Chapter 2 - Theoretical Approaches

Question 1

Scientific theory

Answer 1

Intellectual framework based on the summary of multiple observations and repeated evidence studies that can help explain a phenomenon

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

Prediction about the expected outcomes of a research study

Question 3

3 main categories surrounding theories of sexuality

Answer 3

Psychological theories, biological theories, social constructionist theories

Question 4

Psychodynamic theory (Psychological theories)

Answer 4

Developed by Sigmund Freud; viewed sex as a key motivational force in human behaviour; described personality as being divided into Id, Ego, Superego

Question 5

5 stages of psychosexual development

Answer 5

1. Oral stage
2. Anal stage
3. Phallic stage
4. Latency stage
5. Genital stage

Question 6

Problems with psychodynamic theory

Answer 6

Hard to evaluate scientifically; developed from mentally unhealthy individuals; very male-centred; huge importance on sex

Question 7

Contributions from psychodynamic theory

Answer 7

Looked at childhood experiences on personality; developed a therapy to address psychological problems

Question 8

Learning theory (psychological theories)

Answer 8

1. Classical conditioning (Ivan Pavlov); sexual arousal can be conditioned; could explain how fetishes develop
   US = sexual activity
   UR = sexual arousal
   CS = perfume/cologne (for example)
   CR = sexual arousal
2. Operant conditioning (B.F. Skinner); behaviour that is reinforced is more likely to occur in the future; punished behaviours should decrease in sexuality; sex is considered a primary reinforcer for other behaviours; sex can also be reinforced or punished

Question 9

Social learning theory (learning theory)

Answer 9

Rotter & Bandura; based on the principals of operant conditioning but people can also learn by observing others (observational learning); involves imitation (may explain gender role development); SLIDE 11

Question 10

Social exchange theory (learning theory)

Answer 10

Describes how people try to maximize rewards and minimize costs; has nothing to do with motivation; 4 components
1. Balance of costs/rewards
2. Equity/equality
3. Comparison level
4. Comparison level for alternatives

Question 11

Cognitive theories (learning theory)

Answer 11

Attempts to understand human behaviour by focusing on thought process; thoughts are subject to misconceptions, distortions, false assumptions, and errors in evaluating situations or information (can result in frustration, distress, psychological disorders, as well as inappropriate/harmful behaviours)

Question 12

Three main biological theories of sexuality

Answer 12

1. Genetic theory 2. Sociobiological theory 3. Dual control method

Question 13

Genetic theory (biological theory)

Answer 13

Genetics can influence sexuality in many ways (hormones, reproductive cycles, sexual orientation, gender identity, conception/pregnancy, genetic disorders)

Question 14

Sociobiological theory (biological theory)

Answer 14

Applies evolutionary biology to explain social behaviours; similar to evolutionary psych; sexual selection is a part of natural selection; intrasexual competition (two males fight over a female); intersexual selection (female picks best male)

Question 15

Dual control model (biological theory)

Answer 15

Human sexual responses involve the interaction of two opposing neurobiological impulses, excitement and inhibition; these processes have been adapted in humans in response to evolutionary adaptive pressures; might be useful in explaining the variability of sexual expression across cultures and individuals

Question 16

6 main theories of social constructionist theory

Answer 16

Sociological, social script, ecological model, feminist, queer, motivation

Question 17

Sociological theory (social constructionist)

Answer 17

Highlights the importance of social institutions such as religion and family; sex is linked to societal structures of power, kinship, and ideology; these institutions and societal structures determine how sexuality is defined, expressed, and regulated within a certain culture or community

Question 18

Social script theory (social constructionist)

Answer 18

Scripts imply that behaviour is a result of prior learning; social interactions tend to follow or are heavily influenced by predefined, culturally recognizable sequences of behaviours (ex. The traditional sexual script TSS)

Question 19

Ecological model (social constructionist theory)

Answer 19

framework used to understand how personal, relationship, and environmental factors interact and influence an individual and each other
– Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) dynamic model with four
levels of influence referred to as a “systems

Question 20

Feminist theory (social constructionist theory)

Answer 20

No uniform theory; most examine inequalities of men’s/womens relationships and their effects on women’s sexuality; “typical” sexual behaviour is an agenda reflecting male privilege (focus on vaginal intercourse and male pleasure)

Question 21

Queer theory (social constructionist theory)

Answer 21

Emerged in 90s from feminist theory; challenges all notions of gender, sexual orientation, and sexual behaviour as social constructs; assists in clarifying notons of non-conformity and diversity

Question 22

Motivation theory (social constructionist theory)

Answer 22

Emerged in early 2000s from the question “why do humans have sex?”; different motivations; Self Determination Theory (SDT) is used to investigate intrinsic and extrinsic sexual motivation (autonomy, consequence, and relatedness; quality of sexual motivation is associated with sexual and relational outcomes)

Question 23

How do theories inform clinical work with sexual problems?

Answer 23

No one best theory suited to treating sexual issues; all have something to offer; most clinicians draw on a number of theories