7- Sexual Communication and Maintaining Relationships

Question 1

Define: Long term relationships

Answer 1

• More value on interpersonal skills, emotional stability, family orientation and less physical attraction

Sexual frequency and variety

• Declines over time
• Age-related factors
• Loss of opportunities (eg. kids)

Question 2

Example: Sex differences

Answer 2

Women’s sexual desire is more flexible and adaptable
- Influenced by: feelings, type of relationship, potential for intimacy and status/intelligence of man

Men are more consistent; influenced by

• Physical attraction
• Sexual pleasure and erotic qualities

Question 3

Example: Lesbian relationships

Answer 3

• Highest level of relational satisfaction and monogamy
• Physical attractiveness less important
• Lesbians have less sex
• More sexual variability = women are traditionally gate keepers but two women?

Question 4

Example: Gay men

Answer 4

• More monogamous now than in 80s
• More sex and sexual partners than heterosexuals and lesbians
• Initially expect monogamy but changes dues to sociocultural norms
• Younger men more monogamous

Question 5

Define: Orientations towards sex

x 4

Answer 5

Procreational = making babies

Recreation = for fun

Relational = sex is an expression of intimacy

Serial monogamy = predominant pattern in US; reflects relational orientation

Question 6

Example: Scheflen’s model of courtship

Answer 6

1. Attention
   - Gazes, smiles, fixing hair
2. Courtship readiness stage
   - Is the other person available and interested?
3. Positioning stage
   - Getting ready eg. closing distance, holding hands
4. Invitations and Sexual Arousal stage
   - Grooming, sexually provocative actions
5. Resolution stage
   - Becoming a type of couple