Sexual relationships - Essay Example

Introduction Millions of people in the globe face the problem of failed sexuality due lack of a way to measure or gauge the cause of such eventualities. A research conducted shows that, sexual desires are not cured only medical treatment and prescriptions rather; the mind plays the biggest role in determining the level of sexuality. The success of sexual relationships depends on many factors. In many instances, two romantically involved people part ways due to a small misunderstanding in thought or in deed. Ones actions can be annoying to the other party thus leading to the breaking of their relationship. In addition to actions, body looks and weigh is another very important factor which causes problems in sexual relationships. To Bouches, C (2007), one can change sexuality feelings by changing the body and feelings about the body. For example, eating nutritious foods so as to add some weight, freeing the body to allow for free circulation of blood in the pelvic area, accepting the body the way it is and believing in your sexuality. Culturally, if one is big, then he/she should not think of sexuality or ever talk of his/her body size as being attractive. As Bouches, C (2007) puts it, overweight and sexuality are like water and oil; they can't mix. According to Bouches, people have started to value the definition of sexuality as it is put across in the various societies. In societies, there are some biases to personal believes about sexuality one of them being one's body shape. Background of the problem According to Regan, P (2006), the weight of a person is at times perceived as a very important issue of his/her sexuality and is thought to be a significant determinant of his/ her personal sexual experiences (p. 1803). According to her, researchers in this field of body weight and sexuality relationship have extensively focused on illnesses due to eating disorders. However, very little is known about people staunch believes about the general issue of weight and sexuality. In her research work, Regan, P (2006), found that, many people belief that, if a man is obese, then his sexual experiences are almost similar to those of a normal man (a man who is not obese). Further, of those who took part in the research study perceived obese women as being less sexually attractive, with little sexual skills, little warmth and not responsive. In addition, many argued that an obese woman is less likely to have the desire as well as number sexual behaviours as a normal woman. One's body image can have a contribution towards his/her sexuality. According to Regan, even in 1960's people tried their level best to understand sexuality but all considerations narrowed down to body matters i.e. what the person feels about his/her body size, weight and shape. Researchers and therapists committed their energies in explaining that the route to sexuality success is positive feeling about the body. Statement of the problem Sexuality and body image are two terms which go hand in hand. One's body image focuses on our perceptions about our body shapes and weight. An important aspect in sexuality is that, the body image of a person is largely due to effects of beauty ideals which are specific in time as well as place (Regan, P 2006). In ancient times, a huge body size was said to the ideal one but nowadays skinny body type is held in high esteem. One other important thing human being should come to terms with is that no one is born with a bad body shape but that it is us who learn to appreciate body shapes and sizes. According to Regan, P (2006), when one is growing up, his/her feelings about his body shape determines his/her level of sexual ability in future. To her, if you feel bad about your body shape, then you will have very little to celebrate on in terms of sexual desires. Importance of the problem The cohesiveness of a relationship relies entirely on the perceptions of the parties. This cohesiveness can be upheld if the right actions and feelings are similar for both parties. It is of much importance if actions which strengthen people's relationships could be given priority. It is on this basis that this research problem is important to those in relationship and those that are in the process. Understanding ones body shape is very important if the relationship is to succeed. According to Regan, P (2006), body shape (image) and sexuality have a significant impact on each other which is not expected. Regan uses a study conducted that examined if the connection which exists between body shape and sexuality to conclude that, people who take themselves as superiors than the others in terms of body shapes are most likely to enjoy during sexual encounters. The underlying importance of the problem is that, one's understanding of his/her body is key to a successful sexual life. Purpose of the study The main purpose of this study is to determine the effects of body shape in one's sex life. The modern society has been leaning on skinny body shapes as being the best. This has also been manifested in the beauty contests which are held across the globe where the main attraction is the body shape and size. The thin bodied contestants are most likely to win the contests confirming the direction of our perceptions. Nowadays, many people as Regan, P (2006) puts it admit to putting much considerations on the body shape and size when choosing a partner to spend life with. This has been occasioned also by medical reports that, huge bodies are more likely to suffer certain diseases for example high blood pressure which at times results from extensive sexual activity. Research Questions In order to fulfill the purpose of the study, the following questions will be the leading light in the research study, Is there a significant statistical difference in sex life when one is skinny or obese' Is sexuality more to do with the body size, shape and weight' In this case, the null and alternative hypothesis will be as follows; H0 : There is a no statistical difference in sex life between skinny and obese bodies H1 : There is no statistical difference in sex life between skinny and obese bodies Implications of the Questions for Practice or Research There are several implications of the researcher questions. First, it is important for one to stay healthy for the body to have an effective immune system that can repulse diseases and infections. Further, the size and weight of a person says a lot about his/her social class and thus when it is advocated that a slim body is better for sexuality, the aspect of social class is left out. Further, it is well known that, males and females with a positive body size and weight are more likely to indulge in irresponsible sexual behaviours. In addition, this research questions reveal two crucial aspects about the significant relationship between sexuality and body shape and image. In the first place, one's body size and image may have a different impact to different people. This is so because, conservative people may take body size and shape as a strong will for one to take part in unwanted activities which to many is a factor which can lead to relationship up hills. Again, a person with a positive body size is always seen by many as unfaithful since every one sees their beauty and would like to involve with him/her thus the element of trust is minimal. Secondly, having a positive body size and shape is not a guarantee that sexuality effects will be positive. As Bouches, C (2007) puts it, many people have mistakenly taken positive body size