, homosexuals, and other “sexually disordered people” have been reported to be between 30% and 57%. One study on pedophiles reported that one of the four subjects showed “lasting improvement,” another reported that 8 of 12 were “successfully treated,” another found that 4 of 7 deviants improved (including both pedophiles), and still another said that in all ten child molesters treated, there was a small, mostly insignificant increase in their preference for adults. Like castration and drug treatment, aversion therapy does not consider the factors that motivate adults to interact sexually with children. In addition, it is unlikely to help pedophiles develop adult sexual relationships. Minimal side effects are reported, and it seems not to interfere with normal sexual functioning. However, long-term effects are unknown. Orgasmic reconditioning is a method in which the patient is aroused by his deviant fantasy, then switches to a normal fantasy immediately before orgasm. Presumably, this causes him to associate the pleasure of orgasm with the acceptable fantasy. A variation used with pedophiles involves them gradually increasing the age of the child in their sexual fantasies. Some case studies have indicated success. Exposure to explicit normal heterosexual films may in itself cause the deviant person to experience arousal. The resulting pleasant feelings may then reinforce normal fantasies. One study found that this method did increase normal heterosexual arousal in three homosexuals and one pedophile.http://www.mhamic.org/sources/crawford.htm Citation: Crawford, D., “Treatment approaches with pedophiles,” in Cook, M. & Howells, K. (eds.), Adult sexual interest in children, London: Academic Press, 1981, pp. 181-217. 3. What are the progress instructions for sensate focus I, II, and III and for Kegal exercises? What is the purpose of the exercises? A kegel is the name of a pelvic floor exercise, named after Dr. Kegel who discovered the exercise. These muscles are attached to the pelvic bone and act like a hammock, holding in your pelvic organs. To try and isolate these muscles trying stopping and starting the flow of urine. (http://www.kegel-exercises.com) Kegeling provides many benefits: Conditioned muscles will make birth easier, and your perineum will more likely be intact (fewer tears and episiotomies) Sexual enjoyment is enhanced for both partners It can prevent prolapses of pelvic organs It can help prevent leaking urine when you sneeze or coug (hhttp://www.childbirth.org/articles/kegel.html) Kegel exercises were originally developed as a method of controlling incontinence in women following childbirth. These Kegel exercises are now recommended for women with urinary stress incontinence. The success of Kegel exercises depends on proper technique and adherence to a regular resistance Kegel exercises program. Some people have difficulty identifying and isolating the muscles of the pelvic floor. The principle behind Kegel exercises is to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, (PC Muscle) thereby improving the urethra and/or rectal sphincter function. Care must be taken to learn to contract the correct muscles. Typically, most people contract the abdominal or thigh muscles, while not even working the pelvic floor muscles. Several techniques exist to help the incontinent person identify the correct muscles. Sex Therapy: Sensate Focus Technique The sensate focus technique may help couples that are having sexual difficulties because of psychologic rather than physical factors. The technique aims to make both partners aware of what each finds pleasurable and to reduce anxiety about performance. It is often used in the treatment of decreased libido, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and erectile dysfunction (impotence). The technique has three steps. Both partners must become comfortable at each level of intimacy before proceeding to the next step. The first step focuses on the sensation of touching, rather than the likelihood of sexual arousal or intercourse. Each partner takes turns touching any part of the other's body, except the genitals and breasts. The second step allows partners to touch any part of the other's body, including the genitals and breasts. However, the focus remains the same—on the sensation of touching, not on sexual response. Intercourse is not allowed. The third step involves mutual touching, eventually leading to sexual intercourse as the couple becomes more comfortable with touching and being touched. The focus is on enjoyment rather than on orgasm. (http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch250/ch250f.html) 4. Kaplan's theory Kaplan's Three-Stage Model Helen Singer Kaplan described three stages of sexual response: desire, excitement, and orgasm. The most notable aspect of her model is that she includes sexual desire as a crucial stage. Most other writers do not discuss changes that are separate from genital changes. A note about desire Not all sexual activity is prefaced by sexual desire. For example, a couple may be trying to have a baby, so even though they may not have sexual desire on one day, they may still engage in sexual activity. Many times people will respond to their partner's sexual approaches even if desire was not present to begin with. It sometimes seems that women experience sexual desire less than men. In many cases, men initiate sex so often that women do not notice their rising sexual desire since the man has expressed his. http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/?article=activity&refid=034 References (http://www.sexualhealth.com/article/read/sexuality-education/human-sexual-response-cycles/243/) (http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/print.php?article=activity&refid=034) (Masters, W.H. & Johnson, V.E. Human Sexual Response New York: Bantam Books, 1980.) www.csupomona.edu/~gdbrum/ bio301/sexualresponsecycle.html - 28k ) ( http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm) (Webmaster: webmaster@co.whatcom.wa.us) (http://www.ipce.info/library_3/files/v_zes.htm) .http://www.mhamic.org/sources/crawford.htm Citation: Crawford, D., “Treatment approaches with pedophiles,” in Cook, M. & Howells, K. (eds.), Adult sexual interest in children, London: Academic Press, 1981, pp. 181-217. (http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch250/ch250f.html) http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/?article=activity&refid=034 Barlow, D.H., (1974) The treatment of sexual deviation: Towards a comprehensive behavioral approach. In K.S. Calhoun, H.E. Adams & K.M. Mitchell (Eds), Innovative Treatment Methods in Psychopathologt (121-148). New York: Wiley Crawford, D.A. & J.V. Allen (1979) A social skill training programme with sex offenders. In M.Cook & G. Wilson (Eds), Love and attraction (527-536). Oxford: Pergamon Press Crawford, D.A. (1981) Treatment approaches with pedophiles. In M. Cook & K. Howells (Eds), Adult Sexual Interest in Children (181-217). London: Academic Press. Hayes, S.C., K.G. Brownell & D.H. Barlow (1983) Heterosocial skills training and covert sesitization in sexual deviant. Behavior Research and Therapy, 21, 383-392. Herman, S.H. & M. Prewett (1974) An experimental analysis of feedback to increase sexual arouse in a case of homo- and heterosexual impotence: A preliminary report. Journal of Behavioral Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 5, 271-274 Howells, K. (1979) Some meanings of children for pedophiles. In M. Cook & G. Wilson (Eds), Love and attraction (519-526). Oxford: Pergamon Press. James, E.C. (1978) Treatment of Homosexuality: A reanalysis and Synthesis of Outcome Studies. Bringham Young University. Masters, W.H. & V.E. Johnson (1979) Homosexuality in Perspective. Boston: Little Brown and Company. Naerssen, A.X. van (1986) Pedofilie en hulpverlening. In M. Moors-Mommers (Ed), Handboek Seksuele Hulpverlening. Deventer: Van Loghum Slaterus. Quinsey, V.L., C.M. Steinman, S.G. Bergerson & T.F. Holmes (1975) Penile circumference, skin conductance and ranking responses of child molesters and "normals" to sexual and non-sexual visual stimuli. Behavior Therapy, 6, 213-219 Quinsey, V.L., S.G. bergerson & C.M. Steinman (1976) Changes in physiological and verbal responses of child molesters during aversion therapy. Canadian Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 8, 202-212 Segal, Z.V. & W.L. Marshall (1985) Heterosexual social skills in a population of rapists and child molesters. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53, 55-63 Sengers, W. (1969) Homosexualiteit als klacht. Bussum: Paul Brand Stürüp, G.K. (1968) Treatment of Sexual Offenders in Herstedvester, Danmark. Copenhagen: Munksgaard Travin, S., H. Bluestone, E. Coleman & J. Melella (1985) Pedophilia: An update on theory and practice. Psychiatric Quarterly, 57, 89-103. Read More