as positive sexuality. Many do admit that they were duped by body looks and made a choice only to regret later. Due to this, the research questions formulated above have a dim picture of the real scenario and have implications to both practice and research. Limitations of the Study The most expected limitation of the study will be the set duration of time since participants will be selected to take part in two scenarios; when one has a low weight meaning a slim shape and when has gained weight. Weight gain may be caused by sexual contentment which is being tested. Thus, this will not be representative to the objective of the study. Again, the participants in the research study may be involved in many other relationships out of the present one and this may be problematic in that, the person before and after gaining weight may fail to have sexual desires for the person who has undergone all the research procedures in order to impress. Definitions In this research study, the definitions will include the main variables. In this case, the level of sexual desire will be the dependent variable while weight gain, shape improvement, and body size will be the independent variables. The dependent variable (sexual desire) will be denoted by 'K' while the independent variables will be denoted by 'H'. Other factors which will aid in the realization of the research objective include stress, social class (rich, middle class or low class), professionalism and previous sexual experiences since this may have a negative effect in present day desires. Assumptions For any research to attain the required scientific standards, the sample size selected should be representative of the whole population according to the tenets of inferential research. The sample should include all relevant groups, social classes and all other considerations is sample survey. Due to this, the first assumption will be about the sample size. It will be assumed that, the sample is representative of the whole population. Further, it will be assumed that relevant data will be collected which will make it easier to understand the research findings will result from the set procedures. In addition, it will be assumed that, all participants in the research will have only one partner if the findings are to be trusted. Design of the Study This is a study that will take one year. The study will aim at determining the impact of body size, weight and shape to sexuality. The first six months will concentrate on sexual desires generally while in the last six months, the participants will undergo various procedures to change their appearance. Dieting will be introduced and then qualitative data collected from their partners gauging the level of sexual desires. The percentage change in desire will be used as a measure of effectiveness. Subjects In this research study, a sample of 200 participants will be selected. The selection will be done use stratified sampling since the entire population is not homogenous which can permit a random sample. The population will be sub-divided into stratus each consisting of members with the same traits. Then a random sample will be selected from each strata; may be 10 per strata. Males and females will be equal in number so that the aspect of biasness can be reduced. Mostly, participants will be 20-40 years since this is the age bracket when human beings are sexually active. Experimental Period The research study will take a period of one year. The first six months will be used as control period. This is necessary since it will allow for a grace period incase a partnership had just started to mature such that, the two are used to each other and can freely give information about one another. Then, the other six months will be to gauge desires based on some adjustments in ones body (shape, size and weight). During the entire period, observations and recording of data will be mainly biased towards sexuality with the other variables controlled. Method of Data Collection To collect data in this research study, a questionnaire, interview, and measurements will be used. The questionnaire will be used to get demographic and some attributes data about the participant. The same information will be confirmed through an interview since this will lead to more tangible information than in the questionnaire. Measurements will be taken about one's weight and body size in order to compare this with the control variables. Most of the data in this research study will be qualitative data; attributes like the level of sexual desires. Method of Analysis (T-test of mean difference) T-test method will be used to analyze this data. The significance level of the test will be 95% (' = .05). Independent samples t-test will be used where test variable will be the levels of sexual desire while the control and experimental levels will be the grouping variable. The level of sexual desire during the control period (First six months) will be denoted by '1' while the level after six months will be denoted by '2' for all the participants. In addition to the t-test, some graphical representation (Bar chart) will be used as this provide a birds eye view and easy to understand even to non-statisticians. This will provide a better understanding of the research questions. Instrumentation Participant's body weight will be measured using the standard balance scale while the body size will be measure using a tape. One other method which will be to measure the level of sexual desire will use the brain waves. The waves will be measured with his/her partner in front electrodes placed in the participants head. Another method that may be used to measure the same is the observations of emotions. This is an effective method in that, the eyes are the windows of the brain and what is in mind cannot be hidden by the look of the eyes. The only problem with this method is that, it is difficult to quantify the desire. Procedures In this research study, the following procedure will be followed; The demographic information about the participants will be recorded, The participant's weight and size will be measured and recorded in a fact sheet, His/her desires will also be gauged and recorded, The participants will be taken through a series of activities all aimed at reducing size and weight or increasing weight, Again, the above two measurements will be compared, All the above information will be confirmed further using an interview, Data will then be coded with control testing taking the value '1' and the experiment testing taking the value '2', Assuming that the mean sexual desire before testing is '0 and that after activities testing is '1, then t-test will be carried out to test the difference between '1 and '0 i.e. '1- '0, The findings will be put down in writing (a report) for ease of understanding. In general, t-test will be used to compare mean difference as it is effective and produces tangible results which are valid and reliable. Any relationship, depends entirely on sexual desire thus, if the desire is down, the probability that the relationship will succeed is almost zero. Reference Bouches, C (2007). Better Sex: What's Weight Got to Do with It' Being overweight does affect your libido. But small changes can jump-start your sex drive. [Online] Available from: http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sex-and-weight [Accessed 11 August 2008] Regan, P (2006). Sexual Outcasts: The Perceived Impact of Body Weight and Gender on Sexuality. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 26 (20), pp. 1803-1815 Read